The views of historic architecture against the lush greenery and glistening sea are as picture-perfect as the art that fills the city’s galleries.
Soak up the atmosphere before heading along the Costa del Sol and exploring the wider Andalusia region, when you rent a car at Malaga Airport.
Admire impressive art
Culture vultures will be in paradise in Malaga. Art can be found around every corner, from the hip Soho district to a parade of contemporary galleries. It isn’t surprising that art is so important here – this is the birthplace of Picasso, after all.
Trace the roots of the famous painter at the Picasso Museum. The exhibitions packed into the restored 16th century palace narrate his life from the late 19th century through to his death in 1973. Spend an afternoon admiring more than 200 sculptures, drawings and ceramics by the pioneering artist.
From here, make your way over to Soho, a vibrant, bohemian part of the city where international graffiti artists have decorated the walls and doorways with colorful street art. Striking murals and intricate smaller pieces will catch your eye as you wander through this buzzing district.
Embrace the laidback lifestyle
You can’t come to Spain and not enjoy the beautiful weather. Spend a morning soaking up the sunshine on Playa de la Malagueta. This sandy slice of shore is on the city’s doorstep and is the perfect introduction to the Costa del Sol.
Take a leisurely stroll up to the 11th century Alcazaba, the magnificent fortress perched atop a hillside in the heart of the city. Roam along the Moorish citadel walls and enjoy sweeping views over Malaga, before discovering the lush tropical gardens.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, feast on the local cuisine. Food forms an important part of daily life in Malaga, meaning there’s a wide collection of restaurants and tapas bars to choose from. Seafood is in abundance here, with anchovies, grilled octopus and garlic shrimp dominating many menus.
A taste of luxury
Head on a day trip to Marbella, where super yachts fill the marina and sports cars line the streets outside high-end stores. Popular with the rich and famous, Marbella oozes sophistication and grandeur.
Get a taste for the high life with a visit to the luxurious resort. Take a stroll along the palm-lined Milla de Oro – the Golden Mile – which connects Marbella with Puerto Banus, to get a feel for the city’s atmosphere.
Marbella is also one of the best places to feel the sand between your toes along the Costa del Sol. Nearly 16 miles of golden sand fringes turquoise waters, with a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Blanca Mountains.
Fresh sardines cook and sizzle on the spit in many of the restaurants that line the edge of the beach, while the calm waters come alive with water-skiers and parasailers. Sit back and sink into the sand – it’s time to switch off and bask in the sun.
Collect your rental car at Malaga Airport, and you’re well-placed to discover everything southern Spain and the marvelous Mediterranean coastline has to offer.