Malaga is a port city in Andalusia, and is located on the Costa del Sol coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the south of Spain. Malaga City is in the centre of the province’s coastline, dividing the area into the Eastern and the Western Costa Del Sol. It is the commercial centre of Andalusia and ranks as the fifth largest metropolitan area in Spain.

The province of Malaga occupies an area of 7276 square kilometres making it the smallest province in Andalusia. It is the second most mountainous area, with the ‘Montes de Malaga’ (mountains of Malaga) lying five kilometres north of the city, and the city lying at the base of the Axarquia Hills. There are two major rivers running through Malaga; the Guadalhorce and the Guadalmina. The capital is located by the mouth of the Guadalhorce and is the geographic centre of the coastline.

The combination of the Mediterranean Sea and the protective barrier against cold winds by the Malaga Mountains gives Malaga the mild temperatures seen throughout the year. The hottest months are July and August, and the coldest months are December through to February. Daytime summer temperatures reach up to 29 C, with evenings typically cooler at about 22 C. Daytime temperatures in the winter are around 16 C with the nights cooling down to approximately 9 C. The highest rainfall is seen in the winter months, with hardly any rain during the summer.

The sun and the beautiful beaches is what first attracted visitors to Malaga and the Costa del Sol. The 161 kilometres of the Malaga province coastline is mostly beach, attracting people from all over the world to enjoy the clean beaches and the various water sports and activities on offer. Malaga is an area of high contrasts, and offers the sea, mountains, rivers, national parks and varying landscapes that are also becoming of interest to visitors. Not only are different water sports on offer, but people can enjoy mountain climbing, rock climbing and hang-gliding in the surrounding mountains.

The geography of Malaga makes it an ideal place for activities such as potholing, trekking, horseback riding, cycling and golfing. There are over 23 protected areas in the Malaga Province, which is also attracting nature lovers to the area.

Malaga is also renowned for its cultural heritage, with a long and varied history. The Costa del Sol was conquered and colonised many times throughout its history, which has left behind a rich archaeological and architectural legacy.

Many people want to visit the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous artists in the 20th century. The Picasso Museum features over 200 pieces of his work, and is said to be one of the best Picasso museums in the world. Visitors can choose between several routes to walk in Malaga to see various architectural sites to which Picasso was associated.

The Church of St. James is a fascinating church from the 15th century where the young Picasso was baptised, and the Plaza de la Constitucion is a famous square with buildings dating back to the Middle Ages visited by Picasso as a youth.

Malaga is one of the most visited places of Spain for many reasons. The beautiful landscape and beaches appeal to people looking for both adventures and tranquillity. The archaeological and architectural finds all over the city and the rich and varied culture appeal to visitors looking for the real Spanish charm.