2024 Finals: A guide to Malaga
06/11/2024 18:29
The Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals is coming to Malaga, with tennis fans attending the event in for a real treat in a city that has so much to offer
By Kevin Palmer
MALAGA BY NUMBERS
With a population of a little less than 600,000, Malaga is the second-most populous city in the Andalusia region of Spain and the sixth most populous in the country.
It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in western Europe, with scholars suggesting it was founded around 770 BC by the Phoenicians from Tyre,
Since then, it has lived through plenty of changes in its long and colourful history and that explains why Malaga is now such a cosmopolitan mix of cultures and traditions, with some stunning classic architecture mixed with modern buildings in the heart of the city.
WHAT TO SEE
The capital of the Costa del Sol is famous for its year-round warm climate and relaxing beaches, but Malaga has so much more for fans arriving to witness the climax of the women's tennis year.
The wonderfully relaxing Malaga Marina is a perfect place to start your trip, with a sparkling collection of super yachts docked in the bay and bars and restaurants humming with visitors lapping up the stunning views.
Here, you can plan your time in Malaga to ensure you don't miss out on any of the treats this magical city has to offer.
Make sure you visit Museo Picasso, the birthplace of legendary artist Pablo Picasso, which has now been turned into a museum celebrating his life and work.
La Concepción Botanical Gardens is another must-see for all visitors to Malaga and it has a history dating back to 1855. With a sizeable open-air collection of tropical and subtropical flora, it hosts more than a thousand species and was declared a historic artistic garden in 1934.
Then move on to El Teatro Romano, Malaga's Roman theatre that remained hidden underground for many centuries before it was discovered in 1951 and unearthed for the world to experience all over again.
Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón (Church of the Sacred Heart) should also be on your watchlist. This magnificent cathedral was built in 1936 in the neo-Gothic style and it has been a sight to behold ever since.
La Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón (Church of the Sacred Heart), built in 1920, is also well worth a visit to see a masterpiece designed by architect Fernando Guerrero Strachan.
Malaga's charming Art District, better known as Soho, should also be added to your guide, with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour the best way to see everything in Malaga before you explore further.
A TASTE OF MALAGA
If you want to experience the traditional flavours of Malaga, visit the seaside neighbourhood of Pedregalejo and try the traditionally grilled sardines on skewers.
Then you can find Muelle 1 in La Malagueta, a port promenade full of shops and restaurants that are perfect for a sunset stroll up to La Farola, a lighthouse that is a symbol of the city.
Calle Larios is the most famous street in Malaga and amid the designer shops, you will find some little gems of restaurants that have the feel of summer even when the Billie Jean King Cup Finals are in full swing in mid-November.
If you are looking for something a little more classy, check out Blossom on Strachan 11, just around the corner from the cathedral. Here you will find some delightful cuisine, but they don't have many tables so get in quickly.
Another delightful eatery is José Carlos García on Plaza de la Capilla, with two extensive tasting menus on offer for all visitors.
WHAT TENNIS FANS CAN EXPECT
Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena is the home of this year's Billie Jean King Cup Finals and after successfully hosting last year's Davis Cup Finals, visiting fans can look forward to a thrilling experience.
The fan zone outside the arena is a buzzing hub of excitement ahead of each day of action, with drinks and food on sale alongside memorabilia to remember your special week in Malaga.
This venue has a long tradition of hosting major tennis events, as it staged the semi-finals of the 2003 Davis Cup featuring hosts Spain and Argentina, as well as the annual ITF Masters Tour event that takes place each November.
It is the home of the Davis Cup Final 8, with sell-out crowds packing the arena every day for the men's World Cup of Tennis last year, as Italy was crowned as champions.
