Malaga – the heart of the Costa del Sol. A city of art, history, and modernity
Malaga is one of the most dynamically developing cities in Spain and the informal capital of the Costa del Sol. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, at the foot of the Sierra de Malaga mountains, it impresses not only with its climate but also with its rich history, culture and modern infrastructure. This makes properties for sale in Malaga have been very popular for many years among foreign investors. Malaga is a place where tradition meets innovation, and life flows to the rhythm of the sun and Mediterranean energy.
What you’ll find in the article?
- Location, history and inhabitants
- Attractions in Malaga – what’s worth seeing?
- Malaga – city of art and museums
- Culture and events in Malaga
- Artists associated with Malaga include:
- Advantages of living in Malaga
- Malaga – a haven for digital nomads
- Properties for sale in Malaga
- Malaga – all about Costa del Sol
Location, history and inhabitants
Malaga lies in southern Andalusia, just 60 km from Marbella and 90 km from Estepona, which makes it an excellent base for exploring the entire coast. The city has over 580 thousand inhabitants, making it the sixth largest city in Spain and the second largest city in Andalusia. Malaga can boast a history dating back more than 2800 years. It was founded by the Phoenicians, and was called Malaka at that time. Then for centuries it was under the rule of Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors. The traces of this multicultural past are visible at every turn: from the Roman theatre, through the Arab fortress Alcazaba, to the Renaissance cathedral.
Attractions in Malaga – what’s worth seeing?
The city offers plenty of attractions for everyone. A stroll through the historic center is a journey through the centuries. Worth seeing:
- Alcazaba – an impressive Moorish fortress from the 11th century,
- Teatro Romano – a Roman theatre from the 1st century BCE,
- La Manquita Cathedral – known as the “One-Armed Lady” because of its unfinished tower,
- Castillo de Gibralfaro – a castle with views of the entire city and the port.
One of the trendiest places is Muelle Uno – a modern marina and promenade with restaurants, boutiques, galleries and a view of the sea. This is where concerts, exhibitions and cultural events take place, and in the evenings social life buzzes.
Malaga – city of art and museums
Malaga is a true city of museums: there are over 40 of them here! The most famous are:
- Museo Picasso – dedicated to the famous painter Pablo Picasso, who was born in Malaga,
- Centre Pompidou Málaga – a branch of the famous Parisian museum of contemporary art, hosting, alongside the permanent collection, very interesting temporary exhibitions.
- Museo Carmen Thyssen – with a collection of 19th-century Spanish painting,
- Museo Ruso – presenting Russian art,
- Museo de Automóvil y la Moda – a unique combination of automobiles and fashion.
- Interactive Museum of Music – the best museum for families.
Culture and events in Malaga
Malaga is a city that throughout the year enchants with a wealth of cultural events and festivals. Everyone will find something here – from large outdoor events, through concerts and performances, to intimate exhibitions and meetings with artists. The most important events in Malaga:
- Festiwal Filmowy w Maladze (Festival de Málaga) – one of the most important film festivals in Spain, dedicated to Spanish-language cinema. It takes place every year in March and attracts stars, directors and cinema lovers from around the world. Film screenings, meet-and-greets with creators and the awards gala take place, among others, at the famous Teatro Cervantes.
- Feria de Málaga – the city’s celebration, lasting a week in August. The streets of Malaga are transformed into a colorful fiesta filled with music, dancing, parades, flamenco shows and traditional Andalusian costumes. It’s a great opportunity to feel the true spirit of Andalusia.
- Malaga Jazz Festival – an international jazz festival that every November attracts world-renowned musicians. Concerts take place at various venues, with the historic Teatro Cervantes as the main stage.
- Teatro Cervantes – the oldest and most prestigious theatre in Malaga, a venue for concerts, theatre performances, opera and ballet. This is where the city’s most important cultural events take place.
- Teatro Soho CaixaBank – a modern theatre founded by the famous actor Antonio Banderas, who hails from Malaga. The theatre presents both classical and innovative performances, concerts and musicals at the highest level.
Artists associated with Malaga include:
- Pablo Picasso – the most famous painter of the 20th century, who was born in Malaga. His legacy can be admired at the Museo Picasso Málaga.
- Antonio Banderas – world-renowned actor and director, ambassador of Malaga, founder of Teatro Soho.
- Dani Rovira – a popular Spanish actor and comedian, also from Malaga.
- Pablo Alborán – a well-known singer and songwriter, who has gained international fame.
Malaga is a city that inspires artists and attracts culture lovers from around the world. Thanks to a rich offering of festivals, concerts, performances and exhibitions, life here is never dull, and every day can bring new, unforgettable experiences.
Advantages of living in Malaga
In recent years, Malaga has been experiencing a real boom. New developments, office towers, apartment buildings and business centers are appearing. The city attracts not only tourists but also investors and digital nomads. High quality of life, excellent connectivity, proximity to beaches, rich gastronomic and cultural offerings mean that more and more people are choosing to settle here permanently, and properties for sale in Malaga do not lose value.
An enormous asset is the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, the fourth largest airport in Spain, which offers direct connections to the whole world. Malaga is well connected with the rest of Europe and the world, and the journey from the airport to Marbella or Estepona takes only a few dozen minutes.
Malaga – a haven for digital nomads
In recent years, Malaga has become one of the favorite places on the map of Europe for digital nomads, i.e., people who work remotely from anywhere in the world. The city attracts them not only with sunny climate and proximity to the sea, but also with modern infrastructure, fast internet and a rich offering of coworking spaces. In the center of Malaga and around the Muelle Uno port, many spaces for work, cafes and coworking offices have emerged, conducive to creativity and making international connections.
Thanks to numerous networking events, workshops and industry meetings, Malaga has become a true hub for freelancers, startups and entrepreneurs from around the world. The high quality of life, access to culture, sport and entertainment, and the openness of residents mean that more and more digital nomads choose Malaga as their base on the Costa del Sol.
Properties for sale in Malaga
Properties for sale in Malaga attract enormous interest, both among Spaniards and foreign investors. Sales of apartments in Malaga rise year by year, and the choice is really wide: from modern apartments with sea views, through historic townhouses in the center, to luxurious penthouses and houses in green neighborhoods. Investment in Malaga is not only a quality of life but also a great capital investment. The city is developing dynamically, and property prices are steadily rising.
Note: if you plan to buy a property in Malaga for short-term rental, take into account the new regulations introduced by the city authority in August this year. You can read more about them here:
Malaga – all about Costa del Sol
Malaga is not only the gateway to the Costa del Sol, but also a place that combines tradition, modernity and Mediterranean lifestyle. The proximity to Marbella and Estepona, the wealth of attractions in Malaga, numerous museums, the lively port of Muelle Uno and rapid development make it an ideal place to live, work and invest. If you are looking for properties for sale in Malaga or are interested in apartment sales in Malaga – this city will surely meet your expectations.
Malaga is one of the most dynamically developing cities in Spain and the informal capital of the Costa del Sol. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, at the foot of the Sierra de Malaga mountains, it impresses not only with its climate but also with its rich history, culture and modern infrastructure. This is a place where tradition meets innovation, and life flows to the rhythm of the sun and Mediterranean energy.