The Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation is hosted in the Modernist artist's birthplace and home, located on a corner of the Plaza de la Merced. Visitors can see a series of photos, information and other aspects of the artist, including his christening gown.

The Alcazaba is a palace fortress from Moorish times and it is possible to explore the palace using pathways and stairs going up the hillside. Right at the top is the Gibralfaro Castle, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the city of Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea. Of interest to note, if you stay at the Parador de Malaga - Gibralfaro, next to the castle, you can enjoy wonderful views of the building from the swimming pool, especially at night when the castle is illuminated. There are also wonderful panoramic views from the hotel itself, over the city and the sea.

Here is a selection of photos of some of the residents of Bioparc Fuengirola, including critically endangered species who are happily breeding as part of their conservation efforts. The heavily pregnant Orangutan has since given birth to a healthy, bouncing baby boy who is living at the Bioparc and is pictured here. Bioparc Fuengirola is a 40-minute drive from Malaga along the coastal highway.

Estepona's Old Town or Historic Quarter is a pleasure to visit with its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with pretty houses, geraniums and bougainvillea. The Plaza de las Flores is a good resting point for a snack and a refreshing drink.

El Oceano Beach Hotel is located in the pretty, former fishing village of La Cala de Mijas. While originally a small dot on the map, La Cala has become a popular destination for Europeans, with its 6 km (3.7) mi of glorious beaches, lined by a convenient boardwalk running to Cabopino Beach in Marbella. The town has an historic defensive tower to visit and an endless array of restaurants. If you head onto the beach from the popular Olivia's Restaurant and turn left you will eventually come to an outdoor rock sculpture gallery. This is the work of a friendly homeless man who has lived on this spot of the beach for 8 years and welcomes a tip.  If you visit La Cala during the annual Feria (fair), you will see decorations in the streets. At all times of the year, the streets of Old La Cala are lined with beautiful flowering plants. More modern developments are spreading inland across the highway.

Healthouse Las Dunas is also convenient for the Port of Estepona and Yacht Marina. Here you can book a sailing or fishing trip or relax and enjoy a meal at a number of good restaurants. The center of Estepona is a pleasant walk from the Marina on the pretty, plant-strewn beach promenade.

While in Malaga city, have a retail therapy experience of a lifetime. While there are great shops all over the city, the main, pedestrian shopping street is Calle Larios, where you will see all the big fashion and jewelry brands. Along the way, you will come across fascinating human statues and street performers. Another great shopping experience can be had at the large El Corte Ingles department store in the city.

While enjoying a stay at Villa Alegria, make sure to visit the Cathedral of Malaga. This Roman Catholic cathedral is in the Renaissance architectural style and was built between 1528 and 1782. The interior of the Cathedral of Málaga is truly beautiful to view. One warning, beware of the gypsies who haunt the entrance “selling” flowers and trying their luck at stealing money from your purse! However, you will also often see musical performers outside the cathedral.

After a day on the beach, take a stroll around the Port of Malaga, where many a cruise ship stops over. There is also a working fishing port with fishing vessels coming and going, offloading their wares. Visitors can choose from a number of traditional Spanish restaurants and tapas bars close by.

There are many interesting attractions In the streets of Malaga's Old Town, close to the hostal, including the Picasso Museum Málaga, where 285 of the artist's paintings have been donated by family members. In the area, you will often see street performers showing off their skills, as well as a number of talented street artists.

The Alcazaba nearby is a palace and defensive fort from the time of the Moorish occupation. The  Alcazaba was built by the Hammudid dynasty in the early 11th century and is one of the best-preserved in Spain. At the top of the hill, the Gibralfaro Castle stands watch over the coastline, also built by the Moors. Exceptional views can be enjoyed from the castle.

Located close to the villa, the Malaga Botanical Garden is a pretty and relaxing visit, with its many statues and plants, running through the center of the city. You might even see a sculptured bust, frowning at the pigeons close by!