Picture this! You have just graduated from college and you want to move on to the next phase. You have spent half a decade in school, seeing the same people, walking between the same walls, and learning one type of thing every day. You need a holiday, right? Take a short break before you start job hunting (or joining the family business like some of us). The best way to do this is to see the world. To journey around the country, another continent even, and see what the sun is like in places a thousand miles away from where you are. How about a vibrant city, new adventures and memorable experiences to spice up your life? Well, you can stop looking, because you’ve just found your perfect destination. At Coeo, we bring you 17 cool facts about Malaga to present you to one of the most beautiful places in the world. Ready?
Curiosities & cool facts about Malaga
1. Malaga is the capital of the namesake province
The first one of our cool facts about Malaga is that, besides being a city, it’s also a stunning province on the Costa del Sol. It lies in the south of Spain, in Andalucía (arguably one of the country’s most fascinating autonomous regions). Renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and rich culture, this area is among Spain’s greatest cultural centres. And Malaga has plenty to offer. Moreover, this province also boasts some of the finest beaches in the entire country.
2. It’s the sixth-largest city in Spain
With a population of over 577,000 people. Malaga’s population is far above the average population of the provinces in Andalusia. This speaks volumes about the amount of tourism that Malaga gets. People like to live here!
3. Malaga is famous for its beautiful beaches
Continuing with our fun & cool facts about Malaga, we definitely have to talk about its beaches. The most popular ones within the city are La Malagueta, Pedregalejo and El Palo. These beaches look out over the Mediterranean and delight visitors with views of some of Europe’s finest vessels.
4. A city with a long and rich history
The origins of Malaga stretch back to the Phoenicians, around 770 BC. Known in antiquity as Malaka, it served as a trading port for civilisations right across the Mediterranean. As a result, Malaga has been continuously inhabited for more than 3,000 years: people have been here ever since. The discovery of the Cuevas de Nerja, also in the province, pushes that timeline back to around 42,000 years ago. Within those caverns you can find some of the oldest examples of human-made art.
5. Malaga has been ruled by many different civilizations
Fancy more fun & cool facts about Malaga? Think of the civilisations that have passed through this beautiful city: Greeks, Romans, Moors and Christians. Each left an indelible mark, giving Malaga an immense and diverse cultural heritage. From the seaport first established by the Phoenicians and the remains of the Roman Theatre, to the Moorish architectural influences and the festivities introduced by the Christian conquerors, Malaga is the perfect place for anyone keen to explore the history of the world.
6. Malaga has one-armed lady
The Malaga Cathedral, also known as “La Manquita”, meaning “the one-armed lady,” is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It was built between 1528 and 1782 and it features a single tower that breaks the traditional symmetry of such buildings, hence the nickname.
7. Malaga is the home of Pablo Picasso
More cool facts about Malaga? It’s the birthplace of several world-famous artists, most notably Pablo Picasso, one of the 20th century’s most celebrated painters, who was born here in 1881. You can visit the Picasso Museum to admire some of his most famous works. And who knows? Perhaps the genius behind those ancient Nerja Cave drawings served as an early inspiration for the young Picasso.
8. Food is great
Malaga is renowned for its delicious cuisine, including the famous fried fish, known as “pescaíto frito”. And the region’s most popular wine, Cartojal, is especially emblematic: you’ll spot its pink-labelled plastic bottles all over the Malaga Fair. A glass of Cartojal, nicely chilled to around 6 °C, is just the ticket for anyone seeking a relaxing afternoon in the city. But if you’re craving a taste of Malaga cuisine with as many international twists as the travellers passing through Coeo, be sure to drop in at Bartola, our fabulous brunch & bistro + rooftop bar. You’ll find us in the same building as our Hernán Ruiz hostel, right in the heart of Malaga. You’ll love it!
9. The Alcazaba of Malaga
One more fun fact we’d like you to discover about Malaga is the beauty and history hidden in its Alcazaba. This 11th-century Arab fortress is another must-visit attraction. Perched atop a hill, it affords stunning views over the city. Built during the Arab occupation, the Alcazaba stands as one of Andalusia’s most exquisite examples of Islamic architecture.
10. Malaga has a citywide fair
The Malaga Fair is a truly vibrant celebration that everyone should experience at least once in their life. It lasts for a week every August and features everything from flamenco dancing and live music to loads of food and drink. Whether by day or by night, you’re guaranteed to find plenty of fun and excitement at the much-acclaimed “Feria de Málaga”.
11. Malaga has a decent winter
Malaga has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, making it a popular destination all year round. In fact, you could say Malaga enjoys the best winters in the world. Average temperatures hover around 17 °C in January, the coldest month of the year. It’s just cool enough to throw on a jumper and unwind with a good book, a film and a steaming cup of coffee at Bartola, for example.
12. Malaga Airport is full of international activity
Another of our fun & cool facts about Malaga is the ceaseless activity at its airport, which ranks among the busiest in Spain. The Malaga Airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain, with flights to and from destinations all over Europe. And this makes Malaga very easy to travel to at any time of the year. 156 airports from around the world fly directly to Málaga, from 137 cities in 37 different countries. Just look at this screenshot from flightconnections.com.
13. Malaga has a very well-stocked central market
The Atarazanas Market is a bustling indoor market that sells fresh produce, meat, fish, and other local goods. There is quite a lot of food here. Malaga used to be a trading port and the amount of produce you can find in the Mercado de Atarazanas is globally astonishing. It is also a great place to delve into the local culture and see the roots of street cuisine in Malaga.
14. Home to many museums
Including the Carmen Thyssen Museum, which features a collection of 19th-century Spanish art. The Picasso Museum is an outstanding place to visit and witness the lifetime work and legacy of Pablo Picasso, Malaga’s own art hero. We also recommend a visit to the Pompidou Centre or the CAC in Malaga. The list is endless
15. Malaga boasts a natural park
More cool facts about Malaga. It is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Montes de Malaga Natural Park, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Sitting in Andalusia, the most fertile place on the Iberian peninsular, Malaga is also home to two-thirds of Spain’s local fauna.
16. The Port of Malaga has outlived civilizations
To this day, the Port of Malaga remains as bustling as ever. It has been equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure and commercial facilities. And also serves as a passenger port, with ferries departing to destinations throughout the Mediterranean. Of course, it has come a long way since the Phoenicians first established it.
17. Malaga possesses a two-thousand-year-old theatre
The Roman Theatre of Malaga is a remarkably well-preserved amphitheatre dating back to the 1st century AD. Nestled at the foot of the Alcazaba, it is a testament to the city’s rich history. Performances are still staged there from time to time, allowing visitors to experience the pinnacle of Roman drama.
Enjoyed these fun & cool facts about Malaga?
Malaga is a city that offers something for everyone, from history enthusiasts to beach-lovers or even foodies. Its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery and vibrant atmosphere make it a hugely popular destination.
We hope you’re now seventeen steps closer to deciding to travel to Malaga this spring (or any time of the year!). The weather is beginning to warm up and the beaches will be glorious. Fortunately, Coeo has apartments and aparthotels in Malaga city centre that make it easy for visitors to explore the city’s attractions. For travellers seeking to socialise, our Beatas Pod Hostel and, of course, our Hernán Ruiz Hostel are ideal for meeting fellow travellers from around the world.
·coeo·
More cool facts about Malaga? Discover them at Coeo!
**Direct flights to Malaga. Image source: flightconnections.com
