Malaga as a holiday destination needs little introduction; it is a jewel on the Costa Del Sol, and one of the most popular summer destinations for British holidaymakers. Being a Mediterranean coastal city with centuries of history, there is – needless to say – much more for you to discover than may meet the eye. But what, exactly?
Well, Malaga is much more than a simple spot for sun and sea. There is a plethora of cultural experiences and historical monuments to seek out, each of which has its own history. If you’re on your way to Malaga for a much-needed summer break, booking an airport transfer in advance can help you make the most of your trip and discover more of Spain’s sixth-largest city – from famous birthplaces to historic ports and beyond.
Picasso’s Birthplace
While Malaga has a reputation for being one of the premier holiday resort locations in the Western hemisphere, it also has a serious and significant cultural pedigree – with primary thanks to the father of modern art, Pablo Picasso. Picasso was born in a homestead on the Plaza de la Merced, itself situated in Malaga’s ‘old town’ area.
Picasso’s legacy endures in Malaga, with a number of museums and exhibitions installed in his name. One such museum resides in Picasso’s birthplace itself; the Casa Natal de Picasso is also the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation and the location of important research into Picasso’s life and bodies of work.
The Oldest Port in the Mediterranean
Many visitors are content with spending their afternoons lounging on the Playa de la Malagueta, one of the defining beaches of the Costa Del Sol. However, a five-minute walk down-beach will lead you to the marina, and the greater majesty of the Port of Malaga.
The Port of Malaga is not just a beautiful coastal area with great marine transport links, though. It is a port with history – over two millennia of it, to be precise. The Port of Malaga has been in continuous operation since 600BC, making it the oldest port in the Mediterranean, and the oldest still-working port in Spain.
The Cathedral’s Missing Tower
The Malaga Cathedral is a 16th-century Renaissance construction, that sits proudly in the centre of the city with its stunning stonework. But some of that stonework is missing and has been ever since its initial construction. The cathedral was designed to have a south tower, but a lack of funds towards the end of the project caused its construction to be abandoned.
Many attempts have been made throughout history to complete the south tower, each of which was disturbed by various events, including the newfound independence of British colonies from the Empire in the 1700s. Today, though, efforts are being made to finally complete the project – using stones from the same area from which the original masonry was sourced.
*This is a collaborative post
