The central Alameda in Malaga - Picture Credit: Cyberfrancis

Malaga Council official Teresa Porras commented that the new Malaga lights this year would set a new precedence and would be the benchmark for other cities for years to come.

Calle Larios looking into Plaza de la Constitucion - Picture Credit: fernand0

If you have never seen the Malaga christmas lights and are in the area throughout December, try to go and see them as they are quite something to behold and the atmosphere is fantastic in the evenings.

Wander the streets of the Alameda where all the flower stalls are selling traditional christmas displays, view the navtivity display just before Calle Larios and then take a seat at a pavement cafe in Larios with a Chocolate and a churro and watch the world pass by. There is no better way to get into the spirit of the season than with a trip into Malaga to see the lights.

Picture Credit: BY-YOUR-⌘

Malaga trains utilise three main city centre stations, Malaga Maria Zambrano, Malaga-Victoria Kent and Malaga-Centro Alameda. Trains running to Malaga from all over Spain including Renfe’s AVE high-speed line terminate at Malaga Maria Zambrano.

The local Cercanias (commuter) train stops at Maria Zambrano for connections to national train services but also carries on further into Malaga city centre, terminating at Malaga-Centro Alameda underground station.

If you live or are staying anywhere on the Costa del Sol coast between Malaga city and the town of Fuengirola, you can take advantage of the Cercanias service which provides a cheap and handy way to get about and see the different areas.

The Cercanias line has 18 stops including a new underground terminal at Malaga airport and trains run every 20 minutes in each direction. Fares are cheap and the trains are modern, clean and spacious and are a good alternative to taxis and buses.

Picture Credit: Gerry Balding

Once on the train, there are electronic displays telling you exactly where you are and the announcements informing you of the next approaching station is are in both Spanish and English.

If you are heading into the centre of Malaga, then stay on the train all the way into Malaga-Centro Alameda, this underground stop gets you right into the main heart of the city. Malaga-Maria Zambrano also has a large commercial area with cafes, restaurants and a wealth of shops to browse.

The only downside to the Cercanias line is that the last train at night leaves Malaga at 10.30pm and given that Malaga is an excellent city for night-life the early finish time for the train can be a problem and is a bit ridiculous.

To summarise, the local Malaga trains are an excellent way to get around, if you are landing at Malaga Airport and are staying in a resort along the train line, the underground station in the airport is a great and cheaper alternative than a lot of other airport transfer options.

Restaurante El Tintero - El Palo, Malaga

El Tintero seats possibly 1500 people at any one time and is really bustling and noisy, so if you have a headache or had a few too many the night before and feel a bit hungover, best leave it until you feel a bit better!

What you will find is some of the best cooked seafood anywhere, some 30 waiters constantly walking around with plates of all types of fish including boquerones frita (fried white bait), calamares, prawns pil pil, paella, fully cooked lobsters, sardines and much much more. Breads and ensalada mixtas are also available to compliment.

Waiters constantly carrying plates of fresh fish

This Malaga restaurant buzzes and the real plus point aside from the great food, is that there is no messing about, a waiter will not come and take your food order and then a long wait ensues, as I mentioned before they are constantly walking about, shouting at the top of their voices what they have on the plates!

The food just keeps coming!

The restaurant seats somwhere in the region of 700

Very popular with the Spanish, when we arrived at 2pm on Sunday, admittedly not the best time to find a table in Malaga, the place was nearly full, so there might be a short wait for a table, but people are coming and going all the time so you shouldn’t have to wait long.

Our table was made up of 8 people, to be honest this is not really the place for a quite meal for two, much better in a group, midweek may be quieter and more appealing to couples, but the hubbub might be lacking.

Beware the Lobster

Noisy and bustling - a great atmosphere

Every plate you have is kept on the table and at the end of the meal the plates are counted up and the bill is scribbled down on the paper table cloth! All plates are priced at 7,50€ except for said lobster which came in at 21€, ouch! Another good reason to go in a large group as the bill was divided up between us coming in at 19€ per person including all the drinks, all in all for the amount of food and drink consumed it worked out good value.

