Are you looking for a combination of sun, sea, golf and cultural tourism? Today we take you to Málaga, less than five hours from Madrid by car and a little over two and a half hours from Atocha Station by high-speed rail. (Click here for other points of origin and timetables.)
Málaga offers two perfect Paradores: Málaga Golf and Gibralfaro. Both are fantastic for a three-day getaway: they offer a swimming pool, outdoor parking, terrace, suites, restaurants serving a range of delicious food and incredible views. It's just a matter of whether you prefer to stay in the middle of a golf course with direct access to the beach or high atop a mountain with spectacular views. Whichever option you choose, you'll never go wrong with Paradores!
Here's a great plan that will allow you to get the most out of your stay if you choose Málaga Golf.
Day 1: enjoy the Parador facilities
When you arrive at the Parador de Málaga Golf, start out by enjoying the views of the semi-private beach with direct access from the hotel. When we say the hotel is on the beach, we really mean it! And of course, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent 18-hole golf course (designed by Simpson & Colt), a truly spectacular links course where you can give free reign to your passion. If tennis is more your thing, the Parador also has tennis courts. Or if you're more interested in sunbathing and the occasional dip...take advantage of the swimming pool with views of the golf course and Mediterranean.
After the first day spent enjoying whatever strikes your fancy, we recommend taking a table at the Parador restaurant and letting the kitchen staff, headed by Juan Antonio Aguilar, pamper you. Here, dining becomes an experience. Be sure to try the cream of langoustine or the Parador house starters, a culinary divertissement with delicious bite-sized portions.
Day 2: stroll through history
On the second day of your getaway, be sure to visit the Alcazaba (Moorish fortress) and Gibralfaro Castle in the city of Málaga. (You can catch the train, which will take you to the city center for a round-trip price of 4, and save yourself the trouble of looking for parking or having to pay for private parking.) At the castle, you can walk and see a small exhibition of old weapons and uniforms. But without a doubt, an attraction which well deserves a leisurely stroll, enjoying the moment, is Málaga's Moorish fortress. This spectacular space is filled with vegetation and well-maintained courtyards.
If you don't feel like walking up to Gibralfaro Castle, you can grab the number 35 bus and save your energy (the climb takes 25-30 minutes).
You can purchase a combined ticket to the two attractions. However, they are not connected, so you will need to visit first one and then the other.
Oh, and one thing to bear in mind: before visiting the ancient fortress, we urge you to stop at the Parador de Gibralfaro (located next to the castle) to enjoy a bite to eat or a drink on the terrace. You'll immediately understand why it is one of the most visited spots in the city and among the favourite hotels among visitors to Málaga.
After this busy day of urban tourism, before returning to the Parador de Málaga Golf, here's another suggestion to get to know the city better: if you're a fan of traditional markets, make a stop at Atarazanas and enjoy the gorgeous stained-glass windows and wrought iron while shopping for some of the region's typical products.
Day 3: museum time!
Enjoy your last morning at the Parador by starting with a relaxed breakfast (how about that buffet!) at the restaurant with a sea view. Then take a stroll along the shore and get up your strength to enjoy a bit of shopping at the outlet mall just opposite the hotel (you can get there on foot) and treat yourself!
And be sure to make one last visit to the city of Málaga before heading home. Immerse yourself in art at some of the city's many museums:
- Picasso Museum and Picasso Casa Natal Foundation
- Málaga Center for Contemporary Art
- MIMMA Málaga Interactive Museum of Music
- Alborania Aula del Mar Museum
If you're traveling back by train, the station is in the city center, allowing you to make the most of your time.
If you came to Málaga by car, take advantage of your return trip to stop for lunch at one of the Paradores you'll find along your way:
