19th June 2024

Hi,

On Monday 3rd of June I travelled from Edinburgh to Malaga to spend 6 days with former work colleagues Eddie, Jim and Keith from Safeway working days. Collectively known as 'The Gang of Four' we have kept up our connections over a thirty year period. This however was only our second trip away from Scotland.

I had only passed through Malaga briefly in the past en route to a walking holiday in Andalucia so it was good to explore a new city. Malaga is the sixth largest city in Spain.

I'm going to let the photos tell the story, but for any traveller I will just make a few points about the main things to see and do.

There are three main sights which are all closely grouped together. Firstly the Roman Theatre, built in the Ist century and used until the 3rd. Just above the Theatre is the Alcazaba, a Citadel or Moorish Fortress, built from 11th to 14th centuries. It take up a huge portion of the hillside of the mount of Gilbralfaro. Adoining the Fortress is the Castle of Gilbralfaro which goes right up to the top of the mount. All three of these historical buildings can be taken in using about half to three quarters of a day. There is a steep climb up to the castle but you can always get the 35 bus up!

As with any Spanish city there is a huge Cathedral with one completed tower and the other unfinished. I didn't go in, having been to too many last year in the north of Spain.

We took a couple of walks along the front, taking in the Lighthouse which was built in 1817 and is a symbol of the city. We took a boat trip out of the harbour which lasted an hour. If I had my life over again I wouldn't bother. You get a different perspective on the harbour and the city but I wouldn't waste your time. It goes without saying that we had excellent seafood along the front, but I'll come back to the food later.

Another day out was a train ride along the coast to Fuengirola. We disembarked there and took a twenty minute bus ride up the hill to a smart. whitewashed town called Mijas. Walking around the pretty streets we ended up in The Secret Garden, a steakhouse recommended by Jim and well worth the visit. I had the largest portion of ribs in my life washed down by a red Argentinian Malbec called Hereford.

Malaga is buzzing every night and we didn't get a bad meal all week. We tried Thai, Mexican, Argentinian Steak and of course plenty of Tapas. All four of us were agreed that the standard of cuisine is very high in Malaga. Our air b n b was central and it is easy to get around the city. It also felt very safe at night with minimal police presence.

I thinks that covers most things. I think you would need three days to take in the sights and get a feel for the city which was well worth a visit. Thanks to Eddie for arranging flights and transport. It was great to be together with the GOF for an extended period.

Take a look at the photos which will tell you the rest of the story.

All the best

Murdo