This area of Spain has been dubbed the "Costa del Golf" due to its 39 courses; year-round sunny weather and low course fees makes a round or two a great option. Bullfights are held during season at the Plaza de la Malagueta. A range of worthy activities beckon from off-shore: scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing are all popular in the warm waters. Beachside tour operators can arrange equipment rental and instruction. The more adventurous tourists in Malaga can take short daytrips to the beautiful beach of Nerja or Motril, while the town of Ronda will provide you with ample opportunity for the perfect holiday pictures of Spain. For those who need a break from the beaches but don't want to venture too far from Malaga, the Museo Picasso Malaga provides for an afternoon well spent; while the Alcazaba on Plaza de Aduana is a walk back in time as it dates back to the towns Moorish roots as well as the early Christian settlers.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.

Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Malaga's city can be busy and expensive and the beach is unfortunately located next to the main road.

Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and has the varied, high-quality nightlife to match. Tourists in Malaga need only take their pick from the varied Malaga nightlife scene, which is centred around nightclubs, tapas bars and traditional flamenco performances. Some of the best bars and clubs can be found around Plaza del Merced and Plaza Uncibay, while the areas of Malagueta and Pedragalejo have lively beach bars in summer. A good collection of laid-back bars line Calle Granada and Plaza del Vado del Maestre just off Calle Calderería. For all night Flamenco dancing, tourists and locals alike head to Avenida de los Guindos and Calle Las Lazcano. Malaga also has several theatres, dance troupes and even a resident philharmonic orchestra.

Malaga has top-rated restaurants to enjoy while on holiday in this Spanish resort town. Among some of the most highly recommended restaurants in Malaga are Clandestino, La Paloma, El Campanario de Ignacio and El Tintero.

Calle Marques de Larios is the main shopping avenue with plenty of swanky boutiques and galleries, while small, family-run shops can be found on the side streets. Local specialty goods include leather bags and shoes, embroidery, iron work and ceramics. El Corte Ingles, on Avenida de Andalucía, is a multi-story department store stocking everything under one roof. The best food market in town is the eclectic Atarazana, open daily until 2pm.

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).