ToursGaGa

Find a feast for the eyes at Malaga Central Market

Malaga Central Market's stained glass window floods the space with light, whilst the ironwork of the Moorish archways delight as much as the fresh produce. Bustling with life, the market is great for voyeurs; enjoy a seat, salted Malaga almonds and crisp Alhambra lager.

Get lifted above the city with help from the one armed lady

Malaga Cathedral (tel: +34 952 215 917) was designed to have two towers but funds went awry and only one was ever completed. Impressive none the less, the 'one armed lady' is a fine feat of renaissance architecture. Visitors are welcome to view the panoramas from the cathedral roof with day and night tours offered.

Marvel at the might of a Moorish fortress

Excellently preserved, Alcazaba fortress was originally built in the 11th century and offers a reminder of Moorish dominance in Spain as well as superb city views. Set above Malaga, the building is a network of corridors opening to sun-flooded patios and gardens, and is situated next to the Roman amphitheatre.

See world famous artwork in a pop-up museum

In effect, a pop-up museum (albeit for five years), the newly opened Pompidou Centre (tel: +34 951 926 200; www.centrepompidou-malaga.eu) is a brightly coloured, portside cube that houses contemporary art. Careful curation shows the depth of renown, including work by Picasso, Kahlo and Bacon, all loaned from its Parisian namesake.

Visit Paseo del Parque and walk the harbourfront

No visit to the city is complete without a harbourfront walk. Paseo del Parque is a wonderfully shaded garden, filled with palm trees, fountains and shrubs, which runs alongside the harbour as well as the surreal, but wonderfully designed, El Palmera de las Sorpresas promenade. As it ends, it becomes Muelle Uno, a rather swanky-looking strip of restaurants, bars and shops primarily designed to attract cruise ship day trippers. It also doubles as a hub for locals and visitors with cafés, ice cream parlours and bike hire stands. Turn a corner and the Lighthouse marks the end of this section before the city beaches begin at Malagueta, stretching eastwards to the beach districts of Pedregalejo and El Palo.