Walking Spain: Made in Malaga

Malaga & Priego de Cordoba, 17-19 November 2012

Saturday, 17-11-12
After our bus left Malaga airport there was a massive downpour and many roads were awash with water. We made it safely to our hotel, and the rain stopped as quickly as it had started. The check-in process was quick, and a little later the group gathered in the hotel bar for a quick briefing before setting off to explore the town.
The hotel is well placed to explore the old town, with a supermarket next door, and a bakery and indoor market within close vicinity. During November, the old town was not heaving with tourists, and not too crowded during siesta time.

The old town has kept its charm with shops, businesses, restaurants, churches and a cathedral all coexisting in harmony.

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The cathedral has a small garden containing various interesting and bizarre statues.

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One of the main features of the town is the castle built in the Moor era. Beside the castle is a Roman amphitheatre.

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Very close to the harbour there is a pleasant garden area to stroll through.

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The harbour is of considerable size.

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and there is an ultra modern walkway along one side.

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Once siesta time is over, the shops, bars and restaurant open and the town comes alive as locals stroll about town enjoying their evening.

While in Malaga, evening meals are taken in traditional local restaurants, and there is also an opportunity to enjoy a tipple or two in rustic wine bars.

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Sunday 18-11-12

The day started with a hearty buffet breakfast and a conversation in Spanglish with the charming staff member who looks after the breakfast room.

After leaving the hotel, we walked to the building that houses Picasso’s works of art.

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One of the highlights was a film showing Picasso painting a vase of flowers, and while he paints, his expression are very entertaining.

Before taking a break for lunch, there was sufficient time to visit the house where Picasso was born.

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After a lunch break, we took advantage of free Sunday entry to the town’s castle that was built during the Moors era.

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From the castle, there are fine views over the city of Malaga.

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Monday 19-11-12

After breakfast there was time to view street art in the vicinity of the river.

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It was then back to the hotel where transport had been arranged to take the group to Torrijos for a circular walk in the Montes de Malaga area.

After an initial ascent, the walking was very easy going with an option to climb a hill.

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At lunch time, we sat in the sun and enjoyed our food and beverages.

We then set-off on the next half of the walk following a stream for part of the way.

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As we followed the trail we came across an attractive tree with yellow leaves (the only one of its type as far as we could see).

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Very soon we reached our original starting point and were collected by taxis.

Back in Malaga, we went out to a restaurant for our evening dinner, and then returned to our hotel to pack our baggage ready for our transfer to Priego de Cordoba the next morning.