The lively city of Malaga, on the coast about 80 miles (129km) southeast of Seville, is the gateway to Spain’s popular Costa del Sol holiday resort region. The city was also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and features several galleries displaying his work. Most notable is the 16th-century Museum of Fine Arts, alongside the Cathedral. Picasso’s birthplace in Plaza Merced is open to the public and showcases his life and works. Like most Andalusian cities Malaga has Moorish roots, and its illustrious past has left an imprint on the historic centre, particularly around the fortress of La Alcazaba, dating from 1065, which is now an archaeological museum. The Moorish castle nearby is now a state hotel. The city’s famous botanical garden sited on the Calle Alameda, dates from the days when Malaga was a popular winter resort for the rich and famous, and is also worth a visit.