Royal visit to Malaga

The Medallas de Oro al Mérito de las Bellas Artes, or Gold Medals for Achievements in Fine Art, which recognises the work of a score of creators and cultural institutions were presented in Málaga last week at the Centre Pompidou by King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain. They arrived in Málaga on Tuesday morning to preside over the presentation of the awards, the winners of which, attended a special dinner at the Aduana Palace.

This very prestigious award ceremony was held in Málaga as a testament to the city’s booming cultural and restoration programme. Málaga city has experienced recently a regeneration surpassed by no other city in Spain. Whether a visit to one of the many museums or galleries including the Picasso, Carmen Thyssen, Malaga, Russian museums or a walk along the newly developed Muelle Uno waterfront to the Pompidou Centre in its glass cube takes your fancy, Málaga caters for all tastes.

For respite from sightseeing at the museums, cathedral, fortress etc., you can enjoy the wonderful café culture at a wealth of chic boutiques, gastro bars, tapas bars and cool cafés which have sprung up alongside the traditional coffee shops and old-fashioned taverns in the quaint side-streets of the historical heart of the city; perfect rest-spots between visiting the numerous landmarks. If it takes your pleasure, take a short walk to the Málaga beachfront and enjoy freshly caught seafood in one of the many relaxed chiringuitos; a firm favourite of visitors and locals alike.

If a spot of shopping is more to your liking, Málaga hosts a myriad of shops ranging from high-end luxury to high street brands as well as one-off shops selling unique locally made products. If the sun is just too over-bearing, Atarazanas covered market is a must for locally grown fresh produce, or head for one of the nearby department stores where you can shop in air-conditioned comfort.

Málaga, unlike many other Spanish cities, does not wind-down over the summer months; the vibrancy of the city is evident all year round.