Carolina España, Malaga’s Councillor for Economy and Tourism, said not only had the amount of visitors increased, but also the amount of overnight stays in Malaga hotels and the average time that visitors spend in the city.

The Malaga coastline - Picture Credit: tony.evans

However, it is still British nationals that take the lions share in visitor numbers to Malaga followed by the Germans, Italians and the French.

It has been revealed that 91,641 people visited the city of Malaga during the month of September, according to the National Institute of Statistics and was second only to Cordoba as the Spanish cities that had the biggest rise in visitor numbers compared to 2010.

To round off, the total number of visitors to Malaga in the first nine months of this year rose by 6 per cent to 702,000.

This is great news for Malaga who have worked hard to attract visitors to the city during these difficult economic times and with many more initiatives planned for 2012, hopefully that number will continue to increase.

The central Alameda in Malaga - Picture Credit: Cyberfrancis

Malaga Council official Teresa Porras commented that the new Malaga lights this year would set a new precedence and would be the benchmark for other cities for years to come.

Calle Larios looking into Plaza de la Constitucion - Picture Credit: fernand0

If you have never seen the Malaga christmas lights and are in the area throughout December, try to go and see them as they are quite something to behold and the atmosphere is fantastic in the evenings.

Wander the streets of the Alameda where all the flower stalls are selling traditional christmas displays, view the navtivity display just before Calle Larios and then take a seat at a pavement cafe in Larios with a Chocolate and a churro and watch the world pass by. There is no better way to get into the spirit of the season than with a trip into Malaga to see the lights.

Picture Credit: BY-YOUR-⌘

Malaga trains utilise three main city centre stations, Malaga Maria Zambrano, Malaga-Victoria Kent and Malaga-Centro Alameda. Trains running to Malaga from all over Spain including Renfe’s AVE high-speed line terminate at Malaga Maria Zambrano.

The local Cercanias (commuter) train stops at Maria Zambrano for connections to national train services but also carries on further into Malaga city centre, terminating at Malaga-Centro Alameda underground station.

If you live or are staying anywhere on the Costa del Sol coast between Malaga city and the town of Fuengirola, you can take advantage of the Cercanias service which provides a cheap and handy way to get about and see the different areas.

The Cercanias line has 18 stops including a new underground terminal at Malaga airport and trains run every 20 minutes in each direction. Fares are cheap and the trains are modern, clean and spacious and are a good alternative to taxis and buses.

Picture Credit: Gerry Balding

Once on the train, there are electronic displays telling you exactly where you are and the announcements informing you of the next approaching station is are in both Spanish and English.

If you are heading into the centre of Malaga, then stay on the train all the way into Malaga-Centro Alameda, this underground stop gets you right into the main heart of the city. Malaga-Maria Zambrano also has a large commercial area with cafes, restaurants and a wealth of shops to browse.

The only downside to the Cercanias line is that the last train at night leaves Malaga at 10.30pm and given that Malaga is an excellent city for night-life the early finish time for the train can be a problem and is a bit ridiculous.

To summarise, the local Malaga trains are an excellent way to get around, if you are landing at Malaga Airport and are staying in a resort along the train line, the underground station in the airport is a great and cheaper alternative than a lot of other airport transfer options.

Restaurante El Tintero - El Palo, Malaga

El Tintero seats possibly 1500 people at any one time and is really bustling and noisy, so if you have a headache or had a few too many the night before and feel a bit hungover, best leave it until you feel a bit better!

What you will find is some of the best cooked seafood anywhere, some 30 waiters constantly walking around with plates of all types of fish including boquerones frita (fried white bait), calamares, prawns pil pil, paella, fully cooked lobsters, sardines and much much more. Breads and ensalada mixtas are also available to compliment.

Waiters constantly carrying plates of fresh fish

This Malaga restaurant buzzes and the real plus point aside from the great food, is that there is no messing about, a waiter will not come and take your food order and then a long wait ensues, as I mentioned before they are constantly walking about, shouting at the top of their voices what they have on the plates!

