ABOUT MALAGA
Latest news in Malaga
"The Success of Malaga as a Travel Destination"
Malaga is an affordable travel destination. Part of the success of Malaga is the introduction of a large number of low cost airlines flying into Malaga airport. Apart from the hotels in Malaga and other tourist accommodation facilities on the Costa del Sol... read more
"Car Hire Companies in Malaga Unite Against the Crisis"
A shortage of hire cars in Spain drives up the costs for tourist who want to rent a car in Malaga and is leading to a complete lack of cars in the worst cases. Other popular holiday destinations in Spain such as Alicante, Mallorca and Murcia have... read more
HISTORY OF MALAGA
The long history of Malaga has been enriched by various different civilisations that passed by and left their traces in our unique lands. The city Malaga, with the name 'Malaka' (fish salting place) was founded in around the 8th century by the Phoenicians and was used as a commercial enclave, following the colonisation that had been initiated 1100 BC. by the foundation of Gadir (Cádiz). After 70 years of Greek domain, Malaga was dominated by the Carthaginians, but after the Punic Wars that finished in 202 B.C. with the Roman victory, Malaga fell under Roman domain, and was named Flavia Malacita, and further on converted into an important point of passage, as it was connected with other Roman centres on the Peninsula and harbours of the Mediterranean Sea. The Roman Theatre, at the bottom of the Arabian fortress 'Alcazaba', is from this epoch, and despite its small dimensions, is one of the most ancient in the entire Hispania. The Arabs captured Malaga in 711 and following the conquest of the Catholic Monarchs, reforms were begun to adopt the Arab city to the new Christian dominance.
SIGHTSEEING IN THE PROVINCE MALAGA
The surrounding area of Málaga invites you to tour a province marked by sharp contrasts between the towns inland and those on the coast.The Costa del Sol is dotted with towns of considerable tourist tradition, such as Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella or Estepona. Malaga offers the opportunity to enjoy both the sea and the mountain. In it you can see the marks left by the many civilisations that have settled these lands, as well as the tangible presence of the artistic genius Pablo Ruiz Picasso.
MONUMENTS IN MALAGA
Inhabited for more than 2,000 years by different Mediterranean civilizations, Málaga is today a city which combines tradition and modernity. Its position as capital of the Costa del Sol makes it one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain, thanks to its mild climate, its beaches and the excellent golf courses available. We recommend to visit the following monuments in the city of Malaga:
The Citadel (8th-11th centuries) is, as well as one of the city's symbols, one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia.
The Castle of Gibralfaro (14th century), joined to the Citadel by a stretch of wall, gives the best views of the city, which opens out onto the sea with the port and the promenade of La Farola, one of the major leisure areas in the city.
The Alcazaba of Málaga is a arab palace fortress built in the 11th century at the wish of King Badis of Granada. It is perfectly adapted to the lie of the land, taking advantage of the elevation of a hill. It is made up of 2 concentric enclosures. The outer one is lower. The inner one serves as a local for the palace.
The Malaga's Roman Theatre lies at the foot of the Alcazaba fortress in the western part of the city. It was discovered in 1951, after having remained buried underground for many centuries. Dating back to the first century, it was built during the Empire of Augustus. It was used up until the third century. The Arabs used parts of the theatre for their own building purposes. They took capitals and column shafts for their own Alcazaba fortress as support for the horseshoe arches over the doorways. The theatre has a radius of 31 metres is 16 metres tall and has an orchestra of 15 metres. The area has three main stands and gateways that lead into the stands (vomitorium).
In the centre of Malaga stands the Cathedral (16th-18th centuries), also known as "La Manquita" because of its unfinished right tower. This temple, beautifully executed in the Renaissance style, preserves an interesting series of chapels which contain fine examples of Andalusian images.
In the old town, other prominent churches are Santiago (15th-18th centuries), with a beautiful Mudejar tower, Los Mártires, Sagrado Corazón and Santo Cristo de la Salud.
Historic Málaga offers countless spots and corners full of local colour. The fasade of the City Hall, from the early 20th century, can be admired, as can the Merced Square, dominated by the Monument to Torrijos and where the house in which the famous painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born is situated.
Málaga provincial capital also has extensive green areas, such as the Park of the Alameda Principal, the gardens of Puerta Oscura and Pedro Luis Alonso.
But a visit to the centre of the city is not all we recommend. It is also worth taking in and getting a taste of the flavour of everyday life in the different adjacent neighbourhoods, such as El Perchel, El Egido or La Trinidad.
MUSEUMS IN MALAGA
There is the Museum Picasso located at the Palace of Buenavista, a representative building of Andalusian civil architecture from the Renaissance. The museum's collection includes works from the private collections of Christine Ruíz-Picasso and Bernard Ruíz-Picasso as part of the permanent collection. It includes more than 200 works that comprise Picasso's different styles, media, and techniques. Temporary exhibitions are also organised by the museum.
The Archaeological Museum is located in this building, which contains valuable pieces from the Phoenician and Roman periods.
On the calle Granada, in the Pasaje de Chinitas in the the historic quarter of Malaga, you will find the Fine Arts Museum.
NATURE AREAS IN MALAGA
There are several natural spaces in the provinces's interior, such as Alcornocales-Sierra del Aljibe Nature Reserve, the Montes de Málaga Nature Reserve or the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Reserve, The Torcal, etc. The paradors of Ronda and Antequera stand out among the hotels available in the province's interior.
CULTURE OF MALAGA
Malaga is the capital city of the Costa del Sol and has much to offer as a result of its history. Malaga is also well worth a visit during one of its many festivals, The main Fiesta being the Feria, which takes place in the middle of August. Also a good time to visit Málaga is during Holy Week. This festival, declared in Málaga to be of International Tourist Interest, stands out because of its tremendous floats and the popular fervour it arouses in each neighbourhood. One of the best options for accomodation in Málaga is the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro, located next to the Castle. It is a good idea, however, to book well ahead at this time of year.
SPORT ACTIVITIES IN MALAGA
Golf lovers have an extra incentive to visit Málaga, since it has some thirty courses scattered around the entire province, some of which are ranked among the best in Europe.
GASTRONOMY OF MALAGA
The cuisine of Malaga is light, healthy and typically mediterranean: Shrimps in all variations, roasted or boiled, and Pescaito Frito, fried fish, are among the major attractions. A regional speciality are Chanquetes, very small fishes of the family of anchovies. Boquerones in Vinagre are also a delicious and very refreshing dish. Soups occupy an important place in Málaga's cuisine, with specialities such as "gazpachuelo" (soup made from potatoes and mayonnaise) and "gazpacho malagueño" or "ajoblanco" (a kind of cold soup with almonds, oil, garlic and grapes) or "porra antequerana". These dishes can be accompanied by the wines with Designation of Origin Málaga status. For dessert, the choice includes sweet potato (roasted or covered in syrup), oil pancakes or raisins from Axarquía.
