1-3 October, 2015
LOCATION
More information about Málaga in
http://www.malagaturismo.com/
Málaga, capital of the province of the same name, is the fifth most populated city in Spain. It is located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, in a privileged spot. The city covers 398.25 square kilometres and has a population of almost 568,000 inhabitants, although almost a million people live in the metropolitan area.
The main environmental and geographical factors that have affected the city's evolution and development are of a maritime nature, its location in two river valleys (the Guadalhorce and the Guadalmedina), its topographic relief and its climate.
Whilst the Mediterranean Sea bathes the Málaga coastline, the mountains sourrounding Málaga close ranks behind the city to form a barrier of peaks protecting the city from the cold, while the regulating effect of the sea gives the area its well known mild temperatures. The hottest months are July and August. December and February are usually the coldest. The average temperatures fall between a maximum of 22.8° C and a minimum of 13° C. Rainfall in Málaga follows the seasons, with the most abundant occurring in autumn and winter.
HISTORY
More than 3,000 years of history have passed since the Phoenicians settled in Málaga transforming the beautiful, friendly and cosmopolitan city that enchants tourists from all over the world today.
The Roman Theatre and garum (Roman fish paste) pools will transport you back to the times of Roman Hispania. Meanwhile, the Alcazaba is the most beautiful living example of the period of Muslim domination. Experience the Reconquest (La Reconquista) by the Catholic Monarchs from the Santuario de la Victoria (the Sanctuary of Victory); or stroll along Calle San Agustín, formerly known as the Calle de los Caballeros, the street of the knights since they settled on this street, with the Palacio de Buenavista as its most significant feature.
What to see in Málaga and surroundings
Historic Monuments: churches, chapels and palaces, piazzas and fountains.
Museums: Picasso, Thyssen-Bornemisa, Center of Contemporary art,...
Proximity to other cities of interest:
Granada (125 km) – Alhambra, Albaicín
Sevilla (206 km) – Giralda, Cathedral
Córdoba (159 km) – Medina Azahara, Mosque
GASTRONOMY
Most experts on food from Málaga mention the simple ingredients, the variety of rich dishes and their delectable flavours. All these features are merely the result of preparing the city's wide range of dishes by using the best natural products in the best way. Málaga's cuisine, by the way, perfectly embodies the Mediterranean diet, as can easily be seen in its patently healthy qualities.
HOW TO GET TO MÁLAGA
Airport
The airport of Málaga (Pablo Picasso) is one of the most important in Spain and has connections to major cities worldwide. Located just eight miles from the city's Historic Quarter, it is renowned for its modern terminals and extensive shopping areas. Málaga airport receives around 13 million passengers a year, making it the gateway to Andalusia. Currently, more than 60 airlines use its facilities.
Railway
Málaga's María Zambrano Station is one of the most important Southern Spain railway communication hubs. In fact, Málaga is connected to Spain's 's major cities through the Spanish High Speed (AVE) network. Its central location and excellent communications with other forms of transport makes Málaga Station an important departure and arrival point when planning a visit to the city.
Road
Access from the north is along the A-45 motorway (Antequera-Málaga), which links up with the A-92 motorway that crosses the Andalusian Region. The highways from the north of Spain join this motorway.
The A-45 motorway accesses Málaga in the Ciudad Jardín district and then continues to the city centre or, if you are not going to the city itself, you can take the East or West ring roads (Ronda Este or Ronda Oeste).
The A-357 will take you to the Andalusian Technological Park (Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía - PTA).
On the other hand, the A-7 motorway (Autovía del Mediterráneo), which runs along the whole of the province’s coastline from Nerja to Algeciras, in the province of Cádiz, provides access to the city from any place along the coast.
Bus
You will find the bus service extremely useful and necessary, not only to get to Malaga, but also to move around the province on excursions that will make your visit an unforgettable experience.
The bus station is situated in a central location, making transfer to other forms of transport simple and easy. In fact it is right next to the train station, as well as on the airport bus route. The station is very spacious, with bays for a large number of buses, and all the bays have awnings to ensure that passengers are sheltered from bad weather.
Port
As a Mediterranean city, Málaga has always been linked to the sea and the wealth it provides. It has been the driving force and livelihood of the people of Málaga.
Nestling in the shelter of a natural bay, Málaga Port has become the second most important port of call for cruise ships in the Spanish peninsula, visited by some of the most important shippping lines in the world. Not surprisingly, Málaga has one the most modern maritime stations in the country.