The food just keeps coming!

The restaurant seats somwhere in the region of 700

Very popular with the Spanish, when we arrived at 2pm on Sunday, admittedly not the best time to find a table in Malaga, the place was nearly full, so there might be a short wait for a table, but people are coming and going all the time so you shouldn’t have to wait long.

Our table was made up of 8 people, to be honest this is not really the place for a quite meal for two, much better in a group, midweek may be quieter and more appealing to couples, but the hubbub might be lacking.

Beware the Lobster

Noisy and bustling - a great atmosphere

Every plate you have is kept on the table and at the end of the meal the plates are counted up and the bill is scribbled down on the paper table cloth! All plates are priced at 7,50€ except for said lobster which came in at 21€, ouch! Another good reason to go in a large group as the bill was divided up between us coming in at 19€ per person including all the drinks, all in all for the amount of food and drink consumed it worked out good value.

Authentic Spanish dining

So, El Tintero in Malaga is definitely worth a visit, if you want an authentic Spanish dining experience with loads of buzzing noise, bustle and some of the best fresh Mediterranean seafood it is well worth a looksee.

El Palo beach front houses

El Palo is located on the eastern side of Malaga city centre right on the seafront, buses from the centre will transport you out there, we drove and it was a bit of a nightmare finding somewhere to park.

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Image showing Malaga Cathedral with its missing south tower - Picture Credit: Brunau o

Now, Bishop Jesus Catala has announced his intention to see it finished in all its glory with the construction of the second tower being completed.

The Mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre has also expressed his desire to see the second tower built along with other authorities involved in the decision making.

Malaga Cathedral stands inside the limits that the missing Arab wall marked out along with the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro making three very popular sightseeing destinations all within close proximity of each other.

The north tower of Malaga Cathedral stands 84m tall and is the second highest cathedral tower in Andalucia, only the Giralda de Sevilla stands higher.

Image showing the interior of Malaga Cathedral - Picture credit: P Charpiat

The facade of Malaga Cathedral is in the Baroque style over two levels, from the street outside you can see on the lower level three archways each with a door separted by marble columns.

Over the doors are medallions representing the patron saints of Malaga, St Ciriaco and St Paula, in the centre, the medallion represents the announcement of god.

The inside of Malaga Cathedral is filled with various artworks including the ornate gothic altarpiece of the Chapel of Santa Barbara and the 16th century tombs of the Chapel of San Francisco.

Malaga Cathedral is definately worth a visit for any tourist and is located right in the heart of the city centre, tourist signposts will direct you to Malaga Cathedral from all over the city centre.

If you have decided to travel to Malaga, Spain, prepare to be busy. There is so much to do in and around this Costa del Sol town that you will never lack for something to do. The weather in this area is typically Mediterranean; hot summers and mild winters. The most popular time for vacationers is summer, but a visit to this area is lovely any time of year.

If you do want to travel during the busy summer months, make sure you book your flight, your hotel, your car rental well in advance. If you wait too long, the availability will be less and you may have to pay more for what you want. Car rentals are available both at the airport or in the city. If you decide you don’t need a car, (or if you wait too long and find you can’t rent one because it is summer) you can hire a car just to take you to and from the airport.

You will have a number of attractions to visit in Malaga. One of the most interesting is the Citadel or Alcazabo. This is the largest fortress in Andalucia, built during the eighth through the eleventh centuries. It is next to the Castle of Gibralfaro, another interesting site. At the Citadel, there are two museums, one of them a very fascinating archaeological museum. Anyone who enjoys history should make this stop.

Malaga, like most old Spanish cities, has a castle. Its Castle of Gibralfaro was constructed in the fourteenth century. You can take a tour of the castle and be further steeped in history. Make sure you take in the lovely view of the city and the port from the ramparts of the castle. Since they are right next to each other, a day or afternoon spent at the Citadel and the Castle is a worthwhile one.

