We will be staying in Malaga for two weeks in February, 2004. We enjoy art, architecture, the beach and scenic drives. We are renting a car. We are not familiar with the area and my first thought was to "pick the brains" of experienced travelers, such as yourselves. Hopefully, you will be able to give us suggestions as to what to see and do. Thanking you, in advance, for your responses.
Jim and Margaret

We had a rental car and every day headed for the mountains on a different road. "Discovered" lovely little villages that way. Take along a map and a good guidebook, and enjoy the steep mountain drives. But everything will take longer to get to than it looks on the map because the roads go UP and OVER and DOWN in the valleys over and over again. Hope you like mountain driving!
Vera

Vera, you may get two responses to your reply as I am not sure the first one went through, so here goes again! Thank you for your reply. We love mountain drives. How about the beaches. Don't have any thoughts of going in the water, but do enjoy walking along the beach as well as driving along the beach. Thanks, again...Jim

you definetely want to drive to the village called "ronda". sevilla is not that far either. if you can stay a night or two there, it will be a nice detour. get street reports before you go, heavy rain can result in mudslides which closes streets.

J & M,

My wife and I spent a week in the Málaga area last December. I learned a lot beforehand by searching this forum. You can check my posts and those from others for some good ideas.

A few quick tips:

Best shopping (selection and prices) is in Málaga proper. Some locals informed us that prices can be 20% cheaper than in Marbella, and we found that to be true.

A great little beach town for great views and food is in Nerja. Check for reviews by Judi for some excellent info.

Our all time favorite drive is to Ronda from Mijas--taking the back roads (from Mijas Pueblo, head towards the village called Coin--easy to find with your Michelin map). It is about 2.5 hours, if I recall correctly, and is some of the most rustic, untouched land we've ever seen. You'll be amazed at the curvy, somewhat dangerous road.

The visit to Gibraltar was actually a let-down. The rock, itself, is pretty cool, but the place is so touristy, it felt like on big tourist trap. Sad to say, our favorite part was the dirt cheap alcohol at duty free shops ;-)

We stayed in Mijas Pueblo (a village situated in the hills north west of Málaga) and had excellent dinners at the Mirlo Blanco and the Alcasara (sp?). The latter overlooks the sea, so try to get a table by the window.

Buy the Lonely Planet Andalucía guide book. It was our staple guide.

We have read so much about pick-pockets and mugging that we are wondering how serious the problem truly is. Also, we searched for two hours for a good driving map of the area and learned that most maps were either not available or out of print. Went to Borders bood store, etc. If you know where we will be able to obtain one before leaving on our trip, I would appreciate hearing from you. Also, about the crime, etc.

Thanks, for all of your replies.

Jim

Jim,

The most popular map, which is more than adequate is the Michelin map for Andalucía. If you need the exact number let me know, and I will look it up at home.

I am surprised you cannot get this at Borders. Amazon 0r Barnes&Noble should carry it.
I wouldn't sweat it too much if you arrive without a map. What I did was stop at one of the first gas stations, a BP, and bought it for about 6 Euro. Generally, any respectable gas station will carry this.

Pick pocketing, imo, is exaggerated. As a man, carry a day's cash, one credit card and one ATM card in your wallet, and keep it in your front pocket.

As a girl, use a zipper purse and, surprise, always keep it zipped. ;-)

No Backpacks whatsover, unless you've got each compartment locked. And if you're really cautious, no fanny packs.

To generalize, pick pockets are not as bad in Màlaga area as, say, Barcelona & Madrid.

My wife and I spent a total of 3 weeks in spain last year and never had a problem.

Malaga is a great place to tour the area from, good bus & train links.
We did not notice much pickpocket activity - you get a feel for this - until my partner intercepted a hand entering her bag in an ice-cream parlour.The guys doing this were not Spanish.

That must have been a "high point" of your trip. Think we will find the problem with pick-pockets about the same as in any big city.

What about driving to some of the smaller town in the mountains? Have you done this and, if so, did you encounter anything I should be on the look-out? Would appreciate any tips you might have as far as driving. This will be a new experience for me. Not worried, but would like to go as well-informed as possible.

Thanks for your reply...Jim