Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans… over 2000 years ago the most important Mediterranean civilisations found in Malaga an exceptional place in which to establish trade routes, thanks to the strategic location of its port. The Alcazaba (8-11th century) is one of the symbols of the city, and one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia. This building is today the site of the Archaeological Museum, containing valuable pieces dating from Phoenician and Roman times.

The Gibralfaro castle (14th century) is linked to the Alcazaba by a section of wall and offers the most outstanding views over the city, which is open to the sea through its port and the La Farola seafront promenade, one of the city's main leisure areas. At the foot of the Gibralfaro stands the Roman theatre, the bullring, (known as La Malagueta) and the historic quarter of the city.

In the centre stands the Cathedral (16-18th century), also known as 'La Manquita' ('the one-armed') thanks to its unfinished right tower. This beautiful Renaissance building is home to an interesting series of chapels containing fine examples of Andalusian imagery. In the old part of town there are other interesting churches such as the churches of Santiago 15-18th century), with its beautiful Mudéjar tower, Los Mártires, Sagrado Corazón and Santo Cristo de la Salud.

Historic Malaga offers a whole host of typical sites and corners. These include the façade of the Town Hall, dating from the early 20th century, and the Plaza de la Merced square, presided by the monument to Torrijos and the site of the house in which the famous painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born. A walk around the old quarter has to include the busy streets of Pasaje de Chinitas and Calle Granada, the site of the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Calle Larios, the main thoroughfare in the historic centre.

The capital of Malaga also has numerous green areas such as the Park, the Alameda Principal avenue, and the gardens of Puerta Oscura and Pedro Luis Alonso.

Gastronomy, festivities and the surrounding area

A good time to visit Malaga is during Easter week. This festivity, declared in Malaga to be of International Tourist Interest, features spectacular religious floats known as pasos and displays of popular devotion in every part of town. One of the best accommodation options in the capital of Malaga is the Malaga Gibralfaro Parador hotel, located beside the castle. However it is essential to reserve your accommodation well in advance during these dates.

The area around Malaga reveals a province marked by extreme contrasts between its inland villages and the coast. The Costa del Sol is dotted with towns and villages with a long-standing tourist tradition such as Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona. The coast is also the site of distinctive hotels such as the Malaga Golf Parador and the Nerja Parador.

Golf enthusiasts have another good excuse to visit Malaga, as there are around 30 courses scattered throughout the province, some of which are among the best in Europe.

There are various nature areas on the interior of the province, including the nature reserves of Los Alcornocales-Sierra del Aljibe, Montes de Málaga, and Sierra de las Nieves. The Parador hotels in Ronda and Antequera are a couple of outstanding hotel options on the interior of the province. The region's seafood and the produce from the inland areas have contributed to the creation of a highly varied gastronomy. On the coast the most popular dish is the fresh fried seafood platter known as 'pescaíto frito' , although other typical dishes include rice with seafood, monkfish with potatoes and noodle casserole .

Soups have a preeminant place in the cuisine of Malaga, with specialities such as gazpachuelo (a soup made from potato and mayonnaise), gazpacho malagueño and ajoblanco (a type of cold soup made from almonds, oil, garlic and grapes). These dishes can be accompanied by wines with the Malaga Designation of Origin.

And for dessert, choices include sweet potato (baked or in syrup), olive oil wafers, and raisins from La Axarquía.

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Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans… over 2000 years ago the most important Mediterranean civilisations found in Malaga an exceptional place in which to establish trade routes, thanks to the strategic location of its port. The Alcazaba (8-11th century) is one of the symbols of the city, and one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia. This building is today the site of the Archaeological Museum, containing valuable pieces dating from Phoenician and Roman times.

The Gibralfaro castle (14th century) is linked to the Alcazaba by a section of wall and offers the most outstanding views over the city, which is open to the sea through its port and the La Farola seafront promenade, one of the city's main leisure areas. At the foot of the Gibralfaro stands the Roman theatre, the bullring, (known as La Malagueta) and the historic quarter of the city.

In the centre stands the Cathedral (16-18th century), also known as 'La Manquita' ('the one-armed') thanks to its unfinished right tower. This beautiful Renaissance building is home to an interesting series of chapels containing fine examples of Andalusian imagery. In the old part of town there are other interesting churches such as the churches of Santiago 15-18th century), with its beautiful Mudéjar tower, Los Mártires, Sagrado Corazón and Santo Cristo de la Salud.

Historic Malaga offers a whole host of typical sites and corners. These include the façade of the Town Hall, dating from the early 20th century, and the Plaza de la Merced square, presided by the monument to Torrijos and the site of the house in which the famous painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born. A walk around the old quarter has to include the busy streets of Pasaje de Chinitas and Calle Granada, the site of the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Calle Larios, the main thoroughfare in the historic centre.

The capital of Malaga also has numerous green areas such as the Park, the Alameda Principal avenue, and the gardens of Puerta Oscura and Pedro Luis Alonso.

Gastronomy, festivities and the surrounding area

A good time to visit Malaga is during Easter week. This festivity, declared in Malaga to be of International Tourist Interest, features spectacular religious floats known as pasos and displays of popular devotion in every part of town. One of the best accommodation options in the capital of Malaga is the Malaga Gibralfaro Parador hotel, located beside the castle. However it is essential to reserve your accommodation well in advance during these dates.

The area around Malaga reveals a province marked by extreme contrasts between its inland villages and the coast. The Costa del Sol is dotted with towns and villages with a long-standing tourist tradition such as Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona. The coast is also the site of distinctive hotels such as the Malaga Golf Parador and the Nerja Parador.

Golf enthusiasts have another good excuse to visit Malaga, as there are around 30 courses scattered throughout the province, some of which are among the best in Europe.

There are various nature areas on the interior of the province, including the nature reserves of Los Alcornocales-Sierra del Aljibe, Montes de Málaga, and Sierra de las Nieves. The Parador hotels in Ronda and Antequera are a couple of outstanding hotel options on the interior of the province. The region's seafood and the produce from the inland areas have contributed to the creation of a highly varied gastronomy. On the coast the most popular dish is the fresh fried seafood platter known as 'pescaíto frito' , although other typical dishes include rice with seafood, monkfish with potatoes and noodle casserole .

Soups have a preeminant place in the cuisine of Malaga, with specialities such as gazpachuelo (a soup made from potato and mayonnaise), gazpacho malagueño and ajoblanco (a type of cold soup made from almonds, oil, garlic and grapes). These dishes can be accompanied by wines with the Malaga Designation of Origin.

And for dessert, choices include sweet potato (baked or in syrup), olive oil wafers, and raisins from La Axarquía.

Close