Malaga

Málaga History & Tradition

The lively capital of the province of Málaga and the Costa del Sol, this ancient port city is also the sixth largest in Spain. The port that now plays host to large cruise ships was originally founded in the 8th century BC by Phoenician merchants. They were later followed by Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans, who arrived in the 3rd century BC. Remnants of Moorish rule, which lasted from the 8th century to 1487, are particularly visible in much of the older architecture of the city, while the Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical heritage of Málaga points to a flowering in the 16th, 18th and 19th centuries respectively.

Geographically the city of Málaga is dominated by the Gibralfaro hill on which stands the Alcazaba, a fortified Moorish palace from the 11th century. A little further up, on the crest of the hill, a 14th century castle overlooks the city and its bay amid spectacular vistas.

The foot of the Gibralfaro, where a Roman amphitheatre meets the city centre, forms the point at which past and present come together. Cross the street and you will enter the old town; a wonderful maze of squares, alleys and pedestrian shopping areas lined with elegant buildings. Crowning this area are the cathedral, built in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, and the Picasso Museum, home to the works of Málaga’s most famous son.

It is within these narrow, largely car-free streets that you will find such local treasures as ‘El Pimpi’, a renowned café and tapas bar. Situated between the centre and the port is a stylish boulevard flanked on both sides by a tree-lined promenade. Here stately buildings alternate with the greenery of botanical gardens, an area that gradually gives way to beaches and the ‘La Malagueta’ suburb.

With shopping, culture, history, authentic Andalusian spots and even beaches to enjoy within a square kilometre, Málaga is above all a bustling city full of life and southern European vitality. Visit it once and you will surely come back.

Malaga city

• Everyone who has been to Malaga can confirm it. People like to come back to this wonderful city. It has that unique atmosphere of a cosy cosmopolitan city with a three-thousand-year history where old and new blend harmoniously and are increasingly internationally appreciated and gaining in popularity.
• The port of Malaga is a major attraction, not only for the locals, but also for the many international tourists who moor here with some of the world's largest cruise ships.
• The impressive and tourist friendly Muelle Uno part of the port is a great place to stay. This port area has benefited from a significant investment and upgrading plan. In addition to a luxury marina, the Muelle Uno offers numerous quality designer boutiques, class restaurants and bars with cosy terraces, the Pompidou museum and all kinds of child and family-friendly attractions. We should also mention the Michelin-starred José Carlos Garcia restaurant which is located here.
• Just a short walk from the Muelle Uno is the popular and vibrant historic centre of Malaga, where you can stroll for hours through the streets and alleys or indulge in the many cosy restaurants and tapas bars. Here you will also find the shops of some of the larger brands and chains. Of course, there are also many other very attractive sights such as the cathedral of Malaga, the Roman amphitheatre, the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro castle and the many top museums such as the Picasso museum and the Carmen Thyssen museum.
• In this modern, leading and lively city you have a wide and rich choice of museums, art exhibitions and cultural and historical events always within easy reach.

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