Málaga Hotels

Malaga Hotels

The ancient city of Malaga is one of the chief entrance points for visitors to Spain's glorious Costa del Sol region. Many tourists head straight from the airport to the bustling tourist centers of Marbella and Toremollinos, bypassing Malaga altogether. But follow their lead and you'll be missing out on a thrillingly beautiful destination. Its historic old town as a delight to explore – a maze of romantic, winding streets, dotted with Roman ruins, elegant plazas, and world class museums. With stunning golden sand beaches and lush countryside just minutes away, Malaga is perfect for either an action-packed weekend break or a more leisurely long vacation.

Things to see

Malaga Cathedral is a truly unique masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Construction began in 1528, continued for over 2 centuries, and was never completed. The result is one of the most distinctive and unusual looking major European churches, which incorporates a range of contrasting styles. The Alcazaba is another essential heritage attraction. This majestic Moorish fortress dates back to the 11th century, and is the best-preserved construction of its kind in Spain. It sits on a hill in the middle of the city, offering stunning panoramic views. One of Malaga's greatest claims to fame is as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The Picasso Museum, which opened in 2003, is a fitting tribute to the great artist. Housed in a magnificent 16th century palace, it boasts hundreds of works donated by Picasso's family, including paintings, sculptures, sketches, and ceramic pieces. The house in which Picasso was born is also open to the public, and contains a further collection of art works.

Hotels in Malaga

There's a truly bewildering array of hotels in Malaga and its surrounding areas, ranging from cozy no frills guest houses to lavish 5 star resorts. Whether you're a backpacker or a honeymooner, you're sure to find something to perfectly suit your requirements. The city's top hotels offer great value for money when compared to those in other major European destinations. You can expect luxury facilities such as health clubs, outdoor pools, and business centers. Some city center hotels also boast gorgeous rooftop terraces, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of town. If you're looking for a low-cost alternative, there are many budget hotels, which are likely to offer amenities such as free WiFi and breakfasts, laundry services, and daily housekeeping.

Where to stay

The 2 main hotel areas are by La Malagueta beach, and in the central pedestrian zone. The beach is the city's prime recreation spot, and its thriving waterfront is packed with lively bars and family-run restaurants serving fabulous fresh local seafood. No trip to Malaga is complete without a taste of its world-renowned 'pescaito frito' – small fish deep-fried in olive oil and seasoned with salt. If you're planning on spending more time sight-seeing than sunbathing, consider staying in the city center. This is also the prime location for serious shoppers – you'll find everything here from quirky haberdasheries to international designer boutiques.

How to get to Malaga

Malaga Airport is one of Spain's busiest international airports, offering year-round flights to and from many major European cities. In the summer months, you can also fly here direct from New York and North Africa. From here you can easily reach Malaga city center by bus, hire car, train or taxi. Malaga's Maria Zambrano train station is served by regular high-speed trains.