fionamw

I don't live in the city, but we've had threads in support of Malaga before & I'm one of those that loves it...

There must be others, but I don't know a city with the heart so close to such a lovely beach & LOOOOONG seafront with so much to offer all ages!

Not strictly true, but the gist is right. There are loads of furriners about it's just not even remotely the same as the cliche Costa. Not remotely.

Yip, tram works still clog several zones

[QUOTE=Fleurette;8599764] (snip) Just the name and friend reactions make bad images! QUOTE]

I suspect the image comes more from people remembering they flew to Malaga than anything else - not many tourists (not beach ones, anyway) venture into the city; it's too far from the more popular resorts to do that easy peasy on a package.

It's the only city apart from London I've even given headroom to regarding living there. And I'm a true country person. Not sure if that's a recommendation or not!

Not strictly true either, but the gist is. If you're lucky you'll find yourself at a school with 80%-plus Spanish, though granted mainly the international schools, particularly costa or west in the province, cater for folk whose priority may not be Spanish language/education/culture.

A couple of months back, or so, I think it was over 26%. Can that be right? I think so...memory's dodgy but someone'll probably find the right figure!

Fleurette

Well, I think it's all helpful.
I'm definitely a sea side kind of gal, but of course a job would be helpful, and that's the problem for most people right now.
You've cleared up the Malaga being a rubbish tourist trap perspective though!

SaritaBarcelona

I'll support the positive image of Málaga that people are giving, it's said to be one of the best places to study Spanish in Spain. It is a "real" city, with a great atmosphere and warmth. I will also defend the Costa del Sol while I'm at it: living here is what you make it, if you seek drunk Brits, ye shall find, and if you seek living in "Spain", well you can have that too. This weekend we went to two different swimming pools surrounded by lush vegetation and soooo peaceful, picnicked in lovely countryside just outside Malaga in the sunshine by a lake, listened to guitar music played by a friend from Málaga, generally loving the lifestyle, not a drunk in sight of any nationality! You'll love Málaga, and make sure you tell your friends!

Fleurette

Thank you! I definitely feel better about it. Do you think it's fair enough to turn up and just look for a job that way?

agoreira

You can look, but without a special skill you'll probably struggle, unemployment rate in Málaga is over 30%. But no harm in trying!
La tasa de paro de Málaga supera el 30,02%, la segunda más alta de España
I also find Málaga OK, wouldn't want to live there, but we have spent several short breaks there and quite enjoy the place. I like the rather "shabby chic" areas, but they are fast disappearing now.

surreygirl

Well if you want to know how bad it is have a look at what happened in Alhauine El Granda at the week-end. Go somewhere else I certainly wont be recommending Andalucia or Spain to anyone from now on.

SaritaBarcelona

Surreygirl, whilst what happened with the bull is disgusting, it's no reason to put people off coming to Spain. It's like saying that people shouldn't go to England because there is fox hunting (I know it's been banned now but you get my point).

missile

Very valid point. Even after the ban, fox hunting goes on regularly in many areas.

surreygirl

What point is that! fox hunting is the same as bullfighting!! I think not. The two are incomparable, not that I condone fox hunting I dont. What happened in ALG was intolerable. A one off event -I think not -. Spain is well known for its cruelty to animals - it is everywhere. I could take you on a mile circuit of where I live and show you intolerable situations that animals that in an educated, enlightened and sophisticated country would not happen. If you dont see it yourself you must be blind.

cricketman

I think you should get out of the country ASAP surreygirl you clearly hate it here.

Whatever made you come to Spain in the first place? Bullfights are hardly a secret.

SDDep

I think its a great idea to move there...let me know once your moved in, I'll bring a coupla plane loads of friends for one long stag weekend!!!!

All joking aside, I think Spain is lovely..

jackytoo

If I had to choose between say Hackney and málaga (God forbid) I would choose hackney.

SaritaBarcelona

I am left speechless by that comment Jackytoo! Just looked up Hackney on Wikipedia, it's not good... No world class museums, no beach, no mountains just behind, no fabulous fiestas, rubbish transport system, and lots of other issues I daren't mention here... I don't want to knock Hackney but I don't really think this helps the OP much in deciding whether to spend a year or two in Malaga!

Zaragozaram

Believe me, I was born in Hackney and there is no comparison. Malaga every time.

jojojojojo

What happened?? The feria was on and when I was there it was great, but El Grande does have a problem with Gypsies and Brits not mixing too well???

Jo xxx