Hotels near Malaga, Spain

A little about Malaga...

Málaga is a port city in Andalusia, southern Spain, on the Costa del Sol coast of the Mediterranean. According to the 2006 census the population is 558,287. The population of the city of Málaga proper was 558,285 as of 2005 estimates. The population of the urban area was 814,000 as of 2005 estimates. The population of the metropolitan area (urban area plus satellite towns) was 1,074,074 as of 2005 estimates, ranking as the fifth largest metropolitan area in Spain. Málaga is surrounded by mountains, lying in the southern base of the Axarquía hills, and two rivers, the Guadalmedina - the historic center is located on its left bank - and the Guadalhorce, which flows west of the city into the Mediterranean. The Holy Week, and the Málaga Fair ("Feria de Málaga") are the two most well-known of Málaga's festivals.

The city is a popular tourist destination, due mainly to its proximity to the Costa del Sol. Many tourists also visit here to see the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. There are very cheap flights to Málaga from countries in Northern Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany. From Málaga, other cities like Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, and Jaén can be reached by train, bus or car.

A popular walk leads up the hill to the Gibralfaro castle (a Parador), offering extensive views over the city. The castle is next to the Alcazaba, which in turn is next to the inner city of Málaga. By taking the Paseo del Parque, a promenade that runs alongside a park with many palm trees and statues, one can walk to the harbour, finishing in Calle Larios the main commercial street of the city.

Transportation: The city is served by Málaga Airport. The Port of Málaga is the cities seaport. The main rail station is Málaga-Renfe which is connected with Madrid Atocha by Talgo 200. Later in 2007, the high-speed train AVE will come into service, reducing travel time to Madrid to just two and a half hours. The city has two Cercanías (commuter train) lines and a metro system is under construction.

Buses are the main form of transport around the city. Málaga's bus station is connected with the city by the bus line number 4, although it is only 10 minutes walk to the Alameda from there. Car rental is available at the airport Arrivals. Many tourists prefer to hire a car; it gives maximum freedom and flexibility to explore and experience the city and surrounding areas. Car rental is cheap and the services are excellent owing to the intense competition, although it is worth checking that the car rental pick up location is based at the airport itself.