Friday, May 22, 2015

Step 8

La capital de la Costa del Sol es Málaga.


Málaga sits in the middle of the Andalusia region which covers roughly 87,268 square kilometers (or 33,694 square miles) and is easily confused with the Málaga province.  A breakdown was helpful to understand the city's location:


This is Spain with the Andalusia region highlighted in red



A closeup of Andalucia and the province of Málaga 


the province of Málaga zoomed in with the city pinpointed.  



The city is surprisingly not a major tourist attraction, despite the masses that pass through it's airport.  It is the second largest by population in the Andalusia and claimed to be among the poorest in stature yet richest in hospitality and friendliness.  Its atmosphere is comprised of delightful historically and archaeologically rich background and small, personable quirks including exquisite museums, unique roof terraces, and countless street art canvases decorated with graffiti.  It is sprinkled with  tapas bars and shops along the seafront.  Andalucia.com established the tip 10 best places to explore in Málaga which makes it easier for us!



1. The one and only Picasso was born in Málaga so it is only fitting his museum containing personal artifacts and some of his most intimate works are housed here.  Only a two minutes walking distance from his birthplace (Casa Natal), both the museum and his first home can and should be viewed in the same day to fulfill a complete experience of the unique artist.  The Museo Picasso was inaugurated on the 27th of October, 2003 and from that day on, thousands of tourists and locals alike gather to view incredible works of Picasso's art and life story.  (BONUS: admission is half price for students up to 26 years old with a valid ID!) 

2. Alcazaba is one of the two Moorish fortresses.  It oversees the city sporting a beautiful view of the area below, stretching to the sea and even across the Mediterranean to Africa!  It's history dates back to the 8th century and is the best preserved Moorish fortress in Spain.  It was originally constructed to defend against pirates and, as it aged, the Alcazaba retains two of its original three walls, 100 towers, and three palaces!

3.  Embedded in a restored marked, the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo is home to over 400 works of contemporary art donated by private collectors.  It even has a little taste of home with pieces from North American artists of the 1960's such as Lichtenstein and Stella... not to mention it is free!

4. Neighboring the Alcazaba  fortress with stellar views of the city, the port and with special mention of the bullring, Gibralfaro Parador is a wonderful spot to enjoy an elegant afternoon basking in the sun and enjoy a glass of wine from the dining room and/or the cafe bar.

© Michelle Chaplow Malaga Cathedral5. The Muelle Uno is a beautiful seafront shoppers dream filled with items anywhere from interiors to clothes.

6. You can have as many arms as you need to visit the Gothinc-Baroque basilica called La Manquita, also known as the "One Armed Woman."  Just don't offend it by looking for the second tower, that's the arm that is unaccounted for!  

7. El Pedregalejo used to be claimed as a fishing town but now has some wonderful, quaint cafes and restaurants lining the beach front.  

8. All types are welcomed and accommodated for by the extensive option of museums!  You can find a spot for all your interests including, but not limited to: cars, fashion, interiors, glass, wine, doll houses, music and, of course, art. 

9. The oldest monument of the city is the Roman Theater that is used in the summer months!

10.  BEACHES! It is the capital of the Sun Coast after all!

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