Gibralfaro crowns the top of hill that overlooks the city. The name comes from the Moorish Jebel meaning hill and Faro meaning lighthouse. The road that leads to the top is long and winding, if you feel like walking it will certainly help keep you fit, otherwise there are buses that run from the town centre or you can take one of Malaga's many taxis. Once at the summit you will have a superb vista of the City including the bullring (Malagueta), the Port and the beaches surrounding the city. The Moorish castle at the summit is more impressive than the rambling Alcazaba and in better condition. The gardens at the top are a perfect place to sit and take in the fantastic panoramic views.

The Paseo del Parque is a large avenue that runs between the port and the old quarter of the city, with its sides lined with gardens it provides ample shade from the heat of the day under its many palms and plane trees. It is popular with locals for sitting in the afternoon and watching the world go by whilst breathing in the perfume of the jasmine which arch over some of the paths around the gardens.

Behind the Paseo del Parque lies Malaga's famous Cathedral, La Manquita - which means "the little one armed lady". Its styles incorporate Renaissance, Baroque and neoclassical because of the length of time it took to build. The Cathedral has only one tower, building was halted on the second tower due to lack of money. Inside there are fine carvings of saints , a gothic altar and a statue of the Virgin Mary, which was presented to the city by Ferdinand and Isabella (the King and Queen) after the city was re-captured from the Moors.

During the nineteenth century, Malaga was a popular winter resort for the wealthy famed for its elegance and sophistication. Garden lovers won't be disappointed in Malaga. The impressive park on Calle Alameda dates back to this era and is recognised as being one of the most celebrated botanical collections in Europe. During the winter, open air concerts are held here every Sunday.

Pablo Picasso is the city's famous son and there are several galleries showing his work, including the 16th century Museum of Fine Arts, adjacent to the Cathedral. Recently many of Picasso's works were donated by his daughter-in-law, the city has built a museum dedicated to the artist. The house where he lived in Malaga is also a popular tourist attraction, although it is no longer open to the public. It is situated facing Plaza de la Merced, a relaxing place to go and have an afternoon coffee, or before going to the nearby Cervantes Theatre.

As well as being a cultural centre, Malaga is also a great place to eat out. The Malagueños love their food and the bars and restaurants here are where the real social life takes place. Marques de Larios, Plaza de la Constitución and Calle de Granada form the backbone of the shopping area and the thriving nightlife. The narrow side streets form a maze of alleys crammed with tapas bars and bodegas - old fashioned wine shops brimming with casks including the local sweet wine which is similar to Port. At weekends the area is full of young people going out to enjoy the thriving nightlife in one of the cities many bars, bar de copas (winebars), or nightclubs. Locals often do not go out until midnight and will continue until morning light, catching some breakfast on there way home.

Tapas, small portions of many different dishes is an Andalusian tradition and a wonderfully inexpensive way to try a variety of local food. The best known local fare in Malaga is "pescaito frito", an assortment of fried fish, including small sardines and red mullet, best washed down with a glass of ice cold fino at one of the many old fashioned bodegas in town. But it is El Palo, to the east of the city which is a typical fisherman's village and the place to go if you want that veritable "catch of the day" freshness. In the centre try a tapas and a glass of Malaga wine at Malaga's oldest tapas bar called "Antigua Casa de la Guardia". The choices are unlimited and, on the whole, reasonable with some bars offering a menu of the day with bread and wine for as little as 6 euros. Malaga is always closed for the siesta period, so this is a perfect time for a long relaxing lunch.

At Easter the city comes alive for Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the streets are packed until the early hours of the morning as the night air is filled with music from the processions carrying large flotillas called tronos (throwns). The celebrations for Semana Santa are some of the largest in Spain and draw visitors from all over Spain and abroad, often to the extent that the city's population swells to nearly double in size. The summer fair (Malaga Feria) is the city's other major annual event. Held every August it is claimed to be the second largest fair in Europe. For one week city folk and visitors celebrate in traditional Andalusian style with processions, music and dancing. The celebrations start around midday in the main street of Calle Larios and carries on until 6.00 or 7.00 in the evening. With plenty to eat and drink the streets are full of people enjoying the celebrations. Once the partying subsides its time for a quick rest until 11.00 or midnight and then on to the fair ground outside the city center. The fair has special temporary bars called Casetas, most putting on Flamenco shows, as well as a large fair ground, live music and nightclubs.

These days, Malaga prides itself on being a modern city with the heart of commerce dominated by Calle Larios which is the local Bond Street equivalent. This is the recommended place to start exploring the city as it is surrounded by attractive small streets and plazas, as well as the magnificent cathedral.

Malaga airport is of course on of the major airports in Spain due to the number of tourist arrivals on charter flights from Northern Europe using Malaga airport as a gateway to the Costa del Sol.