Where can you sleep?
Málaga has a very large accommodation offer that responds to the very high tourist demand in this area. If you would like to visit this province during summer season, you need to know that is its highest demand season, which means finding accommodation becomes extra difficult, particularly if you want to stay by the beach.
If you would like to enjoy of a quieter place, where you can also experience a less crowded essence of Málaga, we suggest you give rural tourism a try, where visiting the towns and villages in the rest of the province will allow you to get to know the area a little bit more.
Amongst the most important locations, we recommend visiting the home of the river Tajo: Ronda. And with it, the impressive views that have served as the inspiration for many artists.
If you are a fan of big contrasts, we suggest you visit Antequera, and its moon-like landscape. A true natural gem to immortalize.
Nerja, and the impressive caves in it, has been the set of some famous films and tv-shows, such as the Spanish show “Verano Azul”. Another unique experience here is enjoying of the views from the Balcón de Europa, which are some of the most impressive ones in the continent.
Frigiliana, caught in middle of a natural reserve, Archidona, and Júzcar, the smurf town and of the most peculiar ones in the area, are waiting for you with open arms.
Many of these small destinations are in the list of the most beautiful villages in Andalucía.
What to do in the area?
This province offers a great amount of things to do, places to visit and areas to explore and get lost in, and where you will be able to discover Málaga's art and true essence in depth.
Amongst the things that you can't forget to visit in this province, you can start with the Tajo de Ronda and its views that are not fit for those afraid of heights, as they will have to cross the Puente Nuevo, the only construction that separates people, from the 100 m of void below.
From the age of the Muslim invasion, we recommend visiting the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, a 15,000 m2 land extension that is nowadays very little compared to its original structure.
For those travelling with children and are looking for ideas to surprise them, the Cuevas de Nerja are an excellent choice for them to enjoy of this cave complex, where they will be able to discover cave paintings which are more than 42,000 years old.
On the other hand, Mija is also one of the most popular destinations here. It might be for the peculiar donkey-taxis, or because of the characteristic white of its lovely houses.
To wrap up your trip with a natural touch, the Torcal in Antequera, and Sierra Bermeja are the best place for a day trip to the mountain.
What typical foods are recommended?
The influence that this region has received of many other civilizations throughout the ages, can be seen in its gastronomy, with the influence of elements from the Phoenician culture, to the Arab and, of course, of the typically castilian gastronomy.
There are two main things that differentiate the local cuisine depending on which are you are staying. There is the gastronomy typical from the areas that are by the coast, where small fish are the main ingredient, specially prepared in fritters. A nice and tasty example of this are 'espetos de sardinas'.
Some other local popular dishes are the 'porra antequerana' a cold soup very similar to the 'salmorejo', or the 'gazpachuelo', another soup but which is eaten warm, and has fish a the main ingredient for the broth.
For dessert, amongst the local sweets delicacies are those produced in Antequera, such as the 'tortas' and the 'roscos de almendra' that are typical from this town. During Christmas, 'alfajores', 'mantecados' and 'borrachuelos' are the preferred desserts to finish up a traditional meal.
Where are the festivities?
Málaga is a province of deep-rooted festive spirit, so much so, that you will find a local festivity honouring the town or village, and its patron saint, almost everywhere.
If you're travelling to Málaga, one of the best ways to get to know its customs, culture and tradition, is engaging in the local festivities where you will be able to witness it first hand.
Amongst its more popular ones is the Feria de Málaga, a very important event for the people of Málaga where you will find plenty of traditional elements, typical food, dancing, and traditional dances from this region.
Another of the main festivities celebrated here with great fervour here, and in most of the provinces of Andalucía, is Easter week.
During this week devoted to religious celebrations, you will see its is plagued with processions, religious canticles, and the images of saints, who are met in the biggest religious event of the year, which in this province acquires special relevance.