Authentic Spanish dining

So, El Tintero in Malaga is definitely worth a visit, if you want an authentic Spanish dining experience with loads of buzzing noise, bustle and some of the best fresh Mediterranean seafood it is well worth a looksee.

El Palo beach front houses

El Palo is located on the eastern side of Malaga city centre right on the seafront, buses from the centre will transport you out there, we drove and it was a bit of a nightmare finding somewhere to park.

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If you have decided to travel to Malaga, Spain, prepare to be busy. There is so much to do in and around this Costa del Sol town that you will never lack for something to do. The weather in this area is typically Mediterranean; hot summers and mild winters. The most popular time for vacationers is summer, but a visit to this area is lovely any time of year.

If you do want to travel during the busy summer months, make sure you book your flight, your hotel, your car rental well in advance. If you wait too long, the availability will be less and you may have to pay more for what you want. Car rentals are available both at the airport or in the city. If you decide you don’t need a car, (or if you wait too long and find you can’t rent one because it is summer) you can hire a car just to take you to and from the airport.

You will have a number of attractions to visit in Malaga. One of the most interesting is the Citadel or Alcazabo. This is the largest fortress in Andalucia, built during the eighth through the eleventh centuries. It is next to the Castle of Gibralfaro, another interesting site. At the Citadel, there are two museums, one of them a very fascinating archaeological museum. Anyone who enjoys history should make this stop.

Malaga, like most old Spanish cities, has a castle. Its Castle of Gibralfaro was constructed in the fourteenth century. You can take a tour of the castle and be further steeped in history. Make sure you take in the lovely view of the city and the port from the ramparts of the castle. Since they are right next to each other, a day or afternoon spent at the Citadel and the Castle is a worthwhile one.

The next stop should be the Cathedral of Malaga. Construction of this landmark was started in 1528, but stopped and started again over the next two centuries. It came to a final stop in 1783 when there were no more funds to continue, and one of the towers is still not finished, to this day. One of the most interesting things about this cathedral is that since the construction spanned so many eras, many different styles of architecture are seen in this one building.

After you and your children have soaked up all this history and culture, it may be time to reward them with a visit to the Tivoli Amusement Park. This is a very popular tourist attraction, with rides for children of all ages as well as daily shows, and botanical gardens to tour.

About the Author:
Clinton Maxwell regularly edits detailed articles on things associated to Spain and Costa del Sol. His contributions on Malaga are published on his site .

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Malaga, Spain Is A Beautiful Place To Visit

Picture Credit: StaneStane

Malaga’s Location

Malaga is situated perfectly as the gateway that leads to the Costa del Sol (the Sunshine Coast). Its location provides for the best spots for day trips, as a visit to the beautiful cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada can easily be made from here. Malaga truly gives you the benefit of a very sophisticated culture and an agreable modern world, all while just sitting back and relaxing at the fine beaches out there. So it isn’t really important whether you fall into the category of party people, or prefer reading a book or even opt for sporting adventures. At Malaga, you will feel completely welcome!

People

The people of Malaga (the malagueños) are ever-smiling, warm and very friendly. The malagueños, are also good at partying hard. They rarely consider themselves as sad, and there’s no reason why you should treat them so. Malagueños totally love the food they eat, and it’s very unusual not to find them gathered at pubs, restaurants and cafes, where they truly revel in their enjoyment… at their best cracking hilarious jokes and telling of their antics.

The Climate

Sun in Malaga shines for about 320 days annually, so just taking it easy and being at your most relaxed on the seafront out there is what you would ideally feel like doing! The good weather of Malaga is principally due to its geographic situation: while is mountains protect the city from extreme cold, the Mediterranean Sea provides a cooling breeze during the hot summer months. The average temperature of Malaga is around 22 degreess celsius, so it also really doesn’t matter which time of the year you visit Malaga – it’s always a delight!

