Málaga

Málaga Airport (AGP) has direct flights from Amsterdam Schiphol (around 3h20) via KLM, Transavia, Vueling and TUI. There are also direct flights from Eindhoven (Ryanair). The airport is 12 km from the city centre; the Cercanías C1 train runs every 20 minutes to María Zambrano station in the centre (€1.80, ~12 min). A taxi costs around €15-20. Alternative from Madrid: the AVE high-speed train (2h30, ~€40-70), convenient if you're already visiting Madrid.

Two full days is the minimum for the city itself: day 1 for Alcazaba + Gibralfaro + El Pimpi; day 2 for Museo Picasso + CAC + Soho + Malagueta beach. Three days allow room for a day trip (Nerja or Ronda are both easily reached). Four days is the ideal span: Málaga as a base for the surrounding area, with the city for mornings and early evenings.

March, May and September, November are ideal: pleasantly warm (14-24°C), no extremes, fewer tourists than summer. If you're travelling in March or April, check the Semana Santa dates: Málaga has one of Spain's most impressive Holy Week processions, so plan sights for early morning, as evenings in the city are busy. June and July are dry and sunny but also the busiest months (beaches and museums full). August is the hottest (35°C+) and also the busiest: only comfortable in early morning and late evening. Winter (December, February) is mild for a European winter (9-17°C) and excellent for culture and walking.

No, and that's no reason to skip the Alcazaba. The Alhambra is larger, more impressive and more famous. But Málaga's Alcazaba is more completely preserved in its basic structure (walls, gates, gardens) and you don't need to book tickets months in advance. It's a different scale and a different experience: intimate, less crowded and direct. If you visit both cities, both are worth it. If you can only do one: Granada.

Nerja (50 km east, ~75 min by bus) for the Cueva de Nerja (large stalactite caves) and the Balcón de Europa square. Ronda (100 km, ~1h45 by bus) for the El Tajo gorge and the Puente Nuevo. Antequera (45 km) for the UNESCO dolmens (Menga, Viera, Romeral) and El Torcal: take the bus that stops in the city itself (~1h); the fast train stops at Santa Ana station, 15 km outside the centre. Granada (125 km, ~1h45 by bus) for the Alhambra, but allow for an overnight stay in Granada for Alhambra tickets.

The best espetos are in Pedregalejo and El Palo, the fishing neighbourhoods east of the centre. El Tintero (Playa del Dedo, El Palo) is the most notorious address: a large, informal hall where staff call out the fresh fish in a kind of fish auction. Quality is good and prices low. Take bus 11 or 3 from the centre (~20 min). Go for lunch (13:00-15:30). Arrive early for the freshest fish, the morning catch sardines are gone by afternoon.

Yes, Málaga is one of Andalusia's most child-friendly city breaks. The city beach La Malagueta is fifteen minutes' walk from the centre, so beach and city can be combined in one day. The Alcazaba is a real fortress to scramble around (the climb to Gibralfaro castle is steep, bring water). The harbour promenade Muelle Uno is flat and buggy-friendly, with a Ferris wheel and the colourful Centre Pompidou. Espetos on the beach often go down well with children. Plan sights for the morning and keep the hot afternoon (especially in July, August) free for the beach or shade.