A weekend in Malaga

My first view of Andalusia comes with my visit to Malaga. As for some other trips I have done, this comes in the category of a weekend away with my family. Every year my mom chooses a destination and we all meet there (this is including my sister). Check out how this went:  

Getting there: 

Took a flight as usually from Brussels. Once at the Airport of Malaga, to me the easiest way seemed to be with the train. Just take C1 to the city center. The ticket is about 3.4 Euro (one way). 

Top 9 things to do in Malaga 

1. Malaga Malagueta Beach 

If you like the beach but only to stay a bit in the sun and soak your feet in the water, then you are in luck, the Malagueta Beach in Malaga is super easy to reach, so you don't have to loose a lot of time getting there. Downside, it can get crowded and it's not the prettiest beach of Spain 

2. Guadalmedina River 

"River" that splits Malaga into the Old Town and the Left Bank of the city. The River Bank is empty most of the year, and seems to be used for sports activities, walking the dogs or streetart 

3. Atarazanas Food Market

"One of Malaga's architectural gems, the market is easily missed on a busy weekday morning. The streets leading to and from the building bustle and beep with traffic, tourists, workers and shoppers and your eyes will probably stay fixed at street level. Look up, however, or better, return in the early afternoon when the market and shops are shut, and you can appreciate the successful melding of 14th century Moorish architecture with 19th century industrial design." (Source)

4. Roman Theatre 

"Malaga's Roman Theatre is one of the remaining symbols of Roman Hispania in the city. [...] Discovered in 1951, it lay half-hidden for many years by the Casa de la Cultura (Culture House) building, built between 1940 to 1942 and renovated in the 1960s. It was during these works when the first signs of the Theatre were discovered and the Casa de Cultura was demolished to uncover and properly assess this theatre, which came to be a part of the cultural programmes of 1992. [...] Built in the time of Augustus in the 1st century AD, it was in use until the 3rd century. Much of its construction material such as stones, columns and carved stones were later used for building the Alcazaba. (Source) 

5. Alcabaza 

"Constructed on the ruins of a Roman fortification during the reign of Abd-al-Rahman I, the first Emir of Cordoba, in around 756-780AD, the Alcazaba's original purpose was as a defence against pirates, thanks its commanding position with views over the city, down to the sea and across to Africa. The fortress was rebuilt by the Sultan of Granada, Badis Al-Ziri, from 1057-1063AD, while the fortified double walls that connect the Alcazaba to the neighbouring Castillo de Gibralfaro, over the Coracha ridge, were built by the Nasrid ruler Yusuf I in the 14th century, when most of the inner palace was also refurbished. As a palace, it was home to a number of Moorish rulers. The Alcazaba has a distinct feel from its more famous, younger neighbours, the Alcazar of Sevilla and the Alhambra of Granada. It was already three centuries old when the others were build. After the reconquest, it fell into decay until restoration work began in 1933, and continues slowly today. Two of its original three walls remain, as well as over 100 towers and three palaces."  (Source)

6. Gibralfaro Castle

"​The castle was built in 929AD by Abd-al-Rahman III, Caliph of Cordoba, on a former Phoenician enclosure and lighthouse, from which its name was derived -gebel-faro (Arabic and Greek, meaning rock of the lighthouse). Yusef 1, Sultan of Granada, enlarged it at the beginning of the 14th century, also adding the double wall down to the Alcazaba. The castle is famous for its three-month siege by the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, which ended only when hunger forced the Malaguenos to surrender. Afterwards Ferdinand occupied the site, while his queen took up residence in the town. Interesting historic fact: this was the first conflict in which gunpowder was used by both sides." (Source)

Note: the joint ticket for Alcabaza & Gibralfara is 5.5 Euro (2019) 

7. Malaga Cathedral 

"The cathedral is located within the limits defined by a now missing portion of the medieval Moorish walls, the remains of which surround the nearby Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro. It was constructed between 1528 and 1782, following the plans drawn by Diego de Siloe; its interior is also in Renaissance style. (Source)

8. Streetart

There is quite a bit of streetart to find in the center. and I am always happy to discover some of Roa's art around the world. 

9. Day Trip to Granada 

One of the nice day trips that can be easily be booked from Malaga is the one to Granada. If you don't have a car (owned/rented) you can use the bus company ALSA having several buses per day. 

Bonus: Picasso Museum 

Picasso was born in Malaga, so if you have the time, pass by to visit his museum. 

Souvenirs

They have caramelized everything. Loved to bring this as special gifts to my friends. 

Food I tried in Malaga

I am a huge fan of Spanish food. You can have from regular tortilla to perfectly made octopus. there is a bit for everyone.