Malaga is the fifth largest city in Spain, with a population in the city itself of around 560,000 and in the metropolitan area of around 1.1 million. Malaga is located on the Costa del Sol coast of the Mediterranean Sea in southern Spain. The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world with miles of beautiful, sandy beaches and many well-known destinations such as Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella, Puerto Banus and Estepona. To the west of Malaga, Costa del Sol stretches all the way down to Gibraltar, and to the east it continues to Nerja, a beautiful coastal town about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Malaga.
Malaga's history dates back to the Phoenicians, and has since been inhabited by Greeks, Romans and Moors, all of whom have left their mark on the area's architecture and culture. Major sights in the center include the cathedral and several churches, each with its own distinctive style. There are also some excellent museums. These are all located within a small area, the highlight being the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro. La Alcazaba is a fortress that dates back to the 700s, although much of the structure belongs to the mid-11th century. Just below the entrance to the Alcazaba are the ruins of an amphitheater dating from Roman times, around the second century AD.
Malaga is famous for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and Malaga has two Picasso museums, one being his actual birthplace at Plaza de la Mercedes in the city center, the other an art museum, with a special emphasis on Picasso himself.
Malaga's colorful market, the Mercado de Atarazanas, is one of the most appealing in all Andalucia. The stalls sell fresh fish, meat, spices, deli items, fruit and vegetables. The typical 19th century iron structure incorporates the original Puerta de Atarazanas, the exquisitely crafted 14th century Moorish gate that once connected the city with the port.
The Castillo de Gibralfaro from the 14th century, joined to the Alcazaba by a stretch of wall, gives the best view of the city, which opens out into the sea with the port and the promenade of La Farola, one of the major leisure areas of the city. Just below the entrance to the Alcazaba are the ruins of an amphitheater dating from Roman times, the bullring, Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta, and the historic quarter of the city.
In the center of the old town stands the Cathedral, built 16th-18th century, it has an unfinished right tower. Other prominent churches in this district are Santiago, los Mártires, Sagrado Corazón and Santo Cristo de la Salud. Historic Malaga offers countless spots and corners full of local color.
