Southern Spain: Malaga Musings

One of the aspects of Southern Spain that really interested me was the different ways in which cities showed their age. For example, Sevilla was a combination of the old and the new. Modern broad avenues with roundabouts funneled people into squares that led to narrow streets with only foot traffic. This was typical of long-established European cities that I had visited in the past.The Malaga experience was quite different.

Malaga is a city on the coast of the Mediterranean and is today a gateway to
the part of Andalusia known as the Costa de la Sol (the Sun Coast), the Spanish Riviera. Cave paintings give evidence that it was inhabited during prehistoric times. In 700 B.P.E, the Phoenicians established a port city where Malaga is presently located. You would expect to find a 2,700 year old city that blends the new and the old, as you do in other locations.

I had two short stays in Malaga, a week in all. As I walked through the city, and I did for miles and miles, I saw wide streets, vast plazas, modern buildings, and constant on-going construction. Yes, there were a some small winding streets without motorized traffic but it was a distinctly minor part of the total city ambiance. Malaga wears the face of a very modern city, and it presents a natural face not one elderly-botoxed with unnatural features.

I enjoyed Malaga and would like to revisit it. It was a good contrast to my excellent stay in Sevilla. Malaga is a modern city full of life, friendly people, and beauty. Near the fantastic beaches, you can walk through a giant park that is full of tropical plants and interesting art work. It was also the birthplace of Picasso and many of his works are found there. Malaga has an interesting history-it was, among other things, a hotbed of conflict during the Spanish Civil War. Besides all of those attractions, the Cathedral, a Moorish fort, the the tapas bars of the sidestreets and the stores in and around the plazas are interesting places to explore. For more information, you might visit:http://www.malagaweb.com/tourist_guide.php


Thank you for visiting, feel free to come again. May your travels be interesting and enjoyable.

Kerry