Page 394 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

and increasingly sophis- Lario; cathedral & museum This is a busy stretch of autovia
ticated foodie scene. Mál- €5, tower €6; h10am-6pm (highway) that passes the
aga has also emerged as Mon-Sat), then duck inside airport. It’s a drive of 18.5km or
a serious cultural capital, to admire the gorgeous 25 minutes.
with some 30 museums, retables and stash of
including the Museo 18th-century religious TRIP HIGHLIGHT
Carmen Thyssen (www. art. Travel further back 3 Torremolinos
carmenthyssenmalaga.org; in time by visiting the
Calle Compañía 10; admission Alcazaba (Calle Alcazabilla; Start your exploration in
€4.50, incl temporary exhibition admission €2.20, incl Castillo de the centre of town with a
€9; h10am-7.30pm Tue-Sun), Gibralfaro €3.40; h9.30am- meander down pedes-
the Museo Ruso (%951 92 8pm Tue-Sun), a fascinating trian Calle San Miguel,
61 50; www.coleccionmuseo- 11th-century Moorish lined with shops, cafes
ruso.es; Avenida de Sor Teresa palace-fortress. Across and bars. Continue as
Plat 15; adult/child €8/free; from the entrance – and the street winds down to
h11am-10pm Tue-Sun; p), Roman Amphitheatre steps which lead to Play-
and the Museo del Vidrio (%951 50 11 15; Calle Alca- amar, the main beach.
y Cristal (Museum of Glass & zabilla 8) – Batik (%952 22 Turn right for one of the
Crystal; %952 22 02 71; www. 10 45; www.batikmalaga.com; most delightful walks
museovidrioycristalmalaga. Calle Alcazabilla 12; mains €12- on the Costa, round the
rocky headland to La
com; Plazuela Santísimo Cristo 20; h10am-midnight; W) is
de la Sangre 2; admission €5; an atmospheric place for Carihuela; the former
h11am-7pm Tue-Sun), a a drink and innovative fishing barrio (neigh-
private collection that bite to eat. bourhood) which is now,
concentrates on glass and fittingly, home to some
crystal. Climb the tower 54 p397 superb seafood restau-
SPAIN 28 COSTA DEL SOL BEYOND THE BEACHES
for fabulous views from The Drive » Leaving Málaga, rants such as Casa Juan
the landmark 16th-century take the A7 in the direction of (www.losmellizos.net; Calle
Catedral de Málaga Algecíras, Torremolinos and San Ginés 20, La Carihuela;
(%952 21 59 17; Calle Molina Cádiz, then follow the MA20 mains €13-20). This paseo
signposted to Torremolinos. (walk) continues to the

DETOUR:
COMARÉS
Start: 2 Málaga (p391)
Heading inland, northeast of Málaga, brings you to La Axarquía, a stunning rugged
region, great for hiking, and stippled with pretty unspoiled pueblos (villages). A
highlight of the area is, quite literally, Comarés which sits like a snowdrift upon
a lofty mountain (739m) commanding spectacular views of the surrounding
mountain range and coast. Wander the tangle of narrow lanes and don’t miss
the remarkable summit cemetery. There are also several walking trails that start
from here; stop by the small ayuntamiento (town hall) on Plaza de la Axarquía for
more information and maps. The village is home to several bars and a couple of
restaurants, as well as a small supermarket for self-caterers. Get here via the A45
autovia (highway), direction Granada, Córdoba and Seville, take the Casabermeja
exit and follow signs to Comarés via the A356 (through Riogordo) and the MA159.
The journey totals 55km and should take you roughly one hour.

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