For many holidaymakers setting off on their villa holiday in Malaga, the city of Malaga itself is never going to be much more than just an airport and a jump-off point for their summer break. Make your way past the drab bus station and the uninspiring suburbs, however, and the attractive historic centre of Malaga proves to have plenty to offer in its own right.
Handsome Boulevards and Atmospheric Old Streets
Because actually, when you get down to it, the city of Malaga is an absolute delight. The first port of call is obviously the Old Town: to the south it's bordered by a couple of handsome boulevards, the Alameda Principal and the Paseo del Parque; to the north, an atmospheric warren of streets runs away on either side of the showcase shopping street, Calle Larios.
Top Sightseeing
Sights of note are divided between the Picasso Museum, the enormous Cathedral and the Moorish fortresses of the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro. But there's more to Malaga than sights: it's a lively place with a unique atmosphere and an excellent eating, drinking and nightlife scene (based largely to the west of Calle Granada and around the Plaza de la Merced).
Not Just an Old Town
And Malaga's attractions don't begin and end with the Old Town, either. Out to the east, a series of scruffy beaches – each of which is lined with bars and lively seafood bars – stretches from La Malagueta to El Palo and Pedregalejo.
Stone's Throw Away from Your Villa in Malaga Province
So, to sum up: beaches, bars, culture and historical sights… It may not have (quite) the show-stopping tourist attractions of grand Seville or atmospheric Granada, but it's got a charm that's all its own – and more importantly for holidaymakers on a villa holiday in Malaga Province, it's just a stone's throw away. Which means that it could hardly be a better day-trip for when the lure of the pool wears off!
Martin Wynn
