Plaza de Toros (La Malagueta), the bull fighting ring of Malaga.
Málaga is this relaxed coastal city in Southern Spain that is easy to reach by air from almost anywhere in Europe. It has its fair share of historic buildings, a beach near the city centre, places to hang out in the evenings and provides a perfect jump spot to roam further into the beautiful landscapes of the region of Andalusia.
Historic city of Málaga
The city centre of Málaga is nicely flanked by rocky hills. As most of Southern Spain, the Moors left their mark. Towering at the eastern side of the city centre are the Castle of Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba. The latter was the royal residence. The connected complex dates back to the 11th Century.
The fortresses flanking Málaga's city centre, with the Roman amphitheatre in front.
The square in front of the Roman amphitheatre is a tourist trap, with Micky Mouse trying to sell balloons shaped in different forms.
View at the city of Málaga from the steps overlooking the amphitheatre
The Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación de Málaga, in the heart of the city centre
A walk around the city centre of Málaga
Wandering through the city centre of Málaga, one discovers loads of small gems, older and newer. During the last days of 2023 of my visit, there were moments the city looked almost deserted, while other streets were filled with crowds.
C. Marqués de Larios, the main street of Málaga's city centre
Beautiful balconies in Málaga's city centre
View over Málaga with the mountains in the background
At the Iglesia de San Juan (St. John's Church)
Mercado Central de Atarazanas
The central market hall of Málaga (Mercado Central de Atarazanas) is a small feast for those with a fine taste for food and more. The building was constructed between 1876 and 1879, on the basis of a design by architect Joaquín de Rucoba. The stained-glass of the market hall's northern side is from the Atienza brothers, from 1973. The market hall was last renovated in 2008 to 2010.
Near the harbour area
The harbour of Málaga connects Europe to destinations on the other side of the Mediterranean, including the Spanish enclave of Melilla in North Africa. The green zone named Parque de Málaga on the harbour's northern bank is worth a nice stroll. Walk on and one ends up at the city beach, just east of the port.
View at the harbour of Málaga and its surroundings. Flanking the water is the green urban city park with some very cool trees.
The Centre Pompidou modern art space of Málaga
Málaga's city beach, with even in December a few swimmers.