It’s hard to top Malaga’s beaches for their all-around appeal. For days away from the beach, there are activities such as golf and hiking, but if the sun is beating down you may just want to cool off at one of the Costa del Sol’s fun-packed water parks.

Beaches
For many visitors, the city’s beaches are Malaga's highlight, offering fun and relaxation for all ages. Kids will love building castles in the soft powdery sands, while parents can lie back and enjoy a good book while catching a few rays. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the wealth of water sports on offer or work up a sweat with a game of Frisbee or a kick around with a beach ball. El Candado Beach is close to the city centre and probably the best in terms of facilities and all-round appeal. El Palo and Las Acacias are a little further away but are also impressive.

Golf
The fine Mediterranean weather makes golf a highly satisfying experience in Malaga and one that many holidaymakers with a penchant for the game come in search of. The Costa del Sol is brimming with great courses, while exclusive to the Malaga area is Parador Malaga de Golf and the Guadalhorce Golf Club. Green fees are reasonable and equipment is available for hire.

Hiking
Malaga is surrounded by mountains so on days when the heat is moderate, visitors can enjoy anything from a leisurely walk to a challenging trek. The sea breezes temper the heat in the summertime so this activity can be pursued more frequently than you might imagine.

Tivoli World
Located in neighbouring Benalmadena, Tivoli World is a fun-packed theme park offering entertainment for the whole family but with particular appeal to younger visitors. There are various fairground style rides available as well as shows playing in various locations across the park throughout the day. Highlights of the park include the Andalusian flamenco and the Wild West show. Phone: +34 952 57 70 16; www.tivolicostadelsol.com/eng/index.php

Water Parks
There are three water parks in the Costa del Sol and while none of them are situated in Malaga itself, all are easily reachable if you have a hire car at your disposal. Aqualand in Torremolinos, Aqua Velis Water Park in Torre del Mar and Parque Acuatico Mijas just outside Fuengirola offer a variety of watery attractions including slides, wave pools and swimming areas.

Boasting Pablo Picasso as one of its former residents, Malaga is not a city short on cultural attractions. In fact, the great artist himself provides the theme for a number of venues. Bullfighting has long been an integral part of local life and culture, and visitors can sample the sport at the city’s historic arena or get a less gory experience at the arena’s museum.

Archaeological Museum
Housed within the old fortress of La Alcabaza, this museum is home to a collection of artefacts discovered on digs across the Costa del Sol. Among the collection are pieces ranging from Phoenician up to Moorish times and examples included sculptures, ceramics and mosaics. Phone: +34 952 22 72 30

Bullfighting Museum
Located at Malaga’s historic bullfighting ring, this museum presents a wealth of information about this popular Spanish tradition. Visiting the museum is a great alternative for those who do not want to attend a fight. Phone: +34 952 22 62 92

Picasso Foundation (Fundación Picasso)
One of Spain’s most famous artists, Pablo Picasso, was born in Malaga and the building that now serves as the Picasso Foundation was his home for the first year and a half of his life. This five-storey building houses a variety of Picasso’s works, including sculptures and paintings, and regularly hosts exhibitions of avant-garde artists. Phone: +34 952 06 02 15; www.fundacionpicasso.es/en/index.html

Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta
Although bullfighting continues to be a subject of considerable controversy, it has been a popular aspect of Spanish culture for hundreds of years. The bullfighting ring in Malaga dates to 1874 so is a historic landmark as much as it is a venue for local entertainment. Fights are staged regularly and can see crowds of up to 15,000 spectators. Phone: +34 952 222 172

Museo Picasso Malaga
Situated close to the place where Picasso was born, this museum is a must for anyone interested in the life and works of the famous artist. The museum’s collection includes over 200 of Picasso’s works, with everything from paintings to ceramics and sculptures on display. There are also a number of family heirlooms on show. Phone: +34 902 44 33 77

Malaga is extremely tourist-oriented, so the choice of eateries is extensive and covers not only traditional Spanish fare but international cuisine also. There is no shortage of expat-owned businesses so you won’t struggle to find British style fish ‘n’ chips or a fried breakfast, or German bratwurst (sausage) and bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes).

If you prefer to sample some of the local specialities then look out for the various seafood dishes for which the city and the Andalusian region are famous. Espetos are a favourite with the locals and are akin to a kebab made from sardines. Also notable in the seafood category is the shellfish in white wine dish known as coquinas and the potato and fish soup with vinegar known as gazpachuelo.

Shopping options are excellent in Malaga with everything from local open-air markets to air-conditioned malls. Small, independent retailers that have been in the same hands for several generations are also plentiful and well worth checking out if you are looking for something unique or unusual.

Marqués de Larios is the place to head if you want branded goods from both Spanish and international retailers. Here you’ll find outlets such as Zara, Blanco, Stradivarius, Mango and Bershka. Generally, prices are considerably lower than in the UK and the US so this can be a good place to pick up some bargains.

If you are looking to take home something traditional and typical of Malaga, then wine is a good choice as there are a number of excellent varieties made in the region. Otherwise, leather goods and artworks are popular buys.