Málaga is a city and a municipality in Spain, capital of the Province of Málaga, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Located on the Costa del Sol of the Mediterranean Sea, it is the second-most populous city of Andalusia after Seville, and the sixth-largest in Spain.
History
Málaga's history spans over 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. It was founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BC as Malaka. Subsequently, it was part of the Carthaginian Empire. From the 3rd century BC, it fell under Roman rule, becoming a flourishing confederated city within the Roman province of Hispania Ulterior. Following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, it was successively controlled by the Visigoths and then, from the 8th century, by the Moors as part of Al-Andalus. During the Islamic period, it became an important port and cultural center, part of the Caliphate of Córdoba and later an independent Taifa kingdom. Málaga was one of the last Muslim strongholds to fall during the Reconquista, conquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487. The city then underwent a period of Christianization and urban redevelopment. In the 19th century, it experienced significant industrial growth, becoming one of Spain's leading industrial centers, particularly in textiles and ironworks. The 20th century saw a decline in its industrial base but a rapid rise in tourism.
Geography
Málaga is situated on the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 kilometers (81 miles) north of Africa. The city is bordered by the Montes de Málaga mountain range to the north, which protects it from cold northern winds, and opens to the Bay of Málaga to the south. The Guadalhorce River flows through the western part of the city and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Its coastal location contributes to its mild climate and makes it a major port.
Climate
Málaga has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. It enjoys one of the warmest winter climates in Europe, with average daytime temperatures of 17-18 °C (63-64 °F) in December and January. Summers are hot and generally dry, with average daytime temperatures of 30 °C (86 °F) in July and August. The city receives around 300 days of sunshine per year.
Economy
The economy of Málaga is predominantly based on tourism, services, and technology. Its airport, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, is a major international gateway for tourists visiting the Costa del Sol. The city's port is also a significant cruise ship destination and a trade hub. Málaga has developed into a growing technological hub, particularly in the telecommunications and IT sectors, with a major technology park (Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía - PTA). Agriculture, particularly subtropical fruits like avocados and mangoes, also contributes to the local economy.
Culture and Landmarks
Málaga is a vibrant cultural center. It is the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso, and the city hosts the Museo Picasso Málaga. Other notable cultural institutions include the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Centre Pompidou Málaga, and the Russian Museum Collection, Málaga. Historical landmarks include the Alcazaba (a Moorish fortress-palace), the Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano), and the Málaga Cathedral (Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación). The city is renowned for its Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions and the Málaga Fair (Feria de Málaga) in August. Its culinary scene is famous for fresh seafood, particularly "espetos de sardinas" (sardine skewers).