Malaga is not a not just sweet wine and raisins flavored ice cream that I just adore, it’s a second largest city in Spanish province of Andalusia and it was our next to last leg of the Italian – Spanish holidays in 2023.
After two weeks of traveling and visiting several cities, days filled with sightseeing and activities it was now time for chill and relaxation.
We rented a spacious apartment just minutes walk to the beach and a short walk to the city center and the only booked appointment we had was the free walking tour of the city.
Wherever we go, we try to support this community known for it low budget tours and local, most of the time born and raised on the location tour guides. And what better way to find about where do locals eat and what do they do.
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and interesting, even in case when dragging a toddler in a stroller.
Regardless being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe Malaga is largely known for being a tourist destination. What is not advertised and often said about it, is the fact that its sunshine destination reputation was implemented by Danish poet and writer Hans Christian Andersen. Yes, the Mermaid and A Little Match Girl, guy.
In 1862 Hans visited Malaga and as many of the Northerners suffering from lack of sunshine, he was as well captivated by the city, sea, food and gentle locals.
His thoughts and notes have been marked in his book Journey through Spain, a book that can be considered one of the first travel guides in the modern history of tourism. And the rest just followed.
Malaga soon became the favorite winter health destination for Northern Europeans but in 1960ies a huge turnaround came with ever growing flight industry, cheap and fast efficient transport that transformed Costa del Sol into major summer destination, especially for the German, Brits and Scandinavian.
Combination of good transport net including both airport and fast railway and road access, with abundance of historic sites like the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, Picasso Museum and Centre Pompidou became major reasons for travelers. Add beaches, green parks and fantastic maritime cuisine and you got yourself a jackpot.
Although it was nearly end of October the days were sunny, the sea was warm, so we had couple of beach days. When the weather turned into windy and cooler we spent our day walking through the city park or climbing the hill for the top view from the Alcazaba.
In between was filled with afternoon naps and local cuisine, something that has become part of our holiday routine.
Nothing more, nothing less and to tell you the truth, we liked this type of siesta lifestyle. I mean, who wouldn’t? 🙂
