Málaga city is the major coastal city of Andalucia and is a genuine and typical Andaluz city with a gritty individualism untouched by tourism and, to a large extent, the passage of time. Pablo Picasso is the city’s famous son (not counting Antonio Banderas of course!) and there are several galleries showing his work. His birthplace in Plaza Merced is today an archive of his life and works and open to the public; the entrance is absolutely free. Malaga is always closed for the siesta period, so this is a perfect time for a long relaxing lunch!
Part of the city's attraction is that of its intriguing layout which makes it particularly appealing for exploring. There are endless narrow streets, historic buildings and quaint old-fashioned shops which have remained largely unchanged despite the passage of time. This means that Malaga literally has something for everyone; a unique appeal which for one person may derive from the vitality and hospitality of the people, another from the architecture and, still another from the overall ambience and graciousness of the city