Situated on the Costa del Sol and one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, Málaga is a vibrant, modern city, deeply rooted in southern Spain's multicultural history. The city, with a population of around 600,000, is the most significant coastal city in the distinctive region of Andalucía. Perhaps due to its location on the sunny coast or to the diverse inhabitants who have called Málaga home through the centuries, the malagueños are characterized as open, accepting, and friendly. As this city has escaped the waves of foreign tourists that lap so much of the rest of the Costa del Sol, it has managed to retain its authentically Andalusian identity. The malagueña culture of fun and celebration is at its peak in August, when the city's annual fair takes place. Dancing, food, music, and revelry make it an exciting experience for locals and visitors alike.

The Mediterranean has brought visitors to Málaga for millennia. The Phoenicians arrived some 3,000 years ago, followed by the Greeks. In 218 B.C., the Romans colonized Spain. After them, Germanic invaders established their own kingdom. In 711 A.D., the Moors invaded from North Africa. Under their
rule, Málaga became a major port, renowned for its wine and figs. The city was among the last to fall to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella as they were finishing up the centuries-old Catholic reconquista of Spain in the late 1400s.

In the nineteenth century, Málaga was a popular winter resort. Visitors in that time included the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Toward the end of the century, Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga, though he lived much of his life outside of Spain. A more recent example of a malagueño who has done well for himself abroad is the actor Antonio Banderas. From the Phoenicians, through Cubism, and beyond, the city has changed and developed over the years. Much of its past, however, remains evident, lying open to the bright Mediterranean sun or just beneath the surface of this contemporary city.

Originally a fortified palace for Moorish kings, the Alcazaba is perched on a hill above the city, affording visitors a view out across the harbor. It is mostly of eleventh century construction, but parts date back to the 700s. Below the Alcazaba lie the ruins of a Roman-era amphitheatre. Near these is the Moorish Castillo de Gibralfaro, an ancient lighthouse and castle, whose original foundation dates to the time of the Phoenicians. Like the Alcazaba, the Gibralfaro is known for its vistas of the surrounding area.

Málaga's cathedral church, the Catedral de la Encarnación, is missing her second tower. For this reason, she has been nicknamed "La Manquita," or, loosely, "the One-Armed Lady." The building was begun after the reconquista, with construction dating from 1528 to 1782. It was built on or close to the site of an earlier mosque. Due to the slightly more than two and half centuries it took to complete the cathedral, one can detect the traces of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.

If you're a fan of Renaissance art, you can check out the Museo de Bellas Artes in the Palacio de Buenavista. And, if you're artistic tastes run more to the contemporary, Picasso makes his posthumous presence known both at the Museo Picasso and at the Picasso Foundation, which is housed in his birthplace. The Foundation offers an exhibit that changes on a monthly basis.

Be sure you also check out El Parque, Málaga's city park, on the Paseo del Parque. Another option is the Finca de la Concepción, a botanical garden a little outside the city. Its mixture of exotic flora and Roman sculptures provides a breather for nature-lovers who need a short break from city life. However, the most popular outdoor enjoyment in this part of the world is found along the shores of the Mediterranean.

Beaches are plentiful around Málaga. So are tourists. While Málaga itself is not the biggest beach town, the Costa del Sol is a popular vacation destination, especially for holiday-makers from the less temperate climes of Northern Europe. There you can find theme parks, water parks, golf courses, and, naturally, sun-drenched beaches. Hotspots such as Torremolinos, Marbella, and Fuengirola are no more than an hour and a half by bus.

Playa de la Malagueta
Picasso Museum
El Gibrálfaro
La Alcazaba
Calle Larios
Catedral de la Encarnacion
Roman amphitheater
Buenavista Palace
Fine Arts Museum
Atarazanas Market
La Antigua Aduana
Casa de la Cultura
Iglesia Santiago
Monumento Torrijos
Iglesia de Santo Cristo de la Salud
Iglesia de San Pedro
Statue of the Marqués de Larios
Paseo del Parque
Archaeology Museum
Iglesia San Juan Bautista
Santuario de la Victoria
Contemporary Art Center
Plaza de Toros
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