On the shores of the Mediterranean, the sea of culture and classical history, in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, lies Malaga. Its millenary history stems from the sea, from the first sailors and traders who, two millennia ago, arrived on these shores from the Mediterranean East.
Since then, this has been its character: an open, travelling, commercial and hospitable city.
The city is cheerful and welcoming, with numerous gardens and the Andalusian grace of its architecture reminiscent of Moorish architecture. We find ourselves in front of the birthplace of the famous painter Picasso (Visit the Picasso Museum), a city that offers the visitor the opportunity to get to know its millenary history, cradled between the sea and the mountains, in the living heart of today's city.
In just a few minutes it is possible to leave its Roman Theatre to visit the Muslim fortress of the Alcazaba, admire the Renaissance majesty of its Cathedral and then immerse oneself in the lively life of the nearby streets, with their special nineteenth-century atmosphere.
You can choose to tour the city on foot, in horse-drawn carriages or even on the Malaga Tourist Bus.
The city centre is a combination of its old layout, of Islamic heritage, whose imprint is still preserved in some streets such as Calle Granada or Calle Fresca, with the urban reforms of the 19th century. Its most successful example, Calle Larios, is the main axis of the historic centre.
The palaces of La Aduana, Buenavista, Episcopal, Picasso's birthplace and the Casa del Consulado are some of the unique buildings that open onto its streets.
To the west of the city we find the Monte Gibralfaro, here we find the castle of the same name, where we can enjoy one of the best views of the city.
To the north, the historic gardens of the Finca de la Concepción with its Doric temple, its colonial flavoured palace and its hundreds of species of trees and plants. Next to them are the gardens of the Finca de San José.
Very close to both, just outside the town centre, the Montes de Málaga Natural Park offers the opportunity to enjoy its routes, outdoor activities, services and hotel accommodation.
The soul of the city is particularly evident in its fiestas. Of all the festivities that take place in the city, Easter and La Feria (around 19 August) are particularly noteworthy. From May to June, there is the festival of the Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses), the festivities of the patron saints San Ciríaco and Santa Paula and the Noche de San Juan (Saint John's Night). In July, the Virgen del Carmen.
