About Malaga
Located along the Costa del Sol area of southern Spain, Malaga is the capital of its province and the sixth largest city in the country. With a history spanning nearly 3,000 years, Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. Famous painter Pablo Picasso and movie star Antonio Banderas are two of the famous sons of this beautiful tourist centre.
Malaga is bordered by a Mediterranean harbor to the south and mountains to the north, providing breathtaking mountain views for visitors who are enjoying the city’s beaches. History-lovers can view the old architectural remains of the city walls that were built at the founding by the Phoenicians, as well as the Roman theatre of Malaga that was constructed in the first century B.C. Beautifully preserved religious buildings, such as the Church of Santiago and the Episcopal Palace, are open to the public, as well as the San Miguel Cemetery. One of the most popular sites in Malaga is the Gibralfaro castles that offer panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
Visitors interested in local art have a variety of museums available in Malaga. The Museo Picasso Malaga is dedicated to the city’s favourite modern artist, but the Museo Carmen Thyssen and the Museum of Glass and Crystal are also options.
Malaga has hosted a Holy Week celebration for nearly 500 years, beginning with a procession on Palm Sunday and continuing until a re-enacted Passion scene on Easter Sunday. In August, the city celebrates the Feria de Malaga, transforming the streets with all the traditional symbols of Spanish culture. Sweet wine, tapas, dancing, and even bullfights make this one of the premiere Spanish events in Europe. Finally, the Malaga Film Festival promotes Spanish films exclusively at its annual April celebration.
Airports
Flights from most UK airports, including London and Manchester, are available frequently, especially during the summer months when beach holidays are popular. Popular airlines Thomson, FlyBE, and Flythomascook all fly to Malaga in around 3 hours. Travelers can get from Malaga Airport to the city centre with a short bus or taxi ride, and there are also plenty of dedicated transfer services available that can be booked prior to travel. Many travelers use Malaga for its easy airport service before continuing their travels to other Costa del Sol regions, such as Benalmadena and Fuengirola. These regions can also be reached by bus, taxi, or other travel services directly from Malaga Airport.
Visa Requirements
Visitors to Malaga who are UK citizens do not need a visa if their planned stays are less than three months and for holiday purposes. Travelers from outside the EU will require a valid visa in order to enter Spain.
Transportation in Malaga
There are two main train lines that operate in Malaga, and tickets for these can be purchased online through the Renfe website or from machines at the train stations. In addition to the train, buses run throughout the city for affordable rates. Taxis are another major method for transportation around Malaga. These vehicles are very easily spotted due to their different shape, and they can be flagged down or hired ahead of time for specific trips. Taxis in Malaga charge according to set prices for destinations and not by the distance travelled.
Important Laws for Travellers
Travellers who decide to rent a car for travel around Malaga should remember that the legal driving age in the city is 18 years and it’s often necessary to be older (generally 25) to hire a car, and children who are under 12 years are not permitted to ride in the front seats of cars. A recent Spain-wide smoking ban has made it illegal for anyone to smoke in bars, restaurants, and other indoor public places throughout Malaga. Due to a change in laws in Spain, the drinking age in Malaga has been reduced to 16 years old.
Malaga Climate
The subtropical-Mediterranean climate of Malaga is influenced by its latitude and location along the sea. With one of the warmest winters in Europe, travelers find travel to be pleasant all year round. During the winter months of December and January, average temperatures in Malaga stay around 17 degrees Celsius, while the eight summer months from April to November linger at approximately 20 degrees.
Image Attribution: Pietro Zuco | Martin Haisch | Cayetano
