Wondering what to do this Easter? Pondering over where to go for your summer hols? Looking for a destination for a long weekend with the public holiday weekends coming thick and fast? Well get yourself down to Malaga and bask in the sunshine that is almost guaranteed in southern Spain at this time of year.
And with it being just a short plane ride away, why hesitate any longer?
Malaga Fair (Feria de Agosto)
Every August is the weeklong Feria de Agosto and it is unsurprisingly popular. It is very much a public event, with entry to all the ‘Casetas’ (tents) completely open and not private, unlike other Ferias in Andalusia.
The annual event stems from the re-conquest of the city in 1487 and is always in the third week of August so sunshine is almost certain, as are temperatures in the late twenties, early thirties.
Traditional flamenco dresses as well as people dancing in the streets are just some of the highlights.
Plenty of food options, in addition to the flowing drinks, make this one of Malaga’s most sought after events.
The Night of San Juan (Noche de San Juan)
The Night of San Juan, known locally as ‘Noche de San Juan’ is one of the most celebrated nights of the year. In acknowledgement of the saint, the locals head to the beaches, light bonfires and enjoy festivities with food and wine.
It comes from the belief that the gods can be seen on this night. It is also believed that if you jump over the bonfires all your sins will be cleansed from you.
This spectacular showpiece takes place every year on the 23rd of June, as summer really gets into full swing.
Sport
Watch Football
When visiting Malaga why not take in a football match at one of Spain’s most atmospheric stadiums: The Estadio La Rosaleda.
Being in Spain’s top flight, Malaga Football Club welcome all of Spain’s big guns on a frequent basis, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. So whether it is Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Fernando Torres you want to see, you will not be disappointed.
Furthermore, Malaga are not the soft touch they used to be, with recent participation in Europe’s top competition, the Champions League, sufficient evidence of their growing stature amongst the elite.
Play Tennis
Whether it be your serve or your backhand you are desperate to improve, playing tennis, or even enrolling on a course, is a greatly desired option in this beautiful part of Spain.
There are various academies with qualified coaches and courses available, catering for all levels and all ages.
The Puente Romano Club in Malaga is one of the most in demand for all of the above reasons. It has ten courts, eight of which are clay and the other two hard court.
In addition, the club has hosted concerts to some of the world’s most illustrious musical artists, including George Benson, Dionne Warwick, Lionel Richie, Liza Minnelli and José Carreras.
Cinema
The Flim Festival of Malaga is an annual event which this year will take place from 22 April to 1 May.
It is one of the world’s most recognised celebrations of the Spanish language films on the big screen, with pictures from both Spain and Latin America.
The event includes documentaries and is held at the Cervantes Theatre on Calle Ramon Marin, with the award the Biznaga de Oro, the most prestigious on offer for the best film, as well as other events and discussions about Spanish cinema.
Music
If music is your thing and you are looking for something to get your dancing shoes on for, then Malaga is an excellent destination for you.
The music festival ‘Weekend Beach’ is the most significant of its kind in the area and features local, as well as international, acts. This year it will take place on 6, 7, 8 and 9 July and will have various types of music, from rock to electronic, from hip-hop to reggae.
The clue is in the title with the music being played on a sandy beach to give the event an added allure. The Torre del Mar beach is just outside Malaga and is the perfect place for an occasion of its kind.
Malaga Carnival
The carnival of Malaga always takes place just before Lent, which normally falls in February.
Throughout Andalusia there are carnivals, and Malaga is no different with it hosting one of the most prestigious in the region.
Dancers, people dressed up, masked characters and street performers, such as bands and other entertainers, fill the streets to make this one of the most vibrant occasions of the year.
The principal procession goes from the Esperanza Bridge to La Malagueta Beach. It is at this beach that the famous ‘Burial of the Sardine’ occurs. And this is the sign that the carnival is at a close.
Where to stay
Low cost
The Venecia hotel definitely offers the best value for money option in town, with rooms available from around €50 per night.
Lying just a couple of hundred metres from Malaga’s official centre, the Venecia has received excellent reviews and is the ideal option for travellers on a slightly tighter budget.
Nevertheless, it still offers the essentials, including wifi, 24 hour reception, a bar/lounge area and car parking.
Mid Range
The Salles Hotel Malaga Central is one of the best four star hotels in the region and ideally located just five minutes from Malaga’s old town.
In addition, there is a wonderful rooftop terrace with stunning views and a poolside bar.
Depending on the time of year, a double room can be available at less than €100 per night.
Luxury
If it is something luxurious and top of the range you are after, then look no further than the hotel The Posada del Patio, situated in the heart of Malaga.
The place includes historic artefacts to give it a distinctive style. This aligned with a marvellous rooftop swimming pool makes this hotel one of the most sought after accommodations around.
Uniquely, archaeological remains lie beneath the 5-star hotel that include part of the city’s Arabic walls, which guests can visit from the hotel.
All the key spots are on your doorstep if you stay here, including the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum.
How to get to Malaga
Malaga is one of Europe’s most accessible cities due to its modern airport and high traffic flow.
And to make your journey complete, elect Shuttle Direct so you can get to where you are staying in the comfort you deserve.
Shuttle Direct offer a unique service that will not disappoint.
