While Málaga calls itself the ‘Capital of the Costa del Sol',  it is very untypical of the holiday region it serves, and for better or for worse, it has absorbed very little of the Costa holiday culture. Day trippers from the Costa resorts are a familiar sight but local food and language are the norm, and Málaga remains a very Spanish city.

There is little to see on arrival by cruise ship (apart form the Gibralfaro Castle on high) and first impressions are not promising, with building projects everywhere. But the old centre also features many handsome streets and plazas, and several historic landmarks. An increasing number of high quality ‘Spanish-cosmopolitan' restaurants, cafes and bars makes eating and drinking here a pleasure.

Málaga is not an obvious sightseeing city. It boasts no iconic landmarks and only the recently opened Picasso Museum can claim international standing. Its charm lies more in its overall appeal with several lesser attractions providing an enjoyable day or half day out.

Highlights
• Picasso Museum: 160 paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics from his earliest works up to the 1970s.
• The Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro: Reminiscent of the Alhambra, albeit on a very small scale, this peaceful fortified palace and adjacent castle offers charming gardens and fine views. 
• Plaza de la Merced: The city's finest square once inspired Picasso, today it's perfect for people watching from its many cafes.
• The Alhambra: (129km north) This sumptuous fortress palace, home of the Moorish kings, is the single most splendid building in Spain.

Malaga Tourist Board
Avenida Cervantes 1, Malaga, Spain
Tel: (+34) 952 209 603.
Website: www.malagaturismo.com

Smart pedestrianised Calle Marqués de Larios is Málaga's main shopping street. For the freshest food (and a small selection of crafts) in atmospheric surroundings, visit the daily market, Mercado Atarazanas. Once a Moorish ship repair yard, it still boasts an original horseshoe archway.

Andalucían cuisine shows a strong Arab influence. Specialities include gazpacho (tomato soup, served chilled) and fried fish. Local drinks include the eponymous sweet Malaga fortified wine and sherry, from Jerez.

Between May and October the daily average temperatures for Málaga never falls below 20ºC (68°F) and rises above 30ºC (86°F) in July-August. There is very little rain and almost guaranteed sunshine. The winters are mild and mostly dry.

Spain

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Spanish.

Europe and Spain

560,000.

Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.

There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Smoking is still permitted in many bars and restaurants and even where bans are notionally in place the law is flouted.

Tipping: Some restaurants include service in the bill. Tipping is discretionary - around 10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers and guides.