Tucked away above a pedestrianised shopping street in Málaga's historic centre, this first-floor apartment offers a fantastic base for first-time visitors looking to get under the skin of the city.

In the not-too-distant past, visitors to Spain's Costa del Sol would transit through Málaga as swiftly as possible en route to their coastal all-inclusive. However, those days are long gone, and the city has undergone something of a cultural revolution in recent years. Its once-overlooked centre now brims with eye-catching art galleries and chic independent boutiques, with the riverside creative district of Soho just a short walk away.

The apartment's interior eschews Soho's street art aesthetic in favour of a more timeless mid-century-inspired style. Think elegant wooden furniture and eye-catching artwork, with plenty of the building's original features on display, including exposed beams lining the ceilings and French doors that open out to a Juliet balcony and the atmospheric streets below.

Things can heat up in the summer, so we'd recommend fitting in some sightseeing in the mornings and spending your afternoons at the beach. Handily, Málaga's best beach – Playa de la Malagueta – isn't too far away by bike or bus. Alternatively, there are more picturesque options further along the coast, with the seaside towns of Nerja and Benalmádena within driving distance.

Home truths:
*A lift serves this first-floor apartment, so it may be suitable for guests with more limited mobility
*Given the central location, some street noise is to be expected
*While there's no dedicated desk, the dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Málaga is well served by public transport, but a car is useful if you're planning on exploring outside the city centre