Málaga on the Costa del Sol

Information about the city of Málaga, including the main tourist attractions, local pastimes, history, geography and important telephone numbers...

Founded by the Phoenicians around 1000 BC, historically Málaga was an important port city for the conquering Romans, Visigoths and Moors. It is the second largest city in Andalusia, with a 2006 census population of approximately 560,000. It is a hub of tourist activity: many visitors to the Costa del Sol fly into and out of the Malaga airport. Residents of Malaga are called "Málagueños".

Tourism

Málaga's main claim to fame is being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation (Fundación Pablo Ruiz Picasso) maintains a library and museum with a collection of the artist's work, as well as that of other Málagueño modern artists, including Ernst, Moore, Miró, Matta, Christo, Bacon, Tápies, Chillida, Plensa, Dokoupil and Guinovart. Nearby is the Casa Natal, the house where Picasso was born.

The Castle of Gibralfaro is a Moorish castle built in the 14th century. Today the remains are impressive, as are the views. It is recommended to take the local bus that runs to the castle, as the hill is quite steep and some walkers have reported muggings on the walk to the castle. Inside the castle ruins is a military museum and a gift shop.

The Málaga Cathedral is a 16th century cathedral built on the site of a former mosque. For unknown reasons, its Southern tower was never completed and the building therefore appears to be lopsided. Locals call it "La Manquita", which means "the one-armed woman".

Considered the most important tropical garden in Spain, and perhaps the best in Europe, La Concepción Gardens are located 5 Km from the city centre. The garden tour includes a museum with statuary, mosaics and archaeology exhibits.

Leisure Activities In and Around Málaga

Every Sunday the local market takes place near the football stadium.

Málaga Information and Contacts

Service Contact
Ayuntamiento de Málaga
At: Avda. de Cervantes, 4, 29016 Málaga		 Tel: 951 926 010
Oficina de Turismo (tourism office)
At: Paseo Antonio Machado, 12, 29001 Málaga		 Tel: 951 926 020
email
Policía Local (municipal police) Tel: 092