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With winter fast approaching, the appeal of a sun-drenched European getaway becomes all the more appealing.
While most coastal cities on the Old Continent are still struggling to keep up with pre-pandemic visitor numbers, there’s one Spanish hotspot that’s currently breaking all tourism records.
More than 2.2 million visitors traveled through Málaga airport last September, an increase of 12% compared to the same month in the record year 2019.
The beautiful coastal city not only outperforms most European destinations, but leads as Spain’s fastest growing hotspot, surpassing even Madrid and Barcelona.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the vibrant center of the Costa Del Sol managed to exceed all expectations:
Sunlit banks
Malaga boasts some of the most pristine beaches in all of Spain, making it the ultimate bucket list item for travelers looking to escape the plunging temperatures at home.
With around 320 days of sunshine a year, the city offers the perfect climate for those looking for a relaxing sun session, while other coastal destinations are bringing the beach season to an end.
Temperatures in October range between 59°F and 75°F, creating the perfect setting for a pleasant beach day that will leave you feeling as refreshed as you would in the sun.
Playa de la Malagueta, the city’s most famous beach, is known for its soft, golden sand and crystal clear waters.
Whether you want to take it easy and just bask under the Spanish sun or get your adrenaline pumping and go jet skiing instead, Malaga promises the experience of a lifetime.
If you’re looking for something a little quieter, nearby Playa de Pedregalejo might be a better choice.
Although serene, the coast is still dotted with traditional chiringuitos (beachside restaurants) serving fresh seafood, juicy olives and excellent wines.
Cultural wealth
In addition to its natural allure, Malaga is blessed with a rich, fascinating history that will leave even the most avid city trippers in awe.
The history of the city goes back more than 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe.
Malaga’s historic center, with its winding narrow streets and charming architecture, is a particularly fascinating testament to its past.
If you ever get the chance to visit the crown jewel of the Costa Del Sol, make sure you don’t miss the iconic Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress built in the 11th century that overlooks the entire city and provides the ideal backdrop to your next postcard.
If you’re an art lover, chances are you already know that Malaga is home to cubist legend Pablo Picasso.
There is even an entire museum dedicated to the ingenious artist, located in the heart of the city, which is a must-see for all travelers, regardless of their interest in Picasso, his work or art in general.
If you need nothing else, visit the Picasso Museum and experience the way it truly reflects the vibrant Malagueño spirit.
Well connected
Although Malaga is a beautiful, captivating destination in its own right, the fact that the coastal city is so well connected to the rest of the country only makes it all the more attractive to international visitors who want to experience as much of Spain as possible in one trip. .
Malaga is connected to other major Spanish cities, including Madrid, Seville, Cordoba and Barcelona, by the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) high-speed train network.
This is undoubtedly the fastest and most efficient mode of domestic travel in the country, and there are frequent journeys to suit all schedules.
However, if you want to go somewhere that is not covered by the AVE, you can always opt for regional trains, the most commonly used trains connecting Malaga with nearby towns and cities in the Andalusian region.
In terms of urban transport, Malaga has an extensive network of buses operated by EMT (Empresa Malagueña de Transportes), with fares starting from €1.3 per trip and €8.3 for a 10-day pass.
A paradise for party goers
As the sun sets, Malaga transforms into a vibrant center that appeals to locals and tourists alike.
Among the city’s seemingly endless bars, clubs and music venues, partygoers are spoiled for choice (until the early hours of the morning).
With intimate jazz bars, energetic nightclubs and everything in between, Malaga’s nightlife is as captivatingly diverse as its visitors.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
