There's more to Malaga than just an airport
Malaga is famed as one of Europe's top locations for the more
discerning tourist. With much to offer the golfer, yachtsman or
shopper, Malaga is renowned as a high class sunshine spot.
Although the attractions of Malaga are ample and virtuous, there
is little in the Spanish resort to occupy the more inquisitive
mind.
The city of Malaga offers plenty to while away the hours over
the course of a weekend or short break. But venturing further
into Southern Andalucia can be a rewarding experience for the
free spirited traveller. Andalucia is a heady mix of Spanish and
Moorish architecture - the moors having occupied the region
until the mid-fifteenth century. The illustrious past of the
region is exemplified just a short drive from Malaga where La
Alcazba, an archaeological museum housed in a Moorish fortress
provides a fascinating commentary on the hidden depths of Malaga
and the surrounding area ( http://www.andalucia.com ).
Indeed Southern Andalucia offers one of the most interesting and
varied self drive routes in Spain. Leaving Malaga and heading
West along provides a rewarding insight into the many faces of
Spain. Driving along the coast, the landscape varies as the
tourist savvy Costa del Sol gives way to the more unspoilt Costa
de la Luz.
Heading East into Granada and the magnificent city that gives
the region its' name is a must on a self drive tour of southern
Spain. Although relatively unspoilt by tourist activity Granada
is dominated by the impressive Alhambra, and offers meandering,
narrow streets - a further legacy of the regions Moorish
influence.
For a more cosmopolitan experience, the capital city of
Andalucia, Seville, lies to the north. Although the drive from
Malaga is not particularly rewarding, Spain's fourth largest
city offers the grandeur expected of a major European city. The
city is characterised again by Moorish architecture, but is
dominated by one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and the
impressive Mudejar Palace of Alcazar.
Car hire is readily available and relatively affordable in
Malaga (
http://www.easycar.com/aspx/car-hire/location/Malaga.aspx/EN ).
Driving in Southern Spain has no real pitfalls, although the
mountainous roads of Granada and the twisting coastal roads of
the Costa de la Luz must be taken with some additional care.
After the excitement of the Andalucian adventure, it can be nice
to relax and unwind back in Malaga, taking in a round of golf, a
stroll around the harbour or visiting one of the many
attractions afforded to the city's most famous son, Pablo
Picasso.