The next stop should be the Cathedral of Malaga. Construction of this landmark was started in 1528, but stopped and started again over the next two centuries. It came to a final stop in 1783 when there were no more funds to continue, and one of the towers is still not finished, to this day. One of the most interesting things about this cathedral is that since the construction spanned so many eras, many different styles of architecture are seen in this one building.

After you and your children have soaked up all this history and culture, it may be time to reward them with a visit to the Tivoli Amusement Park. This is a very popular tourist attraction, with rides for children of all ages as well as daily shows, and botanical gardens to tour.

About the Author:
Clinton Maxwell regularly edits detailed articles on things associated to Spain and Costa del Sol. His contributions on Malaga are published on his site .

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Malaga, Spain Is A Beautiful Place To Visit

Picture Credit: StaneStane

Malaga’s Location

Malaga is situated perfectly as the gateway that leads to the Costa del Sol (the Sunshine Coast). Its location provides for the best spots for day trips, as a visit to the beautiful cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada can easily be made from here. Malaga truly gives you the benefit of a very sophisticated culture and an agreable modern world, all while just sitting back and relaxing at the fine beaches out there. So it isn’t really important whether you fall into the category of party people, or prefer reading a book or even opt for sporting adventures. At Malaga, you will feel completely welcome!

People

The people of Malaga (the malagueños) are ever-smiling, warm and very friendly. The malagueños, are also good at partying hard. They rarely consider themselves as sad, and there’s no reason why you should treat them so. Malagueños totally love the food they eat, and it’s very unusual not to find them gathered at pubs, restaurants and cafes, where they truly revel in their enjoyment… at their best cracking hilarious jokes and telling of their antics.

The Climate

Sun in Malaga shines for about 320 days annually, so just taking it easy and being at your most relaxed on the seafront out there is what you would ideally feel like doing! The good weather of Malaga is principally due to its geographic situation: while is mountains protect the city from extreme cold, the Mediterranean Sea provides a cooling breeze during the hot summer months. The average temperature of Malaga is around 22 degreess celsius, so it also really doesn’t matter which time of the year you visit Malaga – it’s always a delight!

Gastronomy

Malaga is rich in its food culture. With a variety of food such as sea food, dessert wine, gazpacho, etc. at its disposal, you can actually call Malaga a haven for food lovers. There are many cafes, bars, and eateries, which you can visit to sample the quality of their fare. Be sure that you try out the pescaito frito (a malagueño dish of fried sardines). Another must visit would be to a bodega (a wine cellar), where wine is poured directly from the barrel, rather than from the bottle.

Exhibitions

Malaga is well known as the “City of museums” as it has more than 20 of some note, many of which are located in the same area. The modern art and religious art housed in these museums is a veritable treat for your eyes. Malaga was also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and so a lot of his works are on display in the city. The most notable museum for Picasso is the Picasso Museum.

Malaga has a rich and varied culture. In its history of 3000 years it has been home to various cultures, and the blend of these has made a unique and a distinct character upon Malaga. Added to this, some cultural event or another is always taking place in the city. With a variety of festivals and exhibitions, theatrical events and concerts as well as music and dance, Malaga has created an identity of its own. Witnessing the festive seasons such as Semana Santa, the Feria de Agosto or the Fiesta Mayor are an absolute must! Javier Melendez produces content for many Spanish related websites such as the Spanish-Talk site. His recent work is entitled “March Real – the Spanish National Anthem”.

Picture credit: Olaf Tausch

Dining Out

Low budget: El Tintero (El Palo, next to Club Nautico), big, busy fish restaurant where you can grab anything you like as all fish costs the same price; La Cancela (d/Denis Belgrano 3), Malaga institution with a cheap and cheerful daily menu and outdoor tables; La Borrata (c/Alcazabilla) offers a three-course meal for 5 Euros; Orellana (c/Moreno Monroy 5), one of the best tapas bars in town.

