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book a Spanish Course in Malaga
Malaga, located on the south coast, is the
capital of the Costa del Sol. The town has a distinct character
in stark contrast to the surrounding holiday beach resorts.
With its leafy boulevards, white washed buildings and cobbled
alleyways the town is an insight into the real spain.
Five
day weather forecast
History
Malaga was established in the 8th century
BC by Phoenician traders, who are credited with planting the
area's first vineyards. In the Muslim era the city flourished,
but the fall of Granada to the Christians and the expulsion
of the Moriscos led to a decline and contributed to famine and
epidemics in the 17th century. Prosperity returned in the 19th
century with a dynamic middle class who founded textile factories,
sugar mills, shipyards and steel mills. By the 1920s tourism
had reached the city and it had become the favourite winter
resort of rich madrileños. In the 1930s the Spanish civil
war ravaged the city and province. During the Franco era tourism
prospered on the Costa del Sol and since then the city has flourished.
City Sights
The Alcazaba
The Muslim Palace fortress dominates the city centre. Begun
in 1057, it has a double wall and a large number of defensive
towers.
The Alcazaba is open Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm
and from 5 to 8pm. On Saturday and Sunday it is open from 10am
to 2pm.
The Gibralfaro
Above the Alcazaba, towers the older Muslim castle, the Gibralfaro.
Originally built in the 8th century, it was rebuilt in the 14th
and 15th centuries when Malaga was the main port for the Emirate
of Granada.
It is open daily from 9am to 1.50pm and 4 to 8pm.
Cathedral
Malaga's cathedral was begun in the 16th century on the site
of the former main mosque and took two centuries to complete.
Like many of the cities old buildings, it is falling down, but
restoration has recently begun. It is known locally as La Manquita
(the One-Armed) because only the west tower was ever completed.
The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm and
4.30 to 6.30pm.
Day Trips
Marbella
Less than an hour away by bus, has recovered from its bad dip
and decline of the 1980s, and has regained its reputation as
the quality beach resort on the Costa del Sol. The beaches are
clean and the facilities are excellent.
Mijas
This pretty little town of Muslim origin situated in the hills
between Malaga and Marbella. It has great views and the white
washed houses are typically Andalucian. Unfortunately many tourists
seem to know of its whereabouts which makes it very busy.
Granada
Famous for La Alhambra, Granada is a beautiful Moorish City,
less than 2 hours from Malaga by bus and definitely worth a
visit.
Seville
Approximately 3 hours from Malaga, is another fascinating city
and boasts one of the largest cathedrals in the world. This
city is perfect for wandering, especially in the old Jewish
quarter with its traditional houses and meandering streets.
Shopping
There are a number of good bookshops on
El Corte Ingles, opposite the post office. They stock English-Language
guides and novels. Libreria de Occasion on Calle Salinas, 7,
also has books in English.
Special Events
Easter Semana Santa
The procession for Semana Santa in Malaga is solemn and spectacular.
Events reach their climax on Good Friday.
16 July Procesion de la Virgen del Carmen
Held at dusk in Malaga and in towns along the coast. Fleets
of fishing boats are cast out to sea with the lead boat bearing
the image of the virgin. On the shore, crowds cheer and set
off fireworks.
12 - 20 August Feria de Malaga
The August fair takes place in the city centre and in fairgrounds
on the outskirts. The busy programme includes bullfights, flamenco
dancing and rock concerts.
Where Can I Find The……?
Tourist Office
The multi-lingual tourist office is at Pasaje Chinitas, 4, an
alley just off Plaza de la Constitución. The office is
open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, Saturday from 10am to
7pm and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
Post and Communications
The main post office (postcode 29080) is at Avenida de Andalucia
1.
Medical and Emergency Services
Located on Avenida de la Rosaleda 19 on the east side of the
Rio Guadalmedina. The Hospital Cruz Roja tel: 225 04 50 or 222
22 22 in emergency, is at Avenida Jorge Silvela. The Policia
Local can be contacted on tel: 260 00 92 or 092 in an emergency.
They are number 64, a kilometre further north.
Foreign Consulates
Edificio Duquesa
c/Duquesa de Parcent, 8
28001 Malaga
Telephone: (34) (952) 352300
Facsimile: (34) (952) 359211
Banks
There are a number of banks with ATM's on Calle Puerta del Mar
and Calle Marques de Larios.
Airport Transfers
Malaga's busy International airport is 10km
west of the city centre. Buses from and to the airport run every
30 minutes, departing from the city centre at stops located
on the south side of the cathedral. Trains, which take 20 minutes,
also run at 30 minutes intervals.
To
book a Spanish Course in Malaga
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