Malaga is an up and coming gay destination with many gay bars and clubs, mostly based in the Plaza de la Merced in the beautiful Malaga old town, near to the cathedral and the Picasso museum.

Although the outskirts of the city of Malaga contain some of the worst concrete monstrosities (also known as apartment blocks!) to be found on the Costa del Sol, the city centre is full of historic buildings, leafy parks, museums, twisty alleyways and a wonderful variety of bars and restaurants.

Overlooking the city centre are the Castillo de Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba. The Castillo dates from the 8th century and the Alcazaba from the 11th century. These huge ancient fortifications are slowly being restored to the former imposing glory. It is definitely worth the climb up to the Castillo, as the views of the port, the bullring and the Old City are spectacular.

The recently opened Picasso museum celebrates the fact that Picasso was born in Malaga in 1881. The museum has one of the largest collections of his work in the world and is worth a visit although you shouldn't expect to see much of his more famous later works. Entrance to the museum is even free on the last Sunday of each month!

Once you've exhausted yourself wandering around the city centre, you can always take a break on one of Malaga's sandy beaches which are just a couple of hundred metres from the city centre.

In the middle of August, Malaga holds the biggest feria (fair) in the whole of Spain, and the city centre becomes one big party venue!