Use the links above to see more photos.

"Much-maligned Málaga" is how a guide book from the 1980s began its description of this city on the coast of Andalucía. And perhaps at that time the place was a bit of a mess. It's only claim to fame being that it was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso (who left at the age of 14 never to return).

But times have changed. A lot of money has been pumped into this city and it shows. Buildings and markets have been refurbished, pedestrian malls created, ports renovated, air and rail links expanded. And being the capital of the Costa del Sol it's become a tourist hub. I can't tell you what it was like decades ago but today this city's got a very nice feel to it.