Room Service: Gibralfaro Parador, Malaga
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The most striking feature of the Gibralfaro Parador is the view. As you go up the winding road towards the castle, it becomes increasingly spectacular. From the top, you can see for miles in each direction, along the Mediterranean coast – sadly, not a view of golden sand, although there is plenty of beach, but of urban development. So it isn't hard to feel smug that you are up here, away from the hustle and bustle.
The most striking feature of the Gibralfaro Parador is the view. As you go up the winding road towards the castle, it becomes increasingly spectacular. From the top, you can see for miles in each direction, along the Mediterranean coast – sadly, not a view of golden sand, although there is plenty of beach, but of urban development. So it isn't hard to feel smug that you are up here, away from the hustle and bustle.
With this bird's-eye view, you can see all the main sights without actually leaving the hotel. And if bullfighting is your sport, there is no better place to watch a corrida than from the terrace. The hotel itself is surrounded by pines and hibiscuses, with a swimming-pool on the top floor, just beneath the castle walls, and a beautiful restaurant with a balcony on two sides, looking out over the bay.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
The Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Malaga, Spain (00 34 95 222 19 02; www.parador.es) is perched on a hill overlooking Malaga, the Mediterranean coast, and north Africa. It's an easy walk into the city centre; expect to take about 10 minutes on the descent, twice as long as you climb back to the top.
Time from international airport: Malaga airport is eight miles away. A taxi ride will take about half an hour, and cost around €12 (£7.50).
Transport: Taxis are always available to and from the hotel. The train station and port are only a few miles away; a taxi will get you to either in around 15 minutes, for about €6 (£4).
ARE YOU LYING COMFORTABLY?
All rooms have a view of the bay, and are air-conditioned and comfortably furnished. They all have a balcony, too – in the superior rooms it's more like a terrace.
Freebies: a good selection that includes toothbrush, comb, and eau de Cologne.
Keeping in touch: All rooms have a phone, and fax and internet points are available at reception.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Doubles from €119 (£73).
I'm not paying that: the Hotel California, 17 Paseo de Sancha (00 34 95 221 51 65) is close to both the Gibralfaro hill and the beach. Doubles from €66 (£43), but they don't have a sea view.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments