Málaga, Spain

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Introduction

Located on the south coast of Spain, and set within the province of Andalusia, Malaga is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Montes de Malaga National Park to the north.

Malaga’s history is layered and rich. The Phoenicians first colonised the city of Malaga around 3000 B.C. when it became a prized commercial centre trading port. and Passing through Greek, Roman and even Visigoth hands, Malaga - famous for its figs and wine - became a significant Moorish city in 711AD until it finally fell to Catholic conquerors Isabella and Ferdinand in 1487AD.

During the following centuries, Malaga was plagued by floods and fever, invaded by Napoleon, and as a republican city, suffered greatly at the hands of Franco during the Spanish Civil War. Equally there were moments of prosperity, particularly in the 19th century with investment from the north of Spain towards factories, shipyards, and sugar refineries, along with a growing reputation as a destination for wealthy English individuals seeking better climates.

And Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born in 1881 in Malaga, where he lived for the first 10 years of his life.

By the 1960’s mass tourism arrived. Malaga is perhaps recently best known for its five beaches and being a gateway to the wider Costa del Sol for sunseekers travelling to hot spots such as Marbella and lively Fuengirola. 

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