Gastronomy

Malaga is rich in its food culture. With a variety of food such as sea food, dessert wine, gazpacho, etc. at its disposal, you can actually call Malaga a haven for food lovers. There are many cafes, bars, and eateries, which you can visit to sample the quality of their fare. Be sure that you try out the pescaito frito (a malagueño dish of fried sardines). Another must visit would be to a bodega (a wine cellar), where wine is poured directly from the barrel, rather than from the bottle.

Exhibitions

Malaga is well known as the “City of museums” as it has more than 20 of some note, many of which are located in the same area. The modern art and religious art housed in these museums is a veritable treat for your eyes. Malaga was also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and so a lot of his works are on display in the city. The most notable museum for Picasso is the Picasso Museum.

Malaga has a rich and varied culture. In its history of 3000 years it has been home to various cultures, and the blend of these has made a unique and a distinct character upon Malaga. Added to this, some cultural event or another is always taking place in the city. With a variety of festivals and exhibitions, theatrical events and concerts as well as music and dance, Malaga has created an identity of its own. Witnessing the festive seasons such as Semana Santa, the Feria de Agosto or the Fiesta Mayor are an absolute must! Javier Melendez produces content for many Spanish related websites such as the Spanish-Talk site. His recent work is entitled “March Real – the Spanish National Anthem”.

Picture credit: Olaf Tausch

The east of Malaga - Picture Credit: Clicks2006

Malaga airport lies only five miles south-west of the city centre, so it’s a straightforward and short journey into town. As such, public transport links are very good, and you can travel by bus or train. If you plan to start relaxing as soon as the plane touches down in Malaga then catch a cab outside the airport and arrive at your accommodation with the utmost ease.

Once you’ve offloaded your luggage, take a walk along the leafy Paseo del Parque promenade where the fresh sea air will revive and rejuvenate. If sun worshipping is what you’ve came for then Malaga certainly delivers with an accolade of palm-fringed beaches. Culture enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either as there are plenty of places of great architectural and historical interest to visit.

For culture lovers the Historical Centre is a good place to start and a stroll through this bohemian hub lets you soak up the atmosphere that attracted many 19th-century artists. A maze of winding streets and charming buildings fronted with Andalucían balconies, this is perhaps one of the best areas in the city for shopping and eating out.

Some of Malaga’s best tapas bars can be found in the historic centre, tucked away in the narrow streets or spilling out onto large squares. Teterías (Moorish tearooms) are another traditional speciality worth a visit.

Heading out of the historic centre, Malaga’s hilltop Gibralfaro Castle is an interesting find, especially considering most of its original 14th century structure has been preserved. The castle’s positioning affords magnificent views over the harbour and it’s a great place to enjoy a spot of afternoon sungazing.

The Moorish Palace Alcazaba also sits majestically on one of Malaga’s hilltops, overlooking the port and historic centre. Constructed in the 11th century you can access the palace and even visit the oldest part of the building which contains a cluster of winding cobbled alleyways where the Moorish officials once lived.

Head back into town after sunset and visit one of Malaga’s lively bars or restaurants to sample local delights like sweet Spanish wine and fresh fish and squid. If you find yourself in a chiringuito (beach bar), you might notice a traditional dish called ‘espeto’, which is sardines cooked outside on a skewer and makes a delicious and authentic treat.

If eating outside and catching the sun sounds good to you, then it is good to know that are plenty of flights to Malaga available to help get your Mediterranean experience underway. But with so much to do in this popular city, what are you waiting for?

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

When we think of sunny Spain we think of the Costa del Sol but have you ever considered going to Malaga the gateway to the Costa.

Malaga is fast becoming one of the popular destinations in Spain with cheap flights readily available from Thomas Cook. Since the opening of the Picasso museum in 2003 Malaga?s history and culture has attracted more and more visitors from all over Europe and recently the city officials have made a bid to the European Union to become European Culture Capital in 2016. This means increased investment in the city and improvement to facilities.

