Málaga’s known as ‘the airport’ of the Costa del Sol.

Most people head down the coast as soon as their suitcases hit the baggage carousels. But those people are wrong.

They’ve heard that Málaga is an ugly city, with average beaches that don't compare to the rest of Spain’s glittering coastline. So. Very. Wrong. This is a new side to Málaga…

Old Town

Sure there’s an industrial side to the city but the historical centre is the stuff of dreams.

Pretty churches, Moorish ruins and colourful buildings sit below a lilac dusk with Gibralfaro Castle peeping above the clouds.

For the best views across the city, walk from the courtyard of the Alcazaba, past the gardens and fountains to the tippy top view point. Ain’t nothing fugly about it 🌅

Beaches

The only difference between these beaches and the beaches further down the Costa del Sol are the tourists. Málaga’s beaches are full of locals who come down to the beach to chill and party after work.

Playa de la Malagueta and Playa de la Caleta are the most central and are known for their sports facilities (everything from volleyball to outdoor gyms).

Playa de Pedregalejo and Peñon del Cuervo are your best bets for beach parties and nightlife that spills from the local bars down to the sea.

Culture

This was Pablo Picasso’s endz. Say no more.

His museum is predictably 👌👌👌

There’s more than 30 museums and art galleries to get your chops around. The Museo de Bellas Artes is a goodie, as is the Pompidou Centre which is basically a massive rainbow cube stuffed with famous art and exciting exhibitions.

Best of the rest

Two words. Sardines and wine. Walk along any stretch of Málaga’s beachfront and find chiringuitos (casual restauranty things) selling sticks of salted sardines and cold cervezas.

Later, sip on sweet Málaga wine at Antigua Casa de Guardia. Huge barrels of locally made wine are stacked along the walls of the city's oldest tavern.

If you’re speaking backwards and sitting under the table after two it's because it's 20% proof.