A lively promenade surrounds the port, featuring gardens, cafes and galleries and a ferris wheel.

Malaga's city beaches, La Malagueta and La Caleta, are stretches of man-made beach lying along the Promenade de Pablo Ruiz Picasso.

A pedestrianized downtown core is rich with heritage buildings, and full of brand-name stores, local shops and cafes.

Plaza de la Merced anchors Malaga's old city centre. It is a gathering place for celebrations and demonstrations.

Rising over the city are the two citadels, the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule.

Hammam al Andaluz is a restored traditional Arab Bath with steam rooms, hot and cool pools and massages.

The Roman amphitheatre, built by Emperor Augustus in the 1st Century BC  is in the heart of old Malaga, situated below the Alcazaba.

The Renaissance-era Cathedral is nicknamed "La Manquita" (one armed lady) because one of its towers was left unbuilt.

The Centre Pompidou is a contemporary art museum displaying works from the 20th and 21st Centuries.

Malaga has several excellent small museums dedicated to single artists. This one featured Felix Revello de Toro, a fantastic portraitist.

Mapas y Campania bookstore had a fun collection of books, maps and scientific games.

When we were there in February, the whole city was preparing for the parades and street entertainment of Carnival.

Along the Paseo del Parque is a botanical garden featuring various plant species and educational signs about the natural environments of Spain.

There are numerous buskers and street musicians on the streets. We became very fond of these two performers who we saw every day below our apartment.

Our favourite  art gallery provided lessons and promoted the work of budding artists.

Street art and installations were everywhere. Even the plywood on construction sites was artfully presented.