Hotels in Malaga – A complete list in and around the center of Malaga

Malaga Hotel Guide

This Malaga Hotel guide is a must for anyone going for a Malaga Vacation. Please print a copy of this page and carry along with you to help you choose a great hotel your money can buy.

Not too many visitors to Spain really take the extra time to Malaga – one of the the best tourist destinations in the country -when they go from the airport to their  resorts on the Costa del Sol.

When they do so, they miss a precious  city with a a historic and really fascinating charm, an old quarter right next to a Roman theatre and extensive Moorish palaces dating back to 700 years along with a bustling commercial centre and  top class shopping and an exciting and vibrant night life and a fun social life.

Since the Picasso museum opened in the hometown of the great artist, more and more visitors are heading to Malaga as a short break destination. For those who would like to go with package tours,  there is the option of a train that  runs from the city of Fuengirola to Malaga station and stops at  Torremolinos and Benalmadena on the way to Malaga city.

It’s a little bit more than  30 minutes between Malaga and  Fuengirola and it is one of the most  convenient ways to head to Malaga  spend a day or evening. It is well worth the effort. There are numerous  low cost airlines providing flights to the Costa del Sol

Malaga for many signifies the gateway to Costa del Sol but in it’s own,  it is a marvelous city with a warm, lively atmosphere.

It’s amazing that tourists spend so much time looking for and planning flights to malaga with the intention of doing malaga cheap. Hence we thought of putting together this guide to malaga hotels. Hopefully the list of hotels will help you plan your malaga vacation better.

Below we have listed a selection of our favourite Malaga hotels which you can book online with significant discounts.

Malaga 4 Star Hotels Larios Hotel The Larios Hotel is in the centre of Malaga within easy walking distance of the main attractions this traditional and well known malaga hotel is housed in a 19th century building. Inside it is very modern and decorated in an Art deco style. There is a valet parking service which saves the stress of trying to park. It has a roof top terrace which is only open in summer but if you ask you may be allowed up out of season – it is worth it for the magnificent view. This is a fantastic malaga hotel and actually close to some shopping attractions like the larios shopping centre malaga Malaga Centro Hotel This hotel is located near the centre of malaga – approximately a 5 to 10 minute walk from both the historic area and the main shopping area of the city – if you were to see a map of malaga city center – you will see this hotel right there. It is a new hotel in a peaceful part of the city and has a small roof top pool which is very refreshing in the summer after a day’s sightseeing. Free soft drinks are provided in the mini bar which is restocked everyday. Staff are very friendly and helpful. If you are looking to save money, this may not be the place but you can always book a cheap flight to malaga and use the extra money saved on this hotel. AC Malaga Palacio Hotel This hotel is also located in the centre of Malaga near all the main sites and offers magnificent views of the harbour. There is a roof top pool from which you can look down on the cathedral. The hotel also has a fitness centre with gym, sauna and steam room. The restaurant on the second floor serves a good range of both local and international cuisine which can be enjoyed whilst looking at the Paseo del Parque below. NH Malaga Hotel This hotel is located in the commercial centre of Malaga only a short distance from the Corte Ingles department store and a short walk from the historic centre of the city. It is a modern hotel with a warm and cozy atmosphere.  The rooms are comfortable and very clean, the staff are friendly and helpful and as it is not on a busy road there is not too much noise.

Malaga 3 Star Hotels Astoria Hotel This is a new hotel in Malaga which is decorated in a modern style. It is located near the historical centre of the city and only a 5 minute walk from the train station which connects with the airport. The rooms are decorated in a modern style and are well furnished and very clean. All of the bathrooms come with hydromassage bath which helps you relax after a busy day shopping or sightseeing. Bahia Malaga Sercotel This hotel is located in the centre of Malaga near all the main attractions. It has its own car park which is very useful in this busy city. All rooms come with a full bathroom, satell¡te TV and a modem connection. Humaina Parque Natural Montes de Malaga This is a small family run hotel of only 14 rooms set in the mountains 18 kilometres from Malaga city. All rooms are decorated in different colours and come with full bathroom. It is an “ecological craft hotel” which is run with complete respect for the environment. The hotel has a library with open fire place and a pool. You can go cycling, horse riding or rambling amongst other activities. Atarazanas Hotel This is a clean and modern hotel located in the centre of Malaga close to many bars, restaurants and most of the tourist sights.  The rooms are a reasonable size and are well equipped and the staff are friendly and helpful.  It is on a busy street and although the windows and shutters block out a lot of the traffic noise it is probably not a great choice for light sleepers.

Malaga 2 Star Hotels Sur Hotel This is a good budget hotel located in the centre of the city near all the main sights. All of the rooms come with full bathroom and satellite TV. There is also on parking available which can save the stress of looking for a spot. This is great way to see malaga on the cheap. Zeus Hotel Another good budget option which is located near the train station allowing easy access to the airport.  It is about a 15 minute walk from the historic centre of Malaga where most of the tourist sights are to be found. Another cheap malaga hotel but definitely not a bad one.

Some Videos of other Malaga Hotels Hotel Room Mate Larios in Malaga, Spain Hotel Room Mate Larios in Malaga, Spain Great hotels in Marbella

A video of a beautiful drive on a Malaga Vacation

Driving on motorway from Malaga to Chiches

Read more on Malaga Highways

High End hotels in Malaga

• NH Málaga, Avenida Río Guadalmedina, ☎ +34 95 207-1323, . Situated in the historic and commercial center of Malaga, next to the ‘Puente de la Esperanza’ and a short stroll from the ‘Museo de la Expiración’. Its excellent location makes it easy to enjoy Malaga’s unique personality.

• Hotel del Pintor, Álamos 27, ☎ +34 95 206-0980. Opened in 2005, the Hotel del Pintor is a small urban hotel that combines design and technology with personalized attention. Central location in the historic center, near Picasso’s birthplace. €74-121.

• Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro, Castillo de Gibralfaro, ☎ +34 95 222-1902, . Fantastic location with spectacular views (best on 3rd floor) over the city. Sitting area and balcony. 135 euros +VAT, breakfast €11.

• Hotel Monte Málaga,. 4 star luxury hotel with good infrastructure. On the seafront, a few minutes walk from the Picasso Museum and very close to the recently opened AVE High Speed Railway Station.

Mid-Range budget hotels in Malaga

Mid Range

• Hotel Santa Rosa, Carretera Málaga-Almería 125. Torrox Costa El Morche, Malaga 29793, ☎+34952530790, . checkin: 12 p.m; checkout: 6 p.m. Hotel Santa Rosa is a small but welcoming hotel situated on the sea front 45-98 €.

• Malaga Hotel, Acacias de Guadalmar, 153 – 29004 Malaga, ☎ +34 95 217-6061(info@malagahotelpicasso.com, fax: +34 9521756552), . checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12PM.
  Malaga Hotel is on Guadalmar beach and is close to the airport, Torremolinos, Plaza Mayor Malaga, Golf. Charming 3 star hotel with garden, swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant. Boardwalk with beach restaurants (chiringuitos). 60 – 119.

• Silken Puerta Málaga, Héroe de Sostoa 17, ☎ +34 93 280-2988, . Very stylish four-star from the Silken chain, opposite the main train station. Beautifully decorated rooms and bathrooms, with great attention to detail. Good discounted rates in winter (€56-69+VAT).

• Oficentro Suites, C/ Tomas Heredia, 8. CP-29001. MALAGA (Near City Center), ☎ 952213447(info@oficentro-suites.es), . The apartment is fully furnished and cleaning is done weekly. The contact person is Jose.

• Hostal Alameda, Street Casas de campos, 3 (corner street Cordoba,9) (Next to the harbor, a short walk from Alameda Principal (sur) stop on the no. 19 bus.), ☎ +34 95 222-2099(info@hotelalamedamalaga.com). Economic budget, centrally situated in Málaga center, between historical center and the Port. All rooms have private bathrooms, television and air-conditioning or heating. The hotel is on the eighth floor of a building shared with other businesses and you will need to use the buzzer (well labelled) to speak to reception so they can let you in. (Reception is manned 24 hours a day.) From 55 euros.

Cheap Hotels in Malaga

• Picasso’s Corner, San Juan de Letrán, 9, ☎ +34 95 221-2287, [6].Right in the historic district. Bar and lounge, food and disco shows!
• Hostel La Palma, Calle Martinez 7, 29005 Malaga, ☎ +34 95 222-6772. Run by a friendly lady, this cheap and cheerful place has rooms starting from €20 Euros.

• Pension Costa Rica, Calle Córdoba 5, E-29001 Málaga, ☎ +34 95 221-3577. Very primitive and in the middle of the red light district, but it seems to be one of the cheapest available. From €20 Euros.

• Down Town Hostel, Pasaje de Clemens 11, ☎ +34 952 223 292,. checkin: 01.00; checkout: 11.00.Just under the alcazaba, in a quiet street. Not too far from the beach, close to the city center. Free wifi, nice people, nice rooftop. 16-20.

• Molina Lario Hotel In Malaga - This newly built hotel comprises 2 renovated buildings with original 19th century façades and a new building that together form a unique hotel complex. There are a total of 103 rooms available to guests of which 5 are junior suites.  Molina Lario 20-22, Malaga, 29015

Marbella Nightlife

Marbella Nightlife

It is very difficult to explain the Marbella nightlife, as there is much things to do and to go in a very little space compared to other towns or cities. In summer and in hot weather is when it reaches its climax. These days, both in Puerto Banus as here, you will see people of all kinds but most people with high-level luxury cars and impressive yachts.

The nightlife in Marbella is impressive, more than anything in Summer. Marbella has several discos and areas of environment on the outskirts of the city center and in the marinas as: Marina of Marbella. Located in the heart of the city and also Puerto Cabopino, 15 kilometers east from the urban center .. Also within the city are typical locations such as bars, bodegas, pub. If you are looking for a more luxury nightlife, Puerto Banus, which is next to Marbella worth the visit.

In the area of Puerto Banus you can find and enjoy a luxurious atmosphere, full of nightlubs for all budgets; however the night is not cheap on the Costa del Sol and taking a drink can cost from 8€ up to hundreds of Euros depending on where are you taking the drink. If you love the game, is recommended to visit the Casino and why not keep playing, maybe you finish the holidays being rich!

Marbella trance night club in Malaga

Marbella Old Town Center

One of the main arteries of the Marbella Old town is the popular Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange trees square), a square surrounded by Orange Trees and fine Restaurants. During the day we find here an active bustle and during the night we can come across elegant clientele who are dining here, accompanied by the scent of Orange blossom and Dama de Noche. Starting from the Plaza de los Naranjos, you can chose one of the little streets that spread in every direction and meet an interesting mixture of good Fish restaurant and Bars for every taste of which some offer entertainment or Live Music.

The bustling nightlife in Marbella is one of the mayor attractions for the visitors of this internationally known mediterranean city. There is a great offer of Restaurants on the seashore and the city centre and as well there are Theaters and Cinemas. The old part of the city is very popular due to its Bars and Discotheques for all ages.

Generally you could say that there are three zones in Marbella for going out, with tapas Bars, Restaurants, Clubs and Discotheques; very famous is of course Puerto Banús or the well known “Golden Mile”, a very exclusive pavement. Alongside the Paseo Marítimo (Beach Promenade) we find fashionable Pubs with a young ambience or Restaurants for those who like to enjoy watching the sea meanwhile having a drink or going out for dinner.

The old part of Marbella (Old Town) has maintained its andalusian charm and in many narrow streets with flower decorated white houses you can find all kind of Bars, Restaurants and Discotheques.

The area of the old town is mainly pedestrian and you should leave your car in the parking areas of Plaza Victoria or Avenida del Mar. From here you have a pleasant walk of 5 to 10 Minutes to the Plaza de los Naranjos.

The Marbella nightlife starts very late. It is quite normal, to start going out around midnight, especially during the weekends. The majority of the clubs and Bars don´t open before 23:00 and don´t get busy until later hours. The nightlife is very active and lasts until the early morning hours and often gets combined with a good breakfast. There is no really dress code, but maybe you shouldn´t appear with beach outfit and flip-flops. Women or groups of women often get a free entrance, meanwhile males normally have to pay.

Marbella nightclubs and pubs

nightlife in marbella, malaga

Whoever is looking for Marbella nightclubs, will find this being an easy task in Marbella. A well known and elegant Club is for instance the Olivia Valverde. As well La Notte offers a more distinguished ambience.

In the old city the Tavernas invite to savor the selection of wines and tapas, as for example the Bodega Venensia. Who would like to enjoy some Flamenco, can do so at the Tablao Flamenco de Ana Maria.

