Often referred to as the capital of Costa del Sol, Malaga is a beautiful old city that can trace its origins back to Roman times and has grown up around a harbour and a Moorish fortress.

If you want to experience the architecture and culture of Southern Spain when it is at its best and most typical, Malaga is an excellent choice of destination.

For the tourist who wants to experience another side of Costa del Sol we have selected a top-ten of sights and attractions in and around Malaga.

Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga in 1881 and the house where he was born lies in central Malaga on Plaza de Merced. The place houses an exhibition of paintings and artifacts from Picasso’s life. In the Picasso Museum in the Buenavista Palace, the visitor will find 155 paintings as well as drawings, sculptures and much more by Picasso.

Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress which originally dates back to the 8th Century. A large part of the remaining buildings can be traced back to the 11th Century. Alcazaba was used as a palace for the rulers of Malaga. In the fortress’ heyday, Alcazaba consisted of more than 100 towers and mosques. Today, visitors will find plenty of picturesque little gardens and courtyards and, on the top of the fortress, a little Alhambra.

Castillo de Gibralfaro situated at the top of the Gibralfaro hill, dates back to the beginning of the 14th Century when it was built in order to protect Alcazaba. What is left now are the massive ramparts and a long walled path with a great view over Malaga.

Semana Santa, Easter Week, in Malaga is a fantastic experience: Big, religious parades move through the city all week (see image) and the city is vibrant with music and life. Typically, a parade carries two heavy thrones: First, the throne of Christ and next a throne with Virgin Mary crying over her son.

Fiesta in August: For two weeks in August, while the rest of Costa del Sol are busy catering for their tourists, Malaga virtually shuts down all shops and offices, because in Malaga, August is fiesta time! Visit the fiesta town on the outskirts of the city and see the Malagueño ride up and down the streets on horseback with his señorita in flamenco dress.

La Manquita, the cathedral of Malaga. La Manquita means “the one-armed woman" and refers to the lopsided look of the cathedral: The eastern bell-tower is missing, for the simple reason that people behind the construction ran out of funds.

Plaza de la Constitución at the top of the fashionable shopping street Call de Marqués de Larios. In Plaza de la Constitución, religious, traditional and cultural celebrations take place throughout the year.

Stalactite caves: Outside the little town of Nerja, less than an hour’s drive from Malaga, lies Cueva de Nerja: Large, deep stalactite caves, definitely worth a visit. The area around the caves is called “The Balcony of the Mediterranean" because of its beautiful views over the ocean.

Picturesque towns: A little outside the city of Malaga lies Mijas, a small, originally Muslim town, typically Andalusian in style: Narrow streets, whitewashed houses and beautiful views. Or go to Ronda, a town placed on the two sides of a deep gorge. To get to Ronda, take the charming old train from the 1890’s. The ride is beautiful.

Parador, once a Moorish palace, now a state-owned luxury hotel in Malaga’s old town. If you are looking to spoil yourself a little, enjoy a meal on the hotel’s terrace and enjoy the fantastic view of Malaga, the harbour and the sea.

And when you need a break from all this, there are still the beaches!

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Photo: www.spain.info