GETTING THERE

Samantha Simmonds

Malaga: most of us know it as the destination airport we select when we’re booking a holiday to the Costa del Marbs. I’ve passed through the airport countless times myself without considering it as a destination.

But the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, home to well-preserved Roman sites and a thriving Jewish community, deserves more than that.

Arriving at the Gran Hotel Miramar feeling frazzled after roadworks doubled our 45-minute drive, our stresses quickly disappeared as we were ushered into the calm oasis of the hotel — and welcomed with a glass of bubbly.

First opened in 1926 as a hotel, its recent £54 million overhaul has left the décor beautifully modern whilst still retaining its historic origins. The building became a field hospital during the Spanish Civil war, and later the Palace of Justice until 2007. It was then bought and restored to its former glory, re-opening its doors as a hotel once more six months ago.

The elegant central inner courtyard dazzles with light while the bedrooms feature Arabic, Mediterranean or modernist styling — ours were all white with a contemporary feel. It felt a bit like being in a James Bond lair, with a hidden TV and a concealed interconnecting door to our children’s room.

After just a quick look at the pool, we headed straight to the city centre. Having done our research, I knew there was a lot to do but with only two days, we had to choose carefully.

The old town is only a 15-minute stroll away, all cobbled narrow streets, beautiful buildings, stunning architecture, interesting Roman ruins and plenty of places to eat. We had lunch in a true Malaga institution — El Pimpi — where everyone from the Picassos to Antonio Banderas have tried its tapas, including a variety of delicious veggie and fish options.

As you would expect for a tourist hotspot, it wasn’t cheap with lunch for five costing 1around £85. But it was good food in a pretty spot, and much needed sustenance for our afternoon plans.

After a quick walk through the old Roman theatre, free to visit, we had to decide which of the two steep hill climbs to attempt — knowing our children would not manage both.

Choosing between either the Alcazaba, the best preserved Moorish fortress in Spain, or the Castillo de Gibralfaro, the ruins of another Moorish Fort, we

ROOMS at the Gran Hotel Miramar cost from around £150 per night room only, based on two sharing a Premier Boulevard room. Prices for the set meu at the Principe de Asturias cost from £46. www.granhotelmiramarmalaga.com

Return flights from Luton to Malaga cost from around £50 with EasyJet. www.easyjet.com