The old city has several access points; one is situated opposite the popular Park Parque de la Alameda and next to a Taxi Stop.

Marbella has very good Road connections via the A-/ (Autovía del Mediterráneo) and the National road N-340 that runs right through the centre of Marbella, but please leave the car at the parking when drinking alchol at night.
Useful links about the nightlife in Marbella

There is plenty of information on internet about the night in Marbella, we try to offer you all the important imformation about the nightlife and the nightclubs, however if you need to know more, feel free to visit other websites below:

* www.indigoguide.com
* Marbella nightlife and useful tourist information about Marbella.

The complete tourist guide to Malaga

The port city of Malaga is located in the southern part of Spain on the Costa del Sol coast in the region of Andalusia. It is surrounded by the Axarquía hills to the north, the rivers Guadalmedina and Guadalhorce, and the inviting waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Malaga weather is mild and equable due to its proximity to the sea and mountains. The mean annual temperature hovers at around 19°C. July and August are the warmest months and December and January, the coldest. Some rainfall is experienced in the winter months. There are several malaga flights throughout the day from most places in europe and the united states.

The population of Malaga is approximately 560,000. In addition to its Spanish heritage, the city’s culture and architecture also retains the influences of the Moorish kings who ruled here centuries ago. Malaga also has the distinction of being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.

Malaga is the perfect holiday destination with its many historical monuments, atmospheric little streets and delightful cafè culture and malaga attractions are second to none. There are many interesting shops, tapa bars, restaurants and Moorish tearooms in the bustling streets of the Calle Larios as well as some . If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle, you could head out to one of the many beautiful beaches to soak up the sun. The beautiful botanical gardens of Jardines de la Concepcion lie on the outskirts of the city and are another popular destination for those who enjoy the solitude of nature. There are several famous restaurants around this area as well and a visitor can indulge in some of the best foods in the city. Marbella is another location which is famous for being the place with the best nightclubs in Spain.

Malaga honours its most famous son, Pablo Picasso, at the Picasso Museum and the Plaza de la Merced, the birthplace of the famous artist. The Gibralfaro castle lies atop a hill and offers visitors a charming view of the entire city. Malaga is also well-connected to other cities like Sevilla, Granada Jaèn and other locations by road and rail. The colourful celebrations during Easter should not be missed. Malaga is also really famous for it’s many beaches – some of the best beaches in the world, you can read more on malaga beaches as well read on the other very famous tourist draw in this region – lovely golf courses along the costa del sol.

There are many attractions in Malaga – some of the top attractions are listed below:

La Alcazaba

La Alcazaba - a malaga top attraction

The city’s most distinctive building, the 11th century Alcazaba sits in majestic splendour on the hillside overlooking the African coast.

La Alcazaba is a military fortress build by the Moors in the 11th century on the remains of a Romans fortress. The fortress lies on a hill top with good view over the town and the sea and originally consisted of 3 protecting walls (whereas 2 are still remaining), more than 100 towers and a superior part with a residential area including 3 palaces.

An important example of Moorish architecture, it has an impressive double wall and several imposing defensive towers its entrance staggered purposely for defensive purposes. Partially inspired by the Alhambra in Granada it contains three magnificent palaces and beautiful gardens with several ornate fountains. The Alcazaba also houses the Archaeological Museum, home of numerous Phoenician and Muslim finds.

The best preserved Alcazaba in Spain, and itself more impressive than the one at the Alhambra in Granada.

The gardens inside the Alcazaba are particularly vivid during April to July,, and are one of the main draws for the complex.

Gibralfaro, Malaga

Gibralfaro Castle at Malaga

The Gibralfaro Castle / Fortress is situated just next to La Alcazaba which it is connected to by ducts from two of its towers.

Originally the place where the Gibralfaro lies is tbhought to have hosted a lighthouse build by the Phoenicians. On the remains of this lighthouse a fortress was build by Abderramán III and was later reconstructed as a castle by Yasuf I in the 14th century.

You can buy a combined ticket for the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, but even though the sizes are connected it is not possible to walk from one to the other, and in fact a short bus journey is needed to get between them. The staff at the Alcazaba are very helpful, and will expain exactly where to get the bus from.

One of the highlights of the visit to the Gibralfaro is the incredible panoramic view of the city from the top.

