Málaga, Mediterranean port in Costa del Sol, Spain
Málaga is a coastal city on the southern Mediterranean shore of Spain, spreading between mountains to the north and open sea to the south. The Guadalhorce River runs through the western neighborhoods before reaching the sea, while the old quarter wraps around a natural harbor and modern residential areas extend along the coastline both east and west.
The Phoenicians founded a trading harbor here in the 8th century BC, which later became an important production center for garum under Roman rule. Over the centuries, Moorish rulers shaped the cityscape with fortresses and palaces, until the Catholic monarchs captured the city in 1487 and opened a new phase of development.
Local people observe the afternoon siesta and gather in the evening on outdoor terraces to share tapas and sweet wine from the region. Throughout the year, processions and festivals bring residents into the streets in traditional dress, with flamenco rhythms filling the squares and alleys.
The city is well connected through an international airport and high-speed trains from several major Spanish cities. Visitors planning to explore the old quarter on foot should wear comfortable shoes, as many alleys are steep and cobbled and can get hot under the sun.
The Arabic fortress Alcazaba features a triple defense system of staggered walls and connects to Gibralfaro Castle through a covered elevated walkway across the mountain. Walking this path allows visitors to observe the construction techniques of Moorish fortifications up close while taking in views over the city and the sea.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