Picasso is not the only cultural attraction, La Manquita (one armed woman) is the name given to the wonderful Baroque Cathedral with it?s lopsided appearance due one of it?s missing bells and there is an amazing Moorish Castle perched in the hill behind the city which is now a Parador, a traditional Spanish hotel. With the Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Romans all putting there influence on the city there is much to see. These influences can be seen in the many festivals that occur during the year with one of the most exciting being Sementa Santa at Easter and the main square at the top of Larios is filled with tiers of seats for spectators.

With sea breezes ensuring the climate is warm but not as hot in the summer as the inland Andulucian villages and the Mountain backdrop keeping the really bad weather away in the winter, Malaga is a perfect all round destination due to the clement weather. It?s a favourite short break destination for many UK travellers and in fact over the years there have been plenty of Brits who have chosen to purchase a second holiday home in the area.

Malaga centre is not only the perfect place to explore the historical monuments, atmospheric little streets and squares with delightful caf? culture, but it is also a wonderful shopping centre. The main street runs perpendicular to the stunning tree lined avenue, the Alameda, and starts at the Plaza Marina, near the port. Along with all the major Spanish shops including a huge El Corte Ingles there are a large number of boutiques and fashion shops, fine restaurants and places just to relax and watch the world go by.

So next time you book a your cheap flight to the Costa del Sol be sure to spend some time in Malaga whether it is to soak up the culture, shopping centres, go to a concert or just to take in the atmosphere. You may even find you?d like to spend longer there and look into buying a property.

Of course Malaga is also known for being the gateway to the Costa del Sol; after your short flight to Malaga airport, you have a wide choice of car hire options to arrange a vehicle and take the Autopista del Sol to the many resorts, beaches and golf courses of the coast.

The glorious weather, fantastic beaches and busy fun filled resorts of Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola attract thousands of sun seekers who return year after year to enjoy this coastal playground.

The golf courses on the Costa del Sol are also world famous; mostly in fantastic condition and situated in wonderful locations and of course that year round climate all enables you to play every day. For the family there are the choice of glorious beaches, water parks, go karting, safari parks and public gardens. At the end of the day you can shop till late and then enjoy yourself in the many bars and clubs that start to come to life in the late evening.

There is a wide choice of accommodation from self catering apartments, stylish villas through to the top class hotels of Marbella and its glitzy neighbour Puerto Banus.

Dan Williams writes travel reviews for a number of holiday and resort comparison websites. Find out more about flights to Malaga by visiting this site that features information on cheap flights to Costa del Sol.

El Palo is a beachside suburb of Malaga, just a 10 minute bus ride outside the city centre. It bustles in the summer months when Malagueñans flock to take respite from the city bustle in their custom-built getaway homes and huddle round beach-based Chiringuito picnic tables whilst tucking into fresh sardines, barbequed on skewers stuck into sand-filled old fishing boats. In the winter it’s quieter for the main part, at least as far as the beaches go. But the grilled-fish-infused smoke still rises from those old fishing boats and boy, does it smell good filtering through that fresh sea air.

From the lengthy promenade and man-made silver-grit-and-balding-grass beaches, you can see the distant, hazy image of Malaga’s centrepiece, the One Armed Lady (the cathedral that was destined for two towers but ended up with just one due to some disagreement with the English by some accounts). It reminds you that you are a stone’s throw from a sprawling metropolis, but have managed to escape to grab a breather from the bibbing horns and laid-back hombre verdes.

At the far eastern end of the El Palo promenade, right opposite the sparkling Mediterranean and satisfyingly shaded from the beating afternoon sun, sits Restaurante El Tintero, a vast wrinkly plastic-windowed marquee capable of seating around 500 hungry diners.

Restaurante El Tintero is an eatery with a difference. Yes, they seat you and ask you what you’d like to drink. And that’s where the similarity with any conventional restaurant ends.

Your drinks arrive, along with a basket containing bread, serviettes and cutlery. Then before you know it, the whole bizarreness of the experience begins to unravel around you.