Mid-budget: Al-Yamal (c/Blasco de Garay 3), delicious north African cuisine; Clanedestino (c/Nino de Guevara 3), a relaxed atmosphere and superb Mediterranean cuisine.

Luxury budget: Antonio Martin (Paseo Maritimo), one of Malaga’s most desirable fish restaurants, frequented by local matadors after victorious bullfights; Parador Gilbralfaro (Monte Gilbralfaro), luxurious hotel restaurant with panoramic views from terrace; Adolfo (Paseo Maritimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso), a stylish restaurant with an innovative menu; Bodegas El Pimpi (c/Granada), set in a 200-year-old convent.

Nightlife

Low budget: There are lots of atmospheric and cheap bars (serving tapas) near the cathedral. The student (hence cheap) bars are around Calle Granada, Plaza de la Merced and Plaza de Uncibay – look out for ZZ Pub, (c/Tejón y Rodriguez), Warner Bar (Plaza de los Martinez) and La Botellita (c/Alamos 38).

Mid-budget: Try the pina coladas at Cantina Cubano (c/Granada); Puerto Oscura (Calle Molino Larios, 5), great place to end the evening amid its chandeliers, palm trees and sofas; La Casa Guarda (c/ Pastora, on the Alameda), the oldest bar in Malaga with 20 barrels of local wines on offer; El Trillo (c/Esparteros 8), the place to sample local sherries, hams and cheese.

Luxury budget: Parador Gibralfaro (Monte Gilbralfaro), luxurious hotel bar with stunning views over the bay. For star-studded bars, head to Puerto Banus further west along the coast, with bars such as The Navy Club, Joy’s Bar or Sinatra’s, overlooking the luxury yachts. Just west of Malaga is Benalmadena Port, which has upmarket clubs and bars such as Fortuna Nightclub at the Hotel Torrequebrada.

Things To Do

Why not take a jaunt down the Alameda Principal, this beautiful tree-lined promenade is in the centre of Malaga. Or go see the city in style by a horse-drawn carriage.

Relax and soak up the sun on the nicest nearby beach, El Pedregalejo, and snack on fish from one of the beachside shacks.

Look around the two Moorish fortresses, Alcazaba, and further up the hill with it’s magnificent views, Gibralfaro.

Sample a typically Spanish flamenco club – there are lots around, but get there too early as they get going around midnight.
Explore the city’s old quarter, including the cathedral and Picasso’s childhood home.

See a bullfight at Malaga’s Plaza de Toros – still a very active bullring.
Stroll around the tropical gardens of the Jardin Botanico La Concepcion, just north of the city.

The Shops

You will find the main shopping area is around Calle Marques de Larios, near the cathedral.

All along the coast, there are various big commercial centres. On the way to Marbella, you pass the Centro Canada, with such stores as Zara, Mango, Benetton and Body Shop.

There is also a branch of Mango in Malaga (calle Larios 1).Spain’s biggest department store and the second biggest in Europe – is El Corte Ingles, and you’ll find a branch right opposite the train station in Malaga.

If markets are more your thing, they take place in all the main towns along the coast, usually in the mornings until about 2pm, and sell ceramics, leatherware, jewellery and baskets.

Fuengirola has a flea market every Saturday morning, selling everything from porcelain and fans to local wines, hams and cheeses.
Malaga’s Mercado Central, north of the Alameda, is set in a wonderful 19th century building. Ronda is the town for antiques, especially furniture.

Useful Prices

33cl bottle of beer – €1
One-litre bottle of mineral water – €0.90
36-exposure colour film – €7.50
City-centre bus ticket – €1.10
Adult football ticket – €20
Three-course meal with wine/beer – €12

Low fare flights to Malaga are available in the UK from Jet2.com.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com

Picture credit: Ewan-M

The east of Malaga - Picture Credit: Clicks2006

Malaga airport lies only five miles south-west of the city centre, so it’s a straightforward and short journey into town. As such, public transport links are very good, and you can travel by bus or train. If you plan to start relaxing as soon as the plane touches down in Malaga then catch a cab outside the airport and arrive at your accommodation with the utmost ease.

