It maybe due to the fact that Picasso was born here that so many people find their way to Malaga. However, the number of attractions the city and outer regions has to offer means that visitors here are never bored. With everything from Baroque architecture and Moorish fortresses, to impeccable beaches and a bustling nightlife, Malaga is a one-stop destination in its own right. But if you are wise, you will take every opportunity to get out and explore the diverse offerings and strong culture of Andalusia.

For a spectacular wide-spanning view of the Andalusian countryside, take a trip to Benalmadena, where you can catch a cable car 700 meters into the mountains. The towering location offers magnificent views stretching from the rugged eastern coastline to the left and the Rock of Gibraltar to the right. The landscape is speckled with the unmistakable Andalusian white-washed stone buildings among rich greens of pine forests.http://www.comparecarhire.co.uk/"">Malaga hire car discounts

Not far from the base of the cable car station you will find Tivoli World, an amusement and theme park with a range of activities including over 30 rides and a host of shows and performances from around the world. It is located among beautiful gardens, walkways and fountains, perfect for those who prefer to relax and leave the adventure activities to others. If you are more interested in life underwater, take a trip to Selwo Marina, home to a fascinating range of sea creatures from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, particularly dolphins and penguins.

The Costa del Sol is home to more resort towns than it probably needs, but most are charming places with a wealth of attractions for visitors. Two among the coastal stretch of resorts are Fuengirola and Torremonlinos. Fuengirola, with its miles of superb beaches, is home to some of Andalusia's best markets. With a large, street market on Saturdays and a great boot leg market on Tuesdays, you are bound to find all sorts of interesting gifts to take back home.

It has not been long since Torremolinos was just a small fishing village, but today it is one of the region's most visited places. Here you will find a number of attractions for all the family, including Aqualand, Crocodile World and Magic Palace. They may sound slightly tacky destinations, but are not to be missed for a fun filled daytrip.

For a step back in time, head for the mountains around Malaga where you can explore any number of small villages hidden among the luscious green landscape. Although Mijas, Frigliana and Ronda have bus routes coming and going from Malaga, hiring a car will give you the freedom to explore places that many would not get to see. The local traditions of these white-washed villages have changed very little in centuries. The pace of life is so relaxed, you may forget to leave, enthralled by the subtle wealth of history and culture.

The roads can be challenging but are worth every heart beat missed for the beautiful scenery encountered. Frigiliana has been officially recognised as Spain's most picturesque village for a number of years. http://www.comparecarrentals.com/"">Cheapest online Malaga car hire A stroll around the town offers an insight into local history, with tiled plaques documenting various events throughout the ages. There is also a look out spot farther up the mountain, perfect for a relaxing picnic.

The capital of Andalusia is another of the region's gems. Only 90 minutes from Malaga, Granada is home to the amazing historical site of Alhambra. Alhambra is a large complex of Moorish palaces and manicured gardens set among the foothills of the soaring mountain range, the Sierra Nevada. The hill opposite the Alhambra and a stroll to the top offers dramatic views of the historical monument and the Sierra behind. While inside the city, you will come across a charming range of shops, bars and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing glass of Spanish wine and an evening of people watching.

If you are coming to Spain to hit the surf, Tarifa is the place to go. It is quite a journey, around 110 miles (180kms) from Malaga, but is worth it for its exciting wind surfing opportunities, breathtaking rugged coastline and wealth of flora and fauna. Choose any one of a number of exciting adventure activities such as horseback back riding along the beach, hand gliding, kite-surfing and rock-climbing.

After you have used all the energy you can, take a leisurely stroll around the charming town, with its 8th century architecture and narrow, cobbled-stoned streets. Sample some of the region's best offerings of tapas or treat yourself to something new in any one of a number of trendy clothing shops. One of the best things about Tarifa is the view of the African Rif mountains, across the ocean.

For the sophisticated traveller, Marbella is a cosmopolitan city with a classy air of culture and charisma. Only 28 miles (45kms) from Malaga, Marbella is Spain's answer to St Tropez, with a range of art galleries, magnificent stately buildings and uber-chic bistros. Its amphitheatre offering summer performances is a real treat, giving a sense of old world European culture at its best. Its impeccable coastline and café-lined promenade are the perfect hangouts to watch the rich and famous of the Costa del Sol come and go.

Marbella is also a hub of night-time activity, with a wide variety of alfresco bars and live music venues overlooking the Mediterranean which are open until the small hours of the morning.