Posted on February 22, 2011 by Fiona Hilliard

Who knew that booking car hire in Malaga could open up such diverse travel experiences? 

Indeed, those who consider Malaga to be a mere gateway to the Costa del Sol are in for a shock…

Malaga is a vibrant and authentic Spanish port city whose beautiful backdrop against the Mediterranean is as action-packed as it is pretty.  The city doles out historic and contemporary attractions and events in equal portions. Right in the heart of the city, visitors are invited to stroll through  narrow cobbled streets and wide, leafy boulevards.  The major new museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso is revolutionising the city’s cultural scene, while Malaga’s historic centre is slowly being brought back to its former glory and much of the heart of the city is being developed into a leisure zone.

Malaga’s attractions extend further still and are easily accessible for those looking to take a day-trip.  Malaga’s coastline has an enviable location which is protected from the north winds by mountains.  It also benefits from the highest average temperatures in Spain and over 300 days of sunshine per year.  And then there’s the city’s fascinating history.  The Moors occupied Malaga until the mid fifteenth century, after which it developed into one of the leading urban centres in all of the Iberian Peninsula.  Malaga’s interesting past is still visibke today in the city’s historic centre, especially in and around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now an archaeological museum. 

Apart from Antonio Banderas, Pablo Picasso is the city’s most famous son.  Several galleries in Malaga display his work including the Museum of Fine Arts which is located next to the cathedral.  Picasso’s birthplace in Plaza Merced is also worth a look.  The museum catalogues his life and works and is open to the public.  Admission is free.  For a more in-depth study of the artist, Museo Picasso Malaga provides a moving insight into Picasso’s life-long legacy of works.  Located in a former palace, it has become one of Malaga’s most popular tourist attractions.  The museum’s permanent collection comprises donations from Picasso’s grandson and wife. 

Theatre buffs can catch up on all the drama at the city’s main theatre at Teatro Cervantes.  Famous actors who have treaded the boards here include the aforementioned Antonio Banderas.

As well as being a cultural hub, Malaga is also a wonderful place to dine out.  Local Malaguenos enjoy good food and the bars and restaurants here do an excellent job in showcasing locals’ favourite dishes.  The tapas comes highly recommended but Malaga is most famous for its “pescaito frito”, a selection of small fried fish that includes sardines and red mullet, which taste even better when washed down with an ice cold glass of fino at one of the many old fashioned bodegas in town.  With your own set of wheels in Malaga you’re never tied to one place.  Malaga car hire affords you the freedom to visit El Palo in the east of Malaga, a typical fisherman’s village and a great place to visit if you’re looking to sample “catch of the day” freshness.

Let’s not forget Malaga’s nightlife.  From traditional dancers strutting their stuff at flamenco bars to all night dancing at nightclubs, Malaga offers entertainment for every type of night owl.