The Picasso Museum at Malaga

The Picasso Museum at Malaga

The early years of the life of Pablo Ruiz Picasso are closely linked to the city of Malaga, where he was born in 1881. Family tradition also played a large part in shaping his essentially malagueño character. His life and works would later see him become the most famous native of Malaga of all.

This open, cosmopolitan city, birthplace of a unique artist and now a focal point for art and culture world wide, will always remember Picasso as its favourite, most eminent son.

In 2003 the city of Pablo Picasso’s birth became home to the Museo Picasso Málaga—a new museum devoted to the most influential artist of the twentieth century. Picasso was born into the rich cultural heritage of Málaga, the beautiful Mediterranean port of Andalucia in southern Spain. Situated at geographical crossroads, Málaga has been an important city since before the days of ancient Rome, and the region was monumental in its impact on world culture. Picasso carried on this legacy and became an innovator of artistic styles and  techniques, changing the course of modern art.

The new museum has an extensive selection of works by the artist from the private collections of Christine Ruiz-Picasso, the widow of Picasso’s son Paul, and their son, Bernard. Their dedication to Picasso and his native city led to the creation of the Museo Picasso Málaga. The permanent collection is complemented with temporary exhibitions that underscore Picasso’s role in the art of the twentieth century.

Designed by Richard Gluckman of Gluckman Mayner Architects, with Isabel Cámara and Rafael Martín Delgado of Cámara/Martín Delgado Arquitectos and ARUP engineers, the museum unites traditional and contemporary architecture in a 89,350-square-foot museum complex. The Museo Picasso Málaga will be an international center for the arts, with large-scale galleries for temporary exhibitions, as well as an auditorium, education center, library and archives, restoration facilities, bookstore, and gift shop.

The Andalucian government has funded the construction of the museum entirely. Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso have worked closely with the President and the Minister of Culture of the Junta de Andalucia throughout the museum’s development. Carmen Giménez, an internationally recognized curator of modern art, is the Director of the Project Museo Picasso Málaga. The museum opened in October 2003.

The permanent collection captures the extraordinary vision of Picasso. More than 200 paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and graphic works illuminate the entire breadth of his long and prolific career, from his first academic studies to his late paintings in the 1970s.

The collection encompasses his ground-breaking innovations and the wide range of styles, materials, and techniques that he embraced. Several of Picasso’s best-loved paintings will be on display at the Museo Picasso Málaga. Many of these works have not been exhibited widely, and some have never before been viewed publicly. All are the generous donation and long-term loan from the private collections of Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso.

Christine Ruiz-Picasso is the widow of Picasso’s eldest child, Paul, from his marriage to Olga Kokhlova; Bernard is the son of Christine and Paul. Their collections are not only private but personal: this is the art that Picasso gave to his family, and the art that he kept for himself, to be inherited after his death. The Museo Picasso Málaga will chart each stage in his development as an artist with a chronological display of works. Two separate galleries will show works on paper, and one room is devoted to sculpture and ceramics.

The Bull Ring at Gibralfaro

Although some consider bullfighting a politically incorrect activity, it still is very much a vital part of Spain and its rich culture. It is a testimony of one’s discipline, strength of will, training and courage. A matador’s graceful maneuvers are the products of extensive training- usually since childhood!

In a corrida (a bullfighting match, if you will) three matadors pit their skills with six bulls or toros. Each “fight” lasts for about a quarter of an hour. The matadors are the superstars in the corrida and are resplendent in their costumes – the traje de luces. This “suit of lights” is intricately designed – the silk jacket is painstakingly embroidered with gold, the tight trousers perfectly fitted to the matador. A bicorne hat completes the ensemble. The matador’s skill is measured by his bravery – his being calm and relaxed in the face of danger, his grace as he swings the cape and his ability to get as near as he could to the bull.

The bull is let out of the toril or bull pen and the bullfight begins. The bullfight is composed of three stages. First, the picadors, who ride on horses, carry lances that they are expected to plunge into the bull’s neck and flanks. A judge determines how long this is supposed to last. Then come the banderilleros, bearing sharpened and colorfully designed sticks – banderillas. The baderilleros must poke their sticks into the bull’s neck to prepare it and to lower its head.

