| #ffffff;" /> | | | | Malaga City |
| Have you ever found yourself looking enviously at | | | | Malaga City has enough of Costa del Sol’s |
| friends’ cheap holidays to the Costa del Sol, but | | | | attractions and culture to warrant several visits. Our |
| asking “yes, but aside from the gorgeous | | | | top picks are: |
| weather and golden beaches, what is there to do in | | | | The Alcazaba |
| the region?” If you answered yes to this highly | | | | This imposing Moorish fortress was built in the 8th |
| specific question, then let me be the first one to tell you | | | | century, and is very hard to miss right in the centre of |
| that actually there are many attractions surrounding | | | | the city. The views are stunning, and those in to their |
| Costa del Sol. | | | | Spanish history will delight in seeing this throwback still |
| Holidays to the Costa del Sol have something for | | | | well maintained against more modern scenery. |
| everyone. From culture vultures to sports enthusiasts, | | | | Gibralfaro Castle |
| there will be something for you! Here’s a list of | | | | On the hill next to the Alcazaba is the Gibralfaro |
| some of our favourites at Search Travel Online: | | | | Castle. The sight is again a special one for history |
| February – The Carnaval de Cadiz | | | | buffs, and it overlooks Malaga’s bay and the |
| This Costa del Sol attraction certainly won’t be | | | | city’s bull ring. The castle was left in ruins by the |
| for everyone on paper, but really is a fun event once | | | | French army in 1812, but thankfully the remaining |
| you get there! Cadiz’s carnival is a menagerie | | | | structure has been left to the delight of Costa del Sol |
| of singing, drinking, fancy dress and dancing filling a | | | | holiday makers with a yen for architecture and |
| massive 10 days. Over this period, the city is filled with | | | | historical discovery. |
| costumed groups (“murgas”) singing | | | | Teatro Cervantes |
| satirical songs and performing sketches. There are | | | | With a growing international reputation, the Teatro |
| around 300 officially recognised murgas, so | | | | Cervantes is the place in Malaga to take in the best |
| you’re sure to see a few – especially as | | | | opera, concerts and plays. Although it was originally |
| there are countless other ‘unofficial’ | | | | opened in 1870, it didn’t last long before it was |
| groups, who try to join in the festivities. If taking a | | | | devastated by fire. Indeed, renovations weren’t |
| cheap holiday to Costa del Sol in February, this is well | | | | begun until the 1980s. |
| worth checking out. | | | | Malaga Cathedral |
| March/April/May – Various Motor Racing Events | | | | Constructed in 1528, the Cathedral’s most |
| Jerez’s Circuito Permanente de Velocidad | | | | notable feature is that it has never been finished! One |
| plays host to a number of motorbike and car races | | | | of the towers is still absent, explaining its local name as |
| throughout the year, including one of the Grand Prix | | | | “La Manquita”. The structure is stunning, |
| races in the World Motorcycle Championship. Around | | | | and this Costa del Sol attraction is well worth a visit for |
| 150,000 Spanish spectators love to take in motorcycle | | | | those with an interest in historical church architecture. |
| racing, and it has found a home in Jerez since 1987. | | | | Picasso Museum |
| Racing enthusiasts should check the schedules to | | | | Perhaps Malaga’s biggest claims to fame is |
| know when these Costa del Sol attractions are | | | | that it is the birthplace of one of Spain’s most |
| running. | | | | renowned artists: Pablo Picasso. One of only three |
| August – Feria de Malaga | | | | museums in the world dedicated exclusively to the |
| Music fans should aim to take a cheap holiday to | | | | innovative artist, this popular Costa del Sol attraction |
| Costa del Sol in August, when they will fall in love with | | | | houses a great number of his works, and has the |
| Malaga’s Feria – a 9 day festival | | | | distinction of being inaugurated by King Juan Carlos |
| launched by a massive fireworks display, where the | | | | and Queen Sofia. |
| city is alive with vibrant music and dancing. During the | | | | The Roman Theatre |
| day, you’ll find the places to be are the Calle | | | | At the foot of the Alcazaba fortress is the |
| Marques de Larios, Plaza de la Constitucion and Plaza | | | | city’s Roman theatre. It was actually hidden |
| Uncibay, but at night the music fades (slightly!) to make | | | | underground until relatively recently – 1951! The |
| way for large fair grounds! Those who haven’t | | | | theatre was built during the reign of Emporer Augustus, |
| got their fix of exotic beats and rhythms for the day | | | | and was in use for two centuries. This is definitely one |
| can still head to the Cortijo De Torres, which hosts | | | | for those interested in ancient history on holiday in the |
| nightly flamenco and rock performances. | | | | Costa del Sol. |
| In addition to these annual events, there are some | | | | So, don’t be fooled into thinking that cheap |
| attractions surrounding Costa del Sol available all year | | | | Costa del Sol holidays offer only sun, sea and sand. |
| round… | | | | |