Once you’ve offloaded your luggage, take a walk along the leafy Paseo del Parque promenade where the fresh sea air will revive and rejuvenate. If sun worshipping is what you’ve came for then Malaga certainly delivers with an accolade of palm-fringed beaches. Culture enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either as there are plenty of places of great architectural and historical interest to visit.

For culture lovers the Historical Centre is a good place to start and a stroll through this bohemian hub lets you soak up the atmosphere that attracted many 19th-century artists. A maze of winding streets and charming buildings fronted with Andalucían balconies, this is perhaps one of the best areas in the city for shopping and eating out.

Some of Malaga’s best tapas bars can be found in the historic centre, tucked away in the narrow streets or spilling out onto large squares. Teterías (Moorish tearooms) are another traditional speciality worth a visit.

Heading out of the historic centre, Malaga’s hilltop Gibralfaro Castle is an interesting find, especially considering most of its original 14th century structure has been preserved. The castle’s positioning affords magnificent views over the harbour and it’s a great place to enjoy a spot of afternoon sungazing.

The Moorish Palace Alcazaba also sits majestically on one of Malaga’s hilltops, overlooking the port and historic centre. Constructed in the 11th century you can access the palace and even visit the oldest part of the building which contains a cluster of winding cobbled alleyways where the Moorish officials once lived.

Head back into town after sunset and visit one of Malaga’s lively bars or restaurants to sample local delights like sweet Spanish wine and fresh fish and squid. If you find yourself in a chiringuito (beach bar), you might notice a traditional dish called ‘espeto’, which is sardines cooked outside on a skewer and makes a delicious and authentic treat.

If eating outside and catching the sun sounds good to you, then it is good to know that are plenty of flights to Malaga available to help get your Mediterranean experience underway. But with so much to do in this popular city, what are you waiting for?

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

Visit the town in festival time and enjoy a feast for all of your senses. The Fiestas de Carnival takes place for 40 days before Lent while the Feria de Malaga happens for two weeks in August. During both occasions the streets become a riot of colour and you can enjoy music, street entertainment, stalls and enthusiastic crowds.

Malaga is a great place to take in modern art. A trip to Centro de Arte Contemporaneo (Centre for Modern Arts) is recommended. Located on Avenida Comandante Benitez, it showcases both established and up and coming artists.

The Picasso Museum on San Agustin is a must-see. The most famous painter of the 20th century was born in the town in 1881. Here you can take in examples of his art in a stunning 16th century building steeped in Andalucian history. Furthermore, Picasso’s birthplace in nearby Plaza Merced is also worth a visit.

Not only does Malaga boast an amphitheatre but it has a Roman Theatre too. In fact, the town can trace its origins even further back to the Phoenicians. The Roman Theatre is open to the public and sits at the base of another historic attraction – the Alcazaba – close to Plaza de Aduana. Alcazaba is a Moorish word for walled fortifications and it is one of only seven to survive in Spain.

Another reminder of more violent times is the adjacent 14th century Castillo de Gibralfaro, built on a much older Phoenician site. Now in ruins, it once witnessed a 3-month siege against the rulers Ferdinand and Isabella; however, its ramparts still stand and make an impressive site set amongst woodland.

Close to both of these warlike structures is a popular walk along the Paseo del Parque. Taking you past parkland and woods it offers a pleasant stroll that leads to the harbor, which is one of the busiest in Spain.

Of course, it is impossible to visit Malaga without taking in its white sandy beach, fringed with palm trees. Here you will find many delicious eateries called Chiringuitos where you can sample delicious tapas and other delicacies.

It is also good to know that once you disembark your flights to Malaga, then it is possible to travel on to such nearby jewels of the Costa del Sol, such as Fuengirola and Puerto Banus. With the opportunity to experience Malaga and beyond, there really is so much to cater any visitor on a trip to this sunny destination.

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.