Then, the matador begins the last act of the bullfight, or the faena. The bull has been weakened, but this is also the most dangerous time as the bull is not enraged and ready to kill. The matador faces this angry bull with only just his cape and his sword. The matador makes a number of maneuvers – intricate, ballet-like movements that display the grace and skill of the matador. Each maneuver draws excited cries from the crowd because of the dangers it poses to the matador. This goes on until at last the matador goes for the kill, stabbing the bull, right between the shoulder blades. However, if the matador is not carefully or skillful enough, it is the bull that gets lucky.

The Malagaueta Bullring is the most prominent in Malaga. It can seat 15,000 and is located right in the heart of the City Center. It also has a museum dedicated to bullfighting.

Aside from La Malagueta bullring, which can seat 15,000, there are other bullrings to be found in the towns in the Malaga province.

Here is a list:

1. Algarrobo – Seats 3,000 and was opened at the end of the 19th century.
2. Antequera – This ancient bullring opened as early as 1848 and seats 8,200.
3. Benalauria – The bullring in this town can accommodate 5,000 viewers.
4. Benalmádena – This bullring can accommodate an audience of 3,600 and was opened in 1968.
5. Carratraca – With a seating capacity of 3,000 and was opened in 1878.
6. Coín – Can seat 4,000 avid bullfight fans.
7. Cortes de la Frontera – Can seat 1,000 spectators.
8. Estepona – Can accommodate 8,000, this bullring started its operations in 1972.
9. Fuengirola – This bullring opened its doors in 1962.
10. Gaucín – capacity 6.000 spectators.
11. Marbella – opened in 1964, capacity 9.500 spectators.
12. Nueva Andalucía – opened in 1968.
13. Plaza de Ronda – Seats 6,000 and was opened in 1785.
14. Torremolinos – Opened in 1968.
15. Vélez-Malaga – Can accommodate 5,000 and was opened in 1894.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral of Malaga

Malaga´s cathedral was built between 1528 and 1782 on or near the site of a former mosque. While original plans had allowed for two towers, lack of funds resulted in the completion of only one, giving rise to the name by which the cathedral is affectionately referred to, La Manquita, loosely interpreted as ‘one armed woman’.

The interior has influences of the Renaissance and baroque styles. The notable 17th century choir stalls of mahogany and cedarwood were designed by Luis Ortiz. After his death the 40 finely carved statues of the saints behind each stall were completed by Pedro de Mena, one of Spain’s most celebrated wood-carvers of the time, who spent some years in Malaga. Some of the chapels leading off the aisles also contain works by Pedro de Mena and his tutor, Alonso Caro.

Adjoining the cathedral is the Iglesia del Sagrano. Founded in the 15th century on the site of a mosque, the church has an unusual rectangular shape, its Isabelline-Gothic portal is the only remaining part of the original structure which was rebuilt in 1714. The interior is richly decorated and its main altar features a magnificent 16th century retable.

Cathedral
Plaza del Obispo
29015 Málaga
Tlf: 95 221.59.17
Ticket: 1.8 Euro

Timetable:
Normal:
09:30 – 18:45
*Saturdays:
9:30 – 18:00
Sundays and Holidays:
Only services

Museum of the Cathedral
Molina Lario Street.
Tel: 952 22 84 91
Closed on Sundays and Holydays.
Mon-Fri, 10.00-18.45 h. Sat, 10.00-17.45 h.

Palace of Marques de Valdeflores

Palace of Marques de Valdeflores Malaga

This Palace was constructed in the 18th century as an exhibition hall for the Malagueños but was later acquired by a noble family in 1895 for personal premises.In 1986 it was bought back by the government and today hosts different associations.

It preserves an austere entrance of white marble composed by pilasters that support a simple balcony; after the grating of the vestibule one finds a court that has preserved its series of arches from the 18th on columns of marble in three of its sides, and for the left side the stairs are opened by classic balustrade of white marble. In the top dependences some original roofs have remained, as well as chimneys and some spaces of interest.

The palace of the marqués de Valdeflores transports the visitor into the “exquisite” life of Malaga at the end of the 18th century and start of the 19th. This building, constructed in the 18th century, was made a guest house in the 19th (even stables where men could leave their mounts were installed) until around 1895 when the Countess of Albarede acquired the building, reforming and furnishing it as her family home.

It has three floors and a typical central patio surrounded by a gallery whose walls are decorated with Arab mosaics. Inside the palace are the eyecatching staircase and balustrade, both sculptured in Carrara marble.

