General Information

Inhabited for more than 2,000 years by different Mediterranean civilizations, Málaga is today a city which combines tradition and modernity. Stretching below the watchful eye of the Castle of Gibralfaro is a lively and bustling city crammed with beautiful corners, such as the Alameda Principal or the promenade of La Farola, in which it is possible to discover neighbourhoods of a rich Andalusian flavour, such as El Perchel or La Trinidad. A city whose streets are filled, year after year, with the popular fervour of its residents during Holy Week, declared to be of international tourist interest. In addition, 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.

Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans... the major Mediterranean civilizations more than two thousand years ago found in Málaga an exceptional site to establish trade routes, thanks to the strategic position of its port. The Citadel (8th-11th centuries) is, as well as one of the city's symbols, one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia. The Archaeological Museum is located in this building, which contains valuable pieces from the Phoenician and Roman periods.

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. At the foot of Gibralfaro is the Roman Theatre, the bullring (known as "La Malagueta") and the historic quarter of the city.

In the centre stands the Cathedral (16th-18th centuries), also known as “la ManquitaÝ 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 façade 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. A tour of the historic quarter must take in the busy Pasaje de Chinitas, calle Granada, with the Fine Arts Museum, or calle Larios, the old town's main thoroughfare.

Málaga provincial capital also has extensive green areas, such as the Park, the Alameda Principal, the gardens of Puerta Oscura and Pedro Luis Alonso.

Gastronomy

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). 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.

Festivals

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.

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