steviedeluxe

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14127033

I wish them luck. I suppose the problem is that southern coast of Andalucia has a certain image of cheap holidays, sun, sea and sangria, that will be difficult to shake off.

jackytoo

There seems to be quite a few Picasso museums in Spain. The one in málaga is not very impressive although they have relaunched it recently so it may have improved. The admission fee is around 6 euro. Most EU countries do not charge entrance fees for EU citizens. Can never understand why the national Gallery UK and all the others are free, must be one of the best galleries in Europe. Even Pompei doesn't charge to get in.

steviedeluxe

I'm fairly sure English galleries used to charge (and scottish equivalents were free), but then Tony Blair changed it (one of his plus points I suppose). Wouldn't surprise me to see this reversed with the current need for cuts.
Doesn't the Picasso have a free slot on Saturdays? I know the Prado and Reina Sofia in Madrid did when I was there.
I would rate the British Museum above the National Gallery (different thing I know) for must-sees in London. I still think the Prado in Madrid edges it though.

fionamw

I would disagree with you there... but not too loudly, #1 son works at the BM!!

National Gallery was free yonks ago, way before Blair's days, though whether it's changed a number of times I don't know.

Fred James

It does charge. It's free to EU citizens under 26 or over 65.

steviedeluxe

Incidentally, if we're talking about art treasures, someone's kindly mapped out various places in Spain on the following link, so you can see what's close to you. Quite a few architectural gems in there, it seems.

http://www.ikimap.com/map/357

missile

I think the image of a haven for Brit criminals will be hard to shake.

steviedeluxe

I agree, but I think the reality is you're more in danger from a currently operating street or people-trafficking gang than an old has-been crook who just wants to spend his ill-gotten pounds on the Costa.

jackytoo

The biggest obstacle to changing the coasts image is the junta who spends millions promoting andalucía and what do they do.....put on free paella, sangria and flamenco dancing in London.

There is culture, there are clubs which run regular trip to the theatre or to see the málaga orchestra. marbella has put on some great music and opera performances in the open air (not anymore). They should have more open air concerts in the summer instead of a few beach events aimed at 18 year old locals. Even when they do something interesting they fail on publicity with many only finding out after the event.

rachelk

What a pity that art and 'culture' are seen as highbrow.

megmet

It's a small world......my cousin works there too!

megmet

Yes there have been many occasions when we would have attended an event had we only known about it before hand.
They really do need to improve their communication skills if they want people to attend all the cultural and social events that happen here!

jimenato

I'm confused. Are we talking about the city or the province?

jackytoo

The problem was that the "has been crooks" remained active. They diverted to drug cartels and timeshare. That is why there have been so many shootings. I agree that tourists are more in danger from the street gangs, the big time crooks only shoot each other...unless you get caught in the crossfire.

missile

The crooks may not be shooting me, nevertheless I would rather not live beside them