More than just an airport, Malaga is a fantastic old city with an impressive Cathedral, fantastic covered market, glittering marina, lively bars and so many places to eat fried anchovies you need never try the same one twice. It is also the birthplace of the 20th century's most prominent artist, Pablo Picasso. Recognising that it's most famous son is perhaps more closely associated with Paris and Barcelona than the city of his birth, Malaga has in recent years attempted to capitalise on its connection with the artist and become Picasso town. 

Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born on 25 October 1881 in a part of Malaga which is now the city's bustling historical district. The family home was well furnished and looked out onto a wide, elegant square. Although he left when he was still a very young man and did not return it was always Picasso's wish that his work be present in his birthplace. The Museo Picasso Malaga (pictured above) was created in 2003 in response to this wish and thanks to the support of Christine and Bernard Ruiz Picasso, the artist's daughter in law and grandson. It is their donations which constitute the core of the MPM  collection. Located in a narrow street the heart of the old city, the museum is housed in a magnificent 16th century Andalusian style building, it's cool white interior surrounding a pretty courtyard (below). As well as the impressive collection which covers Picasso's radical innovations, examples of the many styles, materials and techniques he mastered, early studies, Cubism, ceramics and later paintings, there is a tranquil reading room, bookshop and cafe. Entrance is 6 Euro for the permanent collection, 4.50 Euro for temporary exhibitions and 8 Euro for a combined ticket.

Just a short walk from the Museum is The Casa Natal Picasso (below) in the Plaza de la Merced. The house of Picasso's birth has been an official heritage site since 1983 and as well as being a monument to the artist's life is a research centre and home of the Picasso Foundation. The interior is only sketchily recreated and there is not a great deal to see but it does serve to show that Picasso came from a well to do and artistic background: a painting of pigeons by by his father is prominently displayed.  Entrance is just 1 Euro.

Malaga is a city worth visiting and for the disciple of Pablo Picasso, unmissable.