........no longer the Andalusian poor relation.

I get the same question time and again: “We are flying into Malaga – what is the best way to get to Seville, or to Cordoba, or to Granada?”
I used to offer advice for such journeys, but now I ask a question in response: “Have you thought about basing your stay in Malaga, and making day or overnight trips to those other places?”

And some of those who take that advice have come back to me after, mostly with the same story: “We based ourselves in Malaga, and liked it so much that we stayed in the city most days, making just a few trips out. And we shall be back again!”
For Malaga has transformed itself over the past decade, and in particular the last five years. So much so that it can really be said now to be an all year round city with pretty much everything.

What do  you want in a city? Take your pick from the following – great shopping, authentic Spanish cafes and bars, historical features going back 3000 years, modern art, city parks, surprisingly uncrowded beaches, a promenade which stretches for miles – and all set between the cool (nay, cold!) blue sea and the mountains behind.

But for me a key attraction – and this may surprise – is the peace and charm of the city. Malaga is a big place, but get into the historical centre and you can find the most delightfully quiet spots – and lose yourself in the real Spain.

So where to go for such tranquillity?

Top of my list would be - the fascinating English Cemetery (beside the Bullring), the wonderful but largely unknown Folklore and Costume Museum (beside the ‘river’ – and a ‘must’ even for people – like me - not enthusiastic about folklore and costumes!), the gardens and fountains of the Paseo del Parque, the cool shade of the Alameda (at least out of rush hour), and the woodland walk up behind the Gibralfaro (a gentle and shady climb). And what better places than Plaza de la Merced and Plaza de la Constitucion for just sitting and people-watching?

So Malaga is no longer the poor relation amongst the Andalusian cities. It may lack the individual ‘showcase’ attraction that those other cities, fabulous as they are, can boast – but when added together what it does offer is really quite a package.
So take my advice – get a guidebook (see below), get into the city of Malaga and have a great day out.

Brian Jones

Footsteps through the City of Malaga (ISBN 978 0 956 1014 0 2) is available at a growing number of bookshops (such as Rayuela Idiomas on Plaza de la Merced, and Libreria Luces on the Alameda). Or it can be purchased online at www.guide-to-malaga.co.uk , through Amazon UK, or through E-Bay shop. All feedback is welcomed. Just drop me a line at
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