Spain is consistently one of the world’s most visited countries when it comes to summer vacations, and in fact vacations at any time of year. The country is not only popular with nearby European holiday makers, but also a must visit destination for many travellers coming from much further afield in other continents. The charm of Spanish culture is something that vacation seekers crave, and it would be fair to say that one of the most sought after destinations in the entire country is the municipality of Malaga. A port city in the south of Spain on the famed Costa Del Sol, Malaga is known for its high rise luxury hotels, glorious yellow sandy beaches and its two gargantuan hilltop citadels that sit and look over the now modern city. If you are looking for a summer vacation destination and don’t quite know where to pick in Spain, then here are five of the Holiday Taxi teams’ best reasons to make Malaga the centre of your holidays this year.
1. The Beach
It’s not surprising to hear that the beach is a central part of Malaga life. With such a wonderful sandy stretch virtually on your doorstep, why wouldn’t you want to spend most of your time there? The strip of beaches is located towards the east of the city, and along with sun and sea, you will also find a plethora of traditional seafood restaurants that promise to offer some of the freshest meals you have ever eaten in your life.
2. La Concepcion Botanic Garden
La Concepcion is consistently rated as one of the very best botanical gardens in the whole of Europe, a true tropical paradise that gives visitors a combination of lush green forests and designed, formal gardens. The establishment was created in the 19th century by an aristocratic couple named Amalia Heredia Livermore and Jorge Loring y Oyarzabal, and though it fell into decline, it has been brought back up to standard by Malaga City Council and is now a thriving tourist spot.
3. Granada
You simply cannot visit Malaga without also taking the time to visit Granada. Spanning across seven hills under the Sierra Nevada, Granada is one of the most physically dramatic places you will ever visit. The city, which is north east of Malaga, is dominated by the Alhambra, a complex set of fortresses and gardens that are a marvel of old Islamic architecture. You can choose to explore independently or join one of the frequently scheduled guided tours.
4. Calle Marques de Larios
This is the street to aim for if you want to experience some traditional Spanish outdoor dining. The wonderful marble paved road is dotted with kerbside tables and chairs just waiting for visitors to come and fill them up. Whether you are looking for some simple tapas and a few drinks or you want to go all out and order some of the finest Mediterranean cuisine money can buy, you will definitely find what you are looking for on the Calle Marques de Larios.
5. English Cemetery
No doubt most of your days will be filled with the sun, sea and sand of a classic Spanish vacation, but if at any point you crave a different kind of culture, an interesting place to visit is St. George’s Cemetery. Opened in the 19th century as a final resting place for foreigners who died in Malaga, it was actually the very first Protestant burial site in the whole of Spain, which definitely makes it something of key historical interest to many.
Malaga is fabulous for a resort holiday but with good transport links is also a base for discovering the charms of the Costa del Sol and beyond.