Charging around you, emanating from all directions, are white-shirted waiters with very loud and quite songful voices. Their arms laden with plates of fish, they are calling to all of us wide-eyed, in-awe diners, ‘gam-bas; gam-bee-tas; dor-a-da; lu-bee-na; langos-tee-nas; cala-mar-eeees.’ They are beating the aisles between the neatly laid-out tables, showing the latest fresher-than-fresh ocean delights that have been despatched from the kitchen for immediate consumption.

Hungry? Then shout! As loud as you can before the camarero passes, otherwise one of your fellow diners will lay their hands on the plate you’re after. ‘Aqui, aqui!’. Give me that dish! And how you gloat when the one you want lands on your table! It’s like you’ve won the lottery, or found hidden treasure!

The atmosphere is furious. No physical fights break out, but arms are waving, hands are beckoning and voices are raised and each table’s mouthpiece gets louder as the dishes sweeping past their noses get more interesting and desirable.

Great, deep-filled bowls of ensalada mixta veined with leaking beetroot go by, whilst pork pinchos and even chicken and chips make irregular appearances to keep any non-fish lovers happy. But this is primarily a fish lover’s place. ‘Pul-po; chip-ir-on-es; len-gua-da; pa-ell-a;’.

It’s loud in there, but convivial. And exhilarating, because you feel you’re in a special place that not very many people know about. Just you and the 498 people around you who are merrily tucking into their fishy feasts.

At first, you tend to wolf your food down so you can make sure you’re ready for the next wave of outpourings from the kitchen in case you miss something you really want. But then you start to mellow and realise that the dishes don’t stop a-coming at all. You may have to wait for the particular one you want, or one that takes your fancy; but that’s part of the fun. The buzz and hum purrs, and calls of Spanish fish names come in peaks and troughs until every so often, it all stops. Silence descends on the marquee and your ears pop with the sudden lack of sound. Then long-haired, vast fore-headed Guitar Man strikes a chord, glances around his arena, and plays a short selection of Spanish classics before setting off with his hat. Don’t dare give him less than a Euro, he frowns, and it’s not pretty.

Now the noise is back up and the camareros return to pacing the aisles advertising their edible wares. As your plates and glasses stack up on your table, your stomach swells and your head dizzies from a sweet cocktail of wine and atmosphere, you start to realise that it will soon be time to leave. So what now?

You need to flag down the waiter in the blue shirt with the notebook. If you want your bill and you see him, grab him while you can and watch carefully as the mathematics go on behind his furrowed brow. He’ll count your plates and note their size and colour (silver platters are the most expensive), tally up your glasses and then scribble your bill, rounded down to the nearest Euro, on your tablecloth. Then you pay and leave and walk outside into the dazzling sunlight and take a deep breath as you realise what’s just happened.

You’re in. You’ve experienced an intrinsic Spanish tradition, something that very few people will ever share. And boy does it feel good.

Tips: Don’t arrive before 2pm as the atmosphere doesn’t build up before then. Don’t eat too much, tempted as you may be. Don’t worry if on arrival you feel like you’re on the outside looking in, you’ll soon be swallowed up into the ambience.

Restaurante El Tintero, El Palo, Málaga. Open all year for lunch and dinner. And the dining experience of a lifetime.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/dinner-with-a-difference-shouting-for-a-feast-of-fish-in-mlaga-481668.html

About the Author:

Sarah McInerney – Words by Sarah Mac – is a creative copy writer with 15 years experience of writing compelling, quality words for business websites, brochures, advertising, press, sales literature, news letters and online material. Sarah specialises in writing articles about Spain and has travelled extensively through the country. If you are looking to make an impact using the power of good wording, especially if you are running a business that could benefit from articles about Spain, then visit www.wordsbysarahmac.co.uk

Malaga is renowned for Mediterranean weather conditions and clear blue seas, with many flocking to the resort to take in some sunshine. The city itself is surrounded by mountains, which help keep it sheltered from the winter weather in Malaga.

The city is known for being the birthplace of one of the art world’s most decorated figures – Pablo Picasso – and there is a museum dedicated to his life and works in the resort. Indeed, Malaga has a history of architecture as well as art, which is evident through the many churches that are dotted round the city and the surrounding areas.

