The lively city of Malaga - at the heart of the Costa del Sol in Spain - is not just a destination for a cheap beach break but a cultural destination in its own right.
This is a metropolis filled with historical treasures and art work - as after all this is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso - and yet the cultural side of the city often goes unnoticed by the thousands of visitors who mostly flock to the sandy shores.
Buck the trend and on your next visit to Malaga make sure you stop to enjoy the café culture, parks and gardens, or spend an afternoon exploring.
We have drawn together some of the top attractions for you to enjoy in and around Malaga.
Picasso Museum
Proud that perhaps the most influential artist of the 20th Century was born in their city, the people of Malaga have honoured Pablo Picasso with a museum dedicated to his work.
It charts the progress of this creative Spaniard, who was painter, sculptor, printmaker and poet, from the late 19th Century right through until his death in 1973. Tourists are treated to a real insight into the thoughts and inspiration behind his work.
Picasso Museum is nestled in the heart of the city's old town, the perfect starting point for a trip round Malaga.
The Contemporary Art Centre
With such significant ties to the art world, it is not surprising that Malaga's top attractions showcase the city's creativity.
The Contemporary Art Centre has gained quite the international reputation for the quality of its exhibitions.
Positioned on the riverside next to one of the main shopping streets in the city - Calle Larios - tourists can visit one of the temporary exhibitions in the morning and then spend an afternoon shopping and relaxing in a street side café.
Botanical Garden
Malaga is a bustling commercial centre, but there are still many green spaces where tourists can go to relax and unwind and shelter from the midday sun.
Discover one of the city's horticultural gems away from the maddening crowds - La Concepcion - which has been rated as one of the best botanical gardens in Europe.
Dating back to the 19th Century and displaying ceremonial gardens once built for aristocrats amongst lush forests, you could easily spend all day here.
Southern Spain
Stunning southern Spain has much to offer tourists, and no trip to Malaga is complete with a drive out along the coastal road.
Perhaps take a drive out to the chic coastal town of Marbella, and spend an afternoon at Puerto Banus Marina spotting multi-million euro yachts and supercars down by the harbour.
Located in the province of Malaga, it's well under an hour's drive from the city.
To explore Malaga and the wider area, you could hire a car from one of several locations, including Malaga Airport.
