Malaga
Málaga, the “City of Paradise”, was first established by the Phoenicians in 770
BC. They called the port “Malaka”, meaning salt, because fish was salted in the
streets near the harbour. For the next 1,500 years, it remained a minor town, only
rising to prominence in the eighth century under the Moors, when it became an important
trading centre. It later became the capital of a separate kingdom, renowned for
its fertility and beauty, and was one of the last places in Spain to fall to the
Christian kings. The city continued to thrive until the early twentieth century,
only suffering a setback when it was the focus of intensive bombing by the right-wing
army under General Franco during the Spanish Civil War. Mass tourism beginning in
the 1960s revitalised Málaga’s economy; today it is the fifth largest city in Spain
and rivals Seville as the cultural capital of Andalusia.
With such a rich history, there is a lot for visitors to see. The oldest building
in Málaga is the Roman theatre, dating from the first century BC but the Moorish
remains are more rewarding. High on Mount Gibralfaro, the Alcazaba is an eleventh
century fortress that was built to defend the city from pirates. Today it includes
a grand tower, lovely gardens of pine and eucaplyptus trees and the gracious governor’s
palace. Gibralfaro Castle above offers incredible views of the city. The nearby
church of Santiago is a wonderful mix of Gothic and Moorish styles, while the ornate
Iglesia del Sagrario was built over a mosque following the Reconquest. The Baroque
Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace also deserve a visit. Outside the city, the dolmen
caves at Antequera are an imposing reminder of the longevity of this area.
For many people, the most exciting aspect of Málaga is the plentiful choice of cultural
events throughout the year. Holy Week is celebrated with immense gusto here, and
the pageantry rivals that of Seville. Antonio Banderas, who was born here, often
takes part in the processions. Alternatively, the Feria de Málaga in August transforms
the city into a living museum of Spanish culture, with live flamenco shows, music,
dancing, and open air bars filling the town. The Film Festival in March and the
International Jazz Festival in November attract enthusiasts from around the world,
who congregate at the There are numerous art galleries: Museum of Modern Art is
wonderful, and Picasso enthusiasts will be delighted by the Native Home Museum of
Picasso, honouring the city’s most famous native
Those seeking the classic Spanish combination of sun, sea, sand and sangria will
not be disappointed either. With a Mediterranean sub-tropical climate and temperatures
that reach 31°C at the height of summer, sunbathing and swimming are always possible.
Head to the old fishing villages of El Palo or Pedregalejo for the least visited
beaches and the best chiringuitos (beach bars). Food is taken very seriously in
Andalusia, and nowhere more than in Málaga. The city is renowned throughout Spain
for its fried fish, which is agreed to be the best in the country. Espetos (fresh
sardines) are the most typical dish, but hake, cod and fresh anchovies are all delicious
too. Sweet Málaga wine made of muscatel grapes is the ideal accompaniment.