Many of the main tourist attractions in Malaga are located within the centre of the city – such as the museums and a main shopping plaza. For those who are looking to explore the historical side of the city, there are a number of churches, castles and amphitheatres, as well as the Alcazaba fortress to explore.

One of Malaga’s main streets is the Calle Marqués de Larios– which runs from the main harbour plaza all the way up to the city centre – is a popular draw for tourists eager to take in a bit of retail therapy on their holidays. The street is lined with boutiques, quaint little coffee shops and traditional Spanish tapas bars. During the traditional religious festivals – such as the world famous Holy Week – the streets are decorated for the occasion, with the main plaza playing host to a number of events throughout the festival.

Indeed, Malaga has become a popular tourist spot during the celebrations – with many coming from neighbouring villages and around the world to take in the spectacle. Utilising symbols of Spanish culture and history, the streets of Malaga are transformed into colourful hotspots – with flamenco dancing all around the town and a variety of activities that last way into the night time.

For those looking to step away from the city and spend some time on the water, Malaga harbour and the beaches along the Costa Del Sol are a haven for extreme sports enthusiasts. From kite-surfing to kayaking, many flock to the region to ride the waves of the deep blue seas along the coast, as well as enjoying the sunny Malaga weather.

If you’re looking to explore underwater, the Costa Del Sol is a haven for diving centres, with a number of sites and wrecks to explore, or you could take a scenic boat trip instead if you preferred.

Whatever your interest, the Costa Del Sol has a range of activities to suit all tastes. The lively mix of chic shopping experiences and traditional Spanish café culture attracts thousands of tourists every year, who make use of cheap flights in order to take in the sights, sounds and tastes that cities like Malaga have to offer.

About the Author:

David is an experienced web author based in the UK

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Sun, Sea and Shopping: Holidaying in Malaga

There is a lot to do in Malaga, Spain. This Malaga city overview should help you sort your way through the many attractions and sightseeing opportunities to help you plan your holiday and create a fun and exciting itinerary for you time in Malaga.

Malaga is located on one of Spain’s seventeen most beautiful regions, the Costa del Sol. Malaga is the second largest city in Andalucia and is known for its wine, fresh seafood and great weather. Another added bonus when visiting Malaga is the convenience of reaching the city, as the Malaga airport offers discount flights from multiple airline carriers.

There are several museums in Malaga allowing you to enjoy this region’s art, history and culture. The Picasso Museum is one of its most famous museums and honors the famous artist, Pablo Picasso, celebrating his life and work. Picasso was born in Malaga, and the home in which he was born is actually not far from the museum. This home is now home to the Picasso Foundation. Two museums are located on the premises of the Alcazaba Castle. The Archaeological Museum has on display a variety of Greek and Gothic artifacts. The Museu de la Ceramica displays pottery from a variety of historical periods and, as its name suggests, is dedicated to ceramics and pottery. Also on the grounds of the Alcazaba Castle is a Roman theater from the first century. Finally, the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, the city museum, contains a variety of art from local artists of different periods as well as modern art. This is, especially, an enjoyable visit for the art lover. It is located in the older part of Malaga.

Another attraction worth seeing is the Cathedral. It is one of the best known buildings in Malaga. This site was originally home to a mosque. Construction on the Cathedral began in 1528, but was stopped in 1783 due to a lack of funding. During these centuries, construction was on and off and, actually, the south tower is still not complete. During your visit, you will be able to observe the many different architecture styles in this building.

The market area is great for shopping, eating and enjoying the city’s night life. There are also many restaurants in the area surrounding the city’s market. Fresh seafood is always on a Malaga menu. If you hope to enjoy some night life during your vacation, this is where you will find it as this area has become home to several bars.

Finally, the harbor is also a popular part of town. There is a nice park near the harbor where you can relax and take an enjoyable walk, and enjoy a beautiful view

About the Author:
Johnathan Bakers very often writes detailed reports on ideas related to Spain and Costa del Sol. You might see his articles on Malaga over at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – What To Do In Malaga, Spain