To most people Malaga is the airport destination as a gateway to the Costa del Sol however Malaga, Capital of the Costa del Sol, is also a large important city itself and has many attractions that would reward a short stop over before you head off down the coast.

Since the opening of the Picasso museum in 2003 more and more tourists have been coming to Malaga to appreciate the citys’ cultural, relaxed atmosphere and fantastic climate. Sheltered by the mountains yet still benefiting from the sea breezes the summers tend to have a more comfortable heat, although it is still very warm in July and August, whereas the winters are mild and protected from too much bad weather. This certainly makes Malaga an all year round destination to enjoy.

For the shopper there is a wide variety of places to spend your euro or just window shop with large department stores such as El Corte Inglese or the many small boutiques tucked away down the many side roads off the attractive squares. Much of this is centered on Calle Marquis de Larios a pleasant pedestrian area that runs off the Alameda, the main avenue, and leads to the Plaza Marina at the port. Not only can you find great shopping but there are many cafes and bars which come alive during the evening when the locals like to promenade with friends and family. The Plaza de Constitution at the top of the Calle is where many of the traditional and cultural events are held throughout the year and is a particularly exciting place to go at Christmas time.

Every August Malaga holds the region's biggest and most exciting party, the Feria de Malaga during which the city centre is transformed with people on horseback dressed in typical costume. Thousands of locals and visitors dress up and line the city centre streets, decorated food stalls offer local delicacies and after sampling the local Malaga wine or a sweet sherry there's plenty of music and dancing In the evening. The real de la feria then moves away from the centre to Cortijo de Torres, where there are many exhibitions and pavillions open to the public with over 300 spectacles and 1600 performers. The nights are dedicated to flamenco dance and music, peña music groups, pop and flamenco bands and competitions. The port is lit up by a firework display, turning the city into an explosion of light and colour. This is also Malaga's main bullfighting season, so if you're not squeamish or don't object you can catch the matadors at the Plaza de Toros.

For those who like to get away from the bustle of the city there are many public gardens to visit the most famous being Los Jardines de la Concepcion. Established in 1855 this is a fantastic house and collection of buildings with views of Malaga that has been carefully looked after and protected by the Malaga authorities. The sub tropical gardens contain a wide variety of species and there are many walks enabling you to take in not only the flora but the architectural remains that are contained in the estate.

One of the traits of Malaga and its people is that although there are many things to do and see there is always a very relaxed atmosphere about the city. Whether it is the pleasant climate or just the fact that the Malaga culture is a more relaxed way of life even shopping becomes a more enjoyable experience.

So sandwiched between one of the busiest airports in Europe and one of its most famous and hectic coastines, the Cost del Sol, Malaga makes a fine relaxing destination any time of the year for all visitors.