malaga Overview

Population of the city of Málaga proper was 558,287 as of 2005 estimates. Population of the urban area was 814,000 as of 2005 estimates. Population of the metropolitan area (urban area plus satellite towns) was 1,074,074 as of 2005 estimates, ranking as the fifth largest metropolitan area in Spain. Málaga is surrounded by mountains, lying in the southern base of the Axarquía hills, and two rivers, the Guadalmedina (its on the left bank) and the Guadalhorce, flow near the city into the Mediterranean.

The climate is mild and equable, the mean annual temperature being about 19 °C (66 °F). For its broad sky and broad expanse of bay the city has been compared to Naples.

The inner city of Málaga is just behind the harbour. The quarters of El Perchel, La Trinidad and Lagunillas surround this centre. The city has much revenue from the agricultural sector and from tourism.

Theme parks

PARQUE DE LAS CIENCIAS
Granada

Granada's excellent new science museum is located just 2 kilometres south of the centre of the city at Avenida del Mediterráneo. The emphasis here is on hands-on exhibits and there is a designated room for children to explore basic scientific principles.

Open from Tues to Sat from 10am to 7pm (to 3 pm on Sundays). Entry is 3 euros and the planetarium has sessions hourly for an additional 1,50 euros.

Tel: 958 13 1900


ISLA MAGICA
Sevilla
Isla Magica, Sevilla
Isla Magica, Sevilla

The Isla Mágica amusement park is located on the original Expo site in Seville and opened in 1997 at a cost of some 15 billion pesetas. The overall theme is the 16th century Spanish colonial adventure and highlight rides include the Anaconda and El Jaguar roller coasters, the latter with high speed 360 degree turns. Another popular ride is the Iguazú set in an Amazon jungle waterfall. There are also various show staged throughout the day, and a cinema with tilting seats and a giant screen where you can re-live an explorer's adventures.

Open from March to October from 11am to midnight.
Entry is 19 euros for adults and 13 euros for children up to 12 years old.

Tel: 902 161 716


MINI HOLLYWOOD
Almeria
Tabernas Film Studio
Tabernas Film Studio

Located approximately 24 kilometres from Almeria on the N-340 to Tabernas.

In its heyday, more than 100 films were partially shot here, including A Fistful of Dollars, The Magnificent Seven and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. These days visitors can enjoy a daily mock bank hold-up and shootout staged at noon and 5pm daily. There is also a small zoo here with lions, elephants, brown bears and giraffes. Just three kilometres away is Texas Hollywood, also used as a set and boasting a Western town, stockaded fort, Mexican pueblo and Indian tepees. If nothing else, stop off for a cold beer at the Western-style saloon, which is decorated with photos of some of above-mentioned film classics starring Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson and Raquel Welch.

Entry: 17 euros for adults and 9 euros for children for both attractions.

Tel: 950 36 52 36 (Mini Hollywood) or 950 16 54 56 (Texas Hollywood).


TIVOLI WORLD
Malaga

The Costa del Sol's biggest amusement park, located in Arroyo de la Miel, just 2 km's from the Benalmádena Costa. There are over two dozen thrilling rides to choose from as well as a tiny tots section, restaurants, bars and a professional caliber program of concerts mainly by Spanish performers, as well as some 'look alike' stars. For more info about Tivoli World click here.

Tel: 952 57 70 16


PARKILANDIA
Malaga

You can't miss this colourful amusement park for youngsters. It is located right in the port at Fuengirola and comprises a maze, trampolines and mini race track, as well as slides, swings, an electric train, bouncy castle and lots more.

Entry is 3 euros for children, adults free.

Tel: 952 58 12 86

Aqua Parks

Paque Aquatico Vera
Vera, Almeria

Large park with kamikaze, body ski, twisting slides, river adventure, black hole, large pool and lake and special children's pool and slides.

Open everyday May to September 10.30 to 19.30.
Adult 12 euros, children (4-12) 7 euro, under 4 free.
Family ticket 31 Euros.
Half day 40% discount
Ctra. de Vera a Garrucha-Villaricos, s/n.
04620 Vera Costa (Almeria)

Tel: 950 467 337 - 950 467 309
Fax: 950 467420


AQUA TROPIC
Almuñecar

A good size water park with plenty of shady areas for parents to keep watch.

Adults 11 euro, children 7 euro.

Tel: 958 634 016


AQUAOLA
Cenes de la Vega, Granada

Just nine rides here, but this is enough to keep all ages cool and happy, including tiny tots.

