City Overview

Population: 556,000
Location: Southern Tip of Spain (Andalucia)

Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol has a rich and unique history. Founded by Phoenicians, it has been inhabited by Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and the Moors. The city was conquered by in 1487 by the "Reyes Catolicos". Throughout the city, one can visit many of the monuments of the past. Most notably are the Cathedral, the Alcazaba (Moorish Castle), the fortress Gibralfaro, and the Roman Theatre. These structures all stand as witnesses to the rich legacy held by Malaga. The beautiful area has inspired great poets and artists. Salvador Dali spent some of his most productive years in this Mediterranean port city. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga in 1881, and the house where the was born is now a museum.

Today Malaga is a cosmopolitan city and Spain's second largest port. Withouta doubt, the city is the commercial and cultural center in Southern Spain. In this city the old and the new meet on Marques de Larios, Plaza de la Constitución and Calle de Granada, which form the backbone of the shopping area and the thriving nightlife. The narrow side streets form a confusing maze of alleys crammed with tapas bars and bodegas - old fashioned wine shops brimming with casks including the local sweet wine which is similar to Port. On the weekends the area is full of young people going out to enjoy the thriving nightlife in one of the cities many bars, bar de copas (winebars), or nightclubs. Locals often do not go out until midnight and will continue until morning light, catching some breakfast on their way home. During Easter the city comes alive for Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the streets are packed until the early hours of the morning as the night air is filled with music from the processions carrying large flotillas called tronos.

Malaga is a place where one can always keep busy. The city has extensive sports facilities, numerous concerts, bullfights, theatre, and cinema, truly something for everyone. The mild climate assures 330 days of sun each year with an average temperature of 22°C (72° F). In your free time, you are always just a few minutes from the beach. Relax in the sun, play beach ball or go wind surfing. At night, go out and experience the nightlife that Spain is famous for. Try the famous wine of the region or taste some of the world famous tapas in quaint little bars. Malaga is known for its open atmosphere, which makes meeting people an easy thing to do. During the weekend you can move out of the city to visit even better beaches or visit exciting places such as Granada, Sevilla, Gibraltar, and Cordoba.

For someone who wants to experience a part of Spain with excellent weather and great beaches, Malaga is an excellent choice!

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