People pass through Malaga, but do they know that it has two fabulous museums, an impressive cathedral, an Arab fortress and palace as good as any outside Granada, clear blue seas and miles of sandy beaches lined with chiringuitos serving fresh sardines. And in this top spot the top street is Calle Granada, running crookedly from the Plaza del Independencia to the Plaza de la Merced. It is where the Malaguenos go, especially at night, to visit their favourite tapas bars. There are many, but chief among them are La Campana - tiny, crowded and noisy - which serves superb fresh fish at knock-down prices; Piyayo, across the road, more up-market with seats outside; and the renowned El Pimpi, a vast rambling place full of different sized rooms, full of Spanish character and Spanish people. Try them all.

La Campana
Calle Granada nº35, 29015 Malaga, Spain
+34 952 219 202
Google map: bit.ly/l47dDm

Piyayo
Calle Granada 36, Malaga, Spain
+34 952 220 096
Google map: bit.ly/kz1yug

El Pimpi
Calle Granada, 62, 29015 Malaga, Spain
+34 952 228 990
Google map: bit.ly/lMOrco

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A magnificent square with some of the most beautiful 16th century, Renaissance buildings to be found anywhere in Spain. Stand and admire the elegant facades of the three Palacios, the double belfry church of Santa Maria with its superb cloisters, the Antiguo Posito or old granary, the Carcel de Obispo or bishops prison and the truly remarkable Capilla de Salvador. Where you can, go inside, especially the Palacio de Condestable Davalos, now a superb parador.

Google map: bit.ly/jmT8Mb

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The Museum of Spanish Abstract Art houses a magnificent permanent display of abstract painting and sculpture by some of the best modern Spanish artists, such as Chillida, Saura, Tapies and, our favourite, Zobel - works of light, contrast and wonder.
Temporary exhibitions of world artists offer further delights, but perhaps the greatest of all is the museum building itself - the Casas Colgadas, the 15th century houses of stone, wood and plaster hanging over the Hoz gorge. It sounds incongruous but sympathetic reconstruction provides spacious display areas in a contemporary style. And there are the vertiginous views over the gorge. In all, a surprise and a triumph.

Casas Colgadas, 16001 Cuenca
+ 34 969 21 29 83
www.march.es/arte/ingles/cuenca/situacion/situacion.asp
Google map: bit.ly/eAd4XI

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends