Pick up your hire car at Malaga airport and beautiful beaches and, yes, culture too are just minutes away.
"We're not just about Brits abroad and beaches - we're a successful, culturally aware city that can rival anything our neighbour Seville has to offer!"
The city does have plenty to offer: history, churches, gardens, museums and art. But the place is still a magnet for tourists heading simply for the great beaches.
If you seek out the 'real Malaga', you'll find culture and architecture in abundance - but sun, fun and cheap jugs of sangria are never far away.
The locals are slightly less inclined towards excess than the tourists that pay their bills, tending to prefer football and religion to beer and rum.
With a year-round average temperature of 19 degrees, there really is little chance of bringing Britain's less-than-desirable weather with you when you go to Malaga.
Although the sea provides an incredible selection of fresh fish, your trip to Malaga would not be complete without trying the region's version of gazpacho - ajo blanco.
Antonio Banderas may be pretty big in Hollywood but he can only be seen as the celebrity runner-up to the great Pablo Picasso, who was born here in 1881.
Malaga is named after the Phoenician word for salt as the local fish were salted in the city's harbour back in 1000 BC.
"A lively and bustling city crammed with beautiful corners in which it is possible to discover neighbourhoods of a rich Andalusian flavour." - www.spain.info.
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1. Picasso Museum
Built in the 16th century, the building provides the suitably impressive backdrop for the work of Malaga's most celebrated cubist.
Park your hire car in Parking Alcazaba in Plaza de la Merced - it's a two-minute walk from the museum.
2. The Cathedral of Malaga
It is known locally as 'La Manquita', or 'one-armed woman', but don't let that put you off - this really is a stand-out cathedral in a region noted for them.
You can park for free in shopping centres such as Eroski, Vialia or Plaza Mayor and take a short walk to the cathedral.
3: Iglesia Santiago
One of four churches commissioned by Catholic monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand, this 17th century building boasts some of the finest Mudjar-style architecture that typifies Malaga's streets.
You can walk from Parking Alcazaba in Plaza de la Merced or from Brunos Parking in Avenida Garcia Morato.
4: Alcazaba
The perfect example of what those that spend their entire holiday drunk are missing. This Moorish fortification, built between the 8th and 11th centuries, is a must-see.
You can't park in the Alcazaba itself, but Parking Alcazaba in Plaza de la Merced is only about a five-minute walk away.
5: Calle Larios
Malaga's most famous street has been at the heart of life in the city for many years. It is at its most exciting during the August festival, Christmas and carnival.
Parking on the Calle Larios itself might be a bit tricky, so try the private car park on Calle Olozaga 12 instead, just five minutes' walk.
1: Ronda
The beautiful mountain town of Ronda is built around a dizzyingly deep gorge. The views around town will repeatedly take your breath away - as will the drop.
Take the A-7 then the A-367 west of Malaga. You're looking at a 1 hour 40-minute drive.
2: Granada's Alhambra Palace
Undoubtedly the jewel in Andalucia's crown, Granada's Alhambra Palace is the stuff of legend and dates back as far as the 9th century. Definitely worth an 80-mile drive.
Drive north on the A-45 then join the A-92 and follow signs to Granada. It should take you about an hour and 40 minutes.
3: Marbella
Just 30 miles west of Malaga is the supermodel city of Marbella. Once the plaything of the rich and famous it can still boast more yachts than Roman Abramovich's boatyard.
Follow the A-7 then the AP-7 westwards along the coast for around 36 miles.
4: Mijas Pueblo
Roughly 30 minutes drive from Malaga is the beautiful winding village of Mijas. Park up and swap your hire car for the traditional mode of local transport, the donkey. It's the best way to see the city.
Take the A-7 westwards along the coast, take exit 214 and follow signs to Mijas Pueblo.
" Malaga is not a massive city, so you won't feel too stressed out by driving here. The traffic becomes busy in summer time heading south, where the main tourist beaches are located. If you don't mind paying the toll it's better to use the A-7 rather than the overcrowded N-340. And be careful if you're parking on the street - avoid yellow-painted kerbs and make sure you pay at the meter if you're next to blue-painted ones. "
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