Having more than 3000 years of history, Málaga is one of the most internationally renowned cultural destinations. Birthplace of artists such as Picasso, Antonio Banderas and Marisol, it will give you unforgettable experiences and memories in every sense.
Here, you can visit and admire the monumental heritage which Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs have left us. Enjoy the beautiful art on display in our many museums, which open every day. Taste the exquisite and diverse gastronomy in the bars and restaurants where you can find the best products of our land all over the world, while you take time to browse around in our shopping areas.
A little history
Our city has been here since 800 B.C. when the Phoenicians founded a colony named Malaka. When the Romans came, the city developed heavily, and that’s when the Roman theatre and the thermal baths were created.
Later, in 711 the Umayyad Caliphate invaded all of Andalusia, so the city, now called Malaqa, was ruled by the Arabs until 1487. During this time, both the Alcazaba, next to the Roman theatre, and the Castle of Gibralfaro were erected. When the Christian rulers came, they built the Cathedral on top of the foundations of the mosque.
From then till now, the city has gone through great and bad times, wars and times of peace, but it still is here and throughout all these ups and downs it has become a place full of historic monuments and culture.
Our geography
More than half a million inhabitants live in our city. It is in an exceptional natural setting, with a coastline bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by the Málaga Mountains, which are a Nature Reserve. That means we enjoy both beaches and hikes, and even sometimes the Mountains get a little snow.