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Malaga is well known as the Airport which links the UK to the Costa del Sol in Spain's most southern coast, and principally Marbella its illustrious neighbour. However Malaga has much to commend itself to the visitor who, before traveling onwards should stop and investigate the delights of this wonderful cosmopolitan Spanish city.

The town is full of museums and restaurants and beaches, many of which are unknown to the usual tourist and may even be off the beaten track!

The Picasso museum is housed in an ancient Muslim palace so one can appreciate not only the contents but also the palace itself. Picasso was born in Malaga, a little known fact which not many people appreciate. Many of his early drawings and paintings are here for all to see on any day of the week.

Move on to the Alcazaba, a Muslim fortress so well preserved it might even be in better condition than its better known neighbour in Granada the Alhambra. The fortress dates back to the 11th century and was the main defensive feature of southern Spain in those days. It will take you several hours to wander around every nook and cranny.

By now it's probably time for lunch and where better to relax than in a superb restaurant 'La Casa del Angel' on madra de Dios. Here you can eat delicious and well prepared local dishes including a wonderful Paella or a breast of duck in a sweet sauce (magre de pato) .The Padrone keeps one of my favourite Riojas, Marquis de Riscal Gran Riserva, this must be decanted so order it first with your aperitivo; try the local annis with water, a little like pernod, so after all that culture this morning enjoy this 'Pick me up'! Whilst you eat, enjoy the ambience surrounded by art including more of Picasso's early drawings, what a treat you have in store.

Time for a stroll on the beach or maybe a sleep! In 10 minutes you can be on Il Palo Beach (Playa) here you can relax swim or take some sun and later on the nearby waterfront there are many bars to enjoy.

In the evening the centre of Malaga comes alive with live music and food venues. Try the Larios Caf' nestling between French style houses on calle Larios, blink and you might think you were in old Paris.

Another alternative is the famous cuisine of La Hacienda a restaurant dating back to the early seventies, with its innovative menu including my favourite, Pintada con pasas al vino de Malaga. (Guinea fowl with raisins, in a Malaga wine sauce.

Remember in Spain the locals do not come out to play until 10pm at the very earliest, some restaurants only open at 10.30 and stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning! This culture takes a bit of getting used to but it's well worth it even if you are just passing through. Look up a night spot called 'Weekend' on the Plaza de la Merced, the Plaza to be at this time of night or morning, and don't expect to go to bed until 6 a.m. You only live once so enjoy!