Guide of Malaga

Málaga Spain' city situated along southern Spain's Costa del Sol. Generally known for its high-rise hotels and resorts jutting out from golden sandy beaches, there is more to the city than first meets the eye. For example, there are two magnificent hilltop citadels, the Alcazaba and ruined Gibralfaro looming over that modern skyline, remnants of Moorish rule. With a population of over half a million, this is one of Spain's most significant cities and economic hub for tourism and the International Association of Science and Technology Parks. 

A brief history of Malaga

The Phoenicians of Tyre founded a colony named Málaka in about 770 BC. Like other Phoenician colonies, it fell under Carthaginian rule during the 6th or 5th century BC. The Roman Republic took control of the town known after the Punic Wars, known as Malaca. They transformed into a confederated city and built a Roman theatre here. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire,  the Visigoths and then the Byzantine Empire (550–621) ruled Malaga. In the 8th century, the city became an important regional trade centre. In 1325, a travelling coming through the city described it as "one of the largest and most beautiful towns of Andalusia [uniting] the conveniences of both sea and land, and... abundantly supplied with foodstuffs and fruits". 

Formerly part of Iberia, Málaga was a city where Muslim rule persisted the longest. The Moors still occupied Malaqah, as it was then known, while most other parts of the peninsula had already been won back by the Christians. However, Málaga was eventually retaken by force in 1487, and the Muslim inhabitants were forced to surrender due to hunger. Virtually the entire population was sold into slavery or given as "gifts" to other Christian rulers. In 1704 the indecisive Battle of Málaga, the biggest naval battle in the War of the Spanish Succession, took place in the sea south of Málaga.  Sadly, over seven thousand people died following the Battle of Málaga and the Francoist takeover in February 1937. After the war, Málaga and the rest of the Costa del Sol enjoyed the most rapid development of tourism in Spain.

Things to do in Malaga 

The Alcazaba is one of two beautiful citadels in Malaga, built by the Hammudid dynasty in the early 11th century and one of the best-preserved in Spain. Opposite the entrance to the fortress, there are remnants of a Roman theatre dating to the 1st century BC, which is currently undergoing restoration. When the Moors constructed Alcazaba, they even used some of the Roman-era materials. The artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born in Malaga, and in 2003 a gallery memory was opened in the Buenavista Palace. It features 285 works donated by members of Picasso's family. The Cathedral of Málaga is another good place to take a look, its a Roman Catholic church built in the Renaissance style between 1528 and 1782, following plans drawn up by Diego de Siloe. Food lovers should check out Mercado Central de Atarazanas; it's a vast covered market full of local foods and several tapas bars. The market is busting with scents, flavours and colours but be sure to get there early, as it starts at 8 am and finishes around 3 pm. For something different, try Tivoli World, a fun amusement park located in the Benalmádena area, perfect for the whole family. 

Beaches around Malaga 

Being situated on the Costa Del Sol, you are never far from a magnificent beach in Malaga. There are excellent urban beaches right in the city. If you are willing to travel further afield, there is something for every taste. Playa de La Malagueta is right in the centre and has dark, soft sand and clean seas with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. Another of Malaga's urban beaches is Playa Caleta and probably the best maintained in the area. Despite its proximity to the city centre, it doesn't feel hemmed in, grimy or overcrowded. Beautiful views of the rugged mountains surround it, and there are some cool little beach bars along and a range of watersports available.