Adults 9 euro, children 7 euro.

Tel: 958 486 189


PARQUE ACUATICO MIJAS
Fuengirola (on the by-pass)

One of the best water fun-parks around, located on the outskirts of Fuengirola. Wave pool, kamikaze slide, water chutes, adventure river with winding raft slides and a mini aqua park for the kids. The park also has a full entertainment program including shows for children, water aerobics (displays and free classes), regional dances and beach volleyball competitions.

Open 10.30 - 1.,30 (until May 31), 1.,00 - 18.00 (June)
Tickets: 12 euro adults, 7 euro children 4-12 years, pensioners over 65, 4 euro. Free admittance for second child (4-12) of a family.
Discount of 40% after 15.00, or 16.00 in August.

Tel. 952 460 404, 952 460 409


AQUAPARK TORREMOLINOS
Carretera Circunvalacion 10, Torremolinos

Numerous water rides and slides, also sea lion shows.

Open: 10.00 - 18.00
Adults 14.50 euro, children 10.25 euro, Pensioners 15.50 euro.

Tel. 952 38 88 88


AQUA SHERRY
Puerto de Santa Maria (Cadíz)

Seventeen fun-filled rides, plus a picnic area, at this relatively new aqua park located in between Cadiz and Puerto de Santa María.

Adults 13 euro, children 9 euro.

Tel: 956 87 05 11


GUADALPARK
Seville

Just ten rides, making a small but welcome water park where you can cool down during the sizzling hot summer months in Seville.

Open: 25th May - 15 September.
11.00 - 19.00 (May, June, September)
11.00 - 20.00 (July & August)

Adults 11.15 euro, Children: 7.85 euro (all day).
Adults 9 euro, Children 6 euro (half day).

Tel: 954 40 65 13


AQUA VELIS
Torre de Mar

One of the largest, splashiest water-parks in the province with 21 different rides to choose from including some super-fast slides, dinghy river ride and paddling pool for young children (and parents!).

Adults 11 euro, children 8 euro.

Tel: 952 54 27 62


MARIO PARK
Roquetas del Mar (Almeria)

There are fifteen rides for the family to enjoy here, as well as a snack bar and various concession stands.

Adults 12.80 euro, children 8.30 euro.

Tel: 950 32 75 75


CABLE SKI
San Pedro, Marbella (Málaga)

Urb. Las Medranas, San Pedro, Marbella.

Open from 11am to 9pm closed Mondays.

This attraction is either for those wanting to learn or improve their water skiing, or just for those who want a fun day out.

The cable system pulls skiers around the lake. Each trip around the lake lasts about one minute but the cable can be set at a speed to suit your ability. Slow for children and beginners and faster for the expert skier.

Tel: 952 785 579

night life

usic Bars in Malaga

Vista Andalucía
All night flamenco from 22.30 to 06.00 - Olé! Avda de los Guindos, Malaga (95 223 1157)

El Cantor de Jazz
Live jazz on Thursdays in a Chicago style intimate, if smoky atmosphere. Calle Lazcano, 7 (95 222 2854).

O'Neill´s Irish Pub
Draught Guinness on tap and Irish music has made this a trendy place for young Malagueños. Calle Luis del Velazquez, 3. (95 260 1460).

El Jardin
1 Calle Cañon. Dripping with elegance on a leafy corner near the cathedral, this place is great for people watching and light healthy fare with the added perk of regular live music, including skirt-swirling latino on Thursday nights.

Weekend
Plaza de la Merced 14. Picasso was born in one of the stately houses surrounding this square. These days, the plaza’s bars and cafés attract a lively student crowd. This cocktail lounge has a suitably moody dark interior and gets packed out at weekends.

Theatre in Malaga

Miguel Cervantes Municipal Theatre
Regular concerts, theatre and dance performances. Recent appearances by Suzanne Vega and Art Garfunkle. Located behind Plaza de la Merced 95 222 4100.

Live Music In Malaga

ZZ Pub
Calle Tejón y Rodriguez 6. A funky late night club where you can elbow yourself in on Mondays and Thursdays to indulge in a little hip gyrating to the regular live bands; this club is popular with students.

Liceo
Calle Beatas 21. This place attracts a local student crowd with its thumping music and fevered atmosphere. Set in a grand old mansion with several rooms and vibes to match your mood.

Siempre Asi
Calle Convalecientes 5. Low lighting and plenty of space for a shimmy on the dance floor, the main music vibe here is Latino with rumba, salsa and rock on the dancechart.