During the restoration of the building, acquired in 1985 by the County Council, the decorated wooden ceilings were preserved and frescos, painted by Fernández Alvarado, were discovered in the room which had been the main dining hall.

Marqués de Valdeflores Palace
60 Carretería Street.
Tel: 952 06 02 32

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Costa Del Sol – A Golfer’s Dream

Spain’s top holiday spot is also favourite with holidaying golfers and its top-notch facilities include one of Europe’s very best, as Peter Ellegard from “The Travel Leisure Magazine” discovered

Costa Del Sol Gof

There are some holes in golf that make your heart race in anticipation well before you reach them. They are the ones that create edge-of-theseat drama for TV viewers. Often they are the penultimate hole. The 17th at St Andrews – the infamous Road Hole where the lurking bunker derailed David Duval’s Open Championship hopes when battling Tiger Woods in 2000 – is one famous example. The par-3 17th at Sawgrass in Florida, with its notorious island green and baying crowd, another. In the 1997 Ryder Cup, it was Valderrama’s par-5 17th that gripped the attention of the golfing world. Several tempted to take on a long approach shot over the guarding lake to the pin had their joy at hitting the green cut short when the ball spun back on the wicked slope and disappeared into the water.

Tiger Woods even managed to putt his ball into the lake. All of which earned it the nickname “Valderdrama”. The slope has since been softened and the green extended slightly, to make it a fairer challenge. But the hole is still a daunting prospect, and one that prayed on my mind for the entire round until I reached it when I finally got the chance to play the course in June. It was during a competition for international media. Teams comprised four players from each nation. I was captain of England and my partner (actually an Aussie!) and I were pitted against two Germans. Conditions could not have been better. Gorgeous blue skies were matched by fairways so perfectly groomed it seemed a

There are some holes in golf that make your heart race in anticipation well before you reach them. They are the ones that create edge-of-theseat drama for TV viewers. Often they are the penultimate hole. The 17th at St Andrews – the infamous Road Hole where the lurking bunker derailed David Duval’s Open Championship hopes when battling Tiger Woods in 2000 – is one famous example. The par-3 17th at Sawgrass in Florida, with its notorious island green and baying crowd, another.

In the 1997 Ryder Cup, it was Valderrama’s par-5 17th that gripped the attention of the golfing world. Several tempted to take on a long approach shot over the guarding lake to the pin had their joy at hitting the green cut short when the ball spun back on the wicked slope and disappeared into the water. TigerWoods even managed to putt his ball into the lake. All of which earned it the nickname “Valderdrama”. The slope has since been softened and the green extended slightly, to make it a fairer challenge. But the hole is still a daunting prospect, and one that prayed on my mind for the entire round until I reached it when I finally got the chance to play the course in June. It was during a competition for international media. Teams comprised four players from each nation.

I was captain of England and my partner (actually an Aussie!) and I were pitted against two Germans. Conditions could not have been better. Gorgeous blue skies were matched by fairways so perfectly groomed it seemed a shame to spoil them with divots and greens smooth enough for a snooker match. The match was a close affair right up until the 17th, with us just ahead. My drive found the wide fairway. Deciding against going for glory, I laid up in front of the lake, then hit the green with my third shot while the others all found trouble. I was left with a tricky 25-foot putt, and had visions of emulating Tiger’s putt into the lake.

Instead, my ball agonisingly lipped out just as it seemed I would get an unlikely birdie. However, the par was good enough for us to win the match and secure fourth place for the team. Back in Marbella that evening, we helped the victorious Irish celebrate their deserved overall win with much alcohol.

Bodega El Pimpi en Malaga, Spain

A walk through El Pimpi, a typical meeting place in the center of Malaga, Spain

If you’re in Malaga and you like wine and tapas, be sure to go to Bodega El Pimpi. It’s a nice typical Spanish winebar, famous in the area and right in the center of Malaga.

The prices are very reasonable and the wine is great. If you are hungry, order some tapas…they are great! I believe we tried out most of the tapas and there wasn’t one we didn’t like .

The decoration consist of images of Malaga’s féria, bullfighting and a lot of wine barrels. The wine barrels are signed by famous people such as Paloma Picasso and many other famous Spanish artists.

Dirty Princess @ Palladium, Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain (01

Dirty Princess @ Palladium, Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain (01.06.07)

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