Mirror, Mirror on the ball... about Málaga

Described as an ‘overlooked Spanish city’, the Mirror newspaper – the third-biggest selling daily in the UK – has written a gushing eulogy of the joys of Málaga.

Depicting the city’s laidback charm, brilliant tapas bars, beachfront restaurants, cultural attractions and beautiful architecture, the Mirror hits the nail on the head in many ways. Its article captures perfectly the pace and diversity of the capital of the Costa del Sol and – correctly – identifies that the majority of British holidaymakers who visit the region pretty much ignore it.

And this is where I have a confession to make. While I love Málaga, I have to admit that I only discovered its charms after almost four years of living on the Costa del Sol. Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba, Tarifa – I could give you a guided tour. Blindfolded. Not that you’d come.

But Málaga, despite its proximity, accessibility and airport, always flew under my radar. Anecdotally, I was not alone with my Málaga blindspot. Friends, too, were often unaware of the charms of Málaga and, equally, were at a loss to know why.

Perhaps the fact that Málaga is so close to the charms of the Costa del Sol does the city a disservice. Trips to the farther flung charms of Sevilla and Granada are worth planning a weekend for. They’re exotic, suitably detached and different, yet within easy reach.

Málaga, though, is a 40-minute drive from Marbella. And Marbella, as we all know, has plenty to keep all ages and tastes happy. And even if you were able to tear yourself away from the resort’s charms, the head-turning attractions of Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Benalmádena lie between you and Málaga.

Perhaps the city itself doesn’t crow loudly or proudly enough. Despite its rich history and litany of obvious attractions, the Málaga name doesn’t reverberate around Europe, let alone the world.

And yet you get the feeling that Málaga is pretty happy with the status quo. Sure, the extra revenue that increased tourist spend would bring would be most welcome, but the city’s charms have been allowed to develop relatively untouched.

The tourist hubs along the beach cater perfectly for the whims and wishes of visitors from all over the world. Málaga, on the other hand, can rest easy, safe in the knowledge that if and when the tourists discover its charms, they are certain to be forever smitten.

I know I was.