This updated Bradt Malaga & Costa del Sol guidebook, now in its 5th edition, celebrates a popular Spanish region that offers a compelling combination of rich cultural heritage and some of Europe's most dependable sunshine (300 days a year!), making it a year-round destination. Stretching along the Mediterranean coast of Andalucía, this diverse region is renowned for its beachfront towns, Moorish palaces, whitewashed mountain villages (pueblos blancos), gastronomy and dramatic inland sierras. Few European regions offer such a seamless blend of sun, cultural authenticity, comfort and character. Once dismissed as merely a gateway, Málaga city has emerged as a destination in its own right, home to world-class modern-art museums (including the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the city's most famous son), the Centre Pompidou Málaga, the beautiful Moorish Alcazaba, lively nightlife, a revitalised port and surprisingly good urban beaches. Beyond Málaga, the coast ranges from the glitz of Marbella to the relaxed charm of Nerja, where secluded coves are frequented by knowing sun-worshippers who mark sunset by eating espetos sardines skewered and roasted over open fires in fishing boats buried in sand. Inland there is easy access to nature. In mountainous La Axarquía, you'll find olive groves, traditional villages and scenic hiking trails such as the Caminito del Rey, a once-deadly gorge-side path near Ardales that is now one of Spain's most thrilling hikes, offering jaw-dropping canyon views. The hinterland also grants entry to Andalucía's fascinating past via historic towns such Antequera (with its UNESCO-listed prehistoric dolmens, burial sites that are older than Egypt's pyramids) and Ronda (perched above the El Tajo gorge, with its iconic Puente Nuevo bridge and dramatic clifftop views). New elements of this edition include expanded content on central Málaga, new attractions such as a Moorish-style hammam and the Video Games Museum, a section on the redeveloped port area and strengthened coverage of the city's beaches. AUTHOR: James Taylor (jamestaylortravelwriter.com) is an Australian travel writer who has spent the past decade exploring Europe, with Spain becoming his second home for nearly seven years. Indulging a particular passion for the Iberian Peninsula, he has made numerous extended research trips to Andalucía for travel journalism purposes (notably updating Bradt's Málaga & Costa del Sol guidebook) as well as for his own enjoyment. With a background in writing guidebooks and travel features for publishers and publications such as Bradt Guides (for whom he has updated four guidebooks, including three covering Spain), DK Eyewitness, Viator, EasyJet Traveller and National Geographic Traveller, Taylor brings an insider's perspective and a writer's eye for detail to every region he covers. Blending thoughtful research with engaging storytelling, his approach prioritises practical travel insight, venues with an interesting tale and meaningful experience over box-ticking tourism. 13 colour photos, 4 maps