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The province of Malaga lies in the south of the region of Andalucia, the southernmost region of Spain. It is a province of beauty, history and culture, of mountain ranges, National Parks, historic castles, Baroque buildings and wonderful beaches. Right on the sea, in this sun-blessed land, almost at the centre, lays the Provincial Capital city of Malaga.
3000 years of human settlement has left its mark in the historic city centre and traces of civilisation can be seen dating back from the Phoenicians. The Roman theatre and Moorish castles show the diversity of cultures that have inhabited this old port.

Malaga city has been an important trading port since vessels sailed the Mediterranean and today some of the largest cruise liners dock here. The city's central position on the southern coast of Spain, makes it an ideal starting point for visiting Grenada, Cordoba, Seville and of course the Costa del Sol.

I have travelled to this part of Spain many times, but I have never seen the beauty of the City of Malaga. The airport of Malaga is the busiest tourist airport in the Mediterranean and I have flown into it on many occasions. As the airport lies to the west of the city and the same side as the main resorts of the Costa del Sol, I have always missed out on actually visiting the city. Even when I have travelled up the coast to Nerja, I have deliberately skirted around Malaga. It is a jewel that I have now discovered.

From the stunning Nazari Castle, standing just above the Roman theatre, you can see the whole of the city laid out below. A magnificent green and sandstone maze of churches, parks, palaces and monuments.
Pause in one of the bodega bars for tapas. Visit the interesting Picasso museum and see over 150 of his original works of art, or simply wander around and soak in the history and culture. From Malaga, ferries depart for Melilla, Morocco, due south, twice a day and make a wonderful day's mini cruise.

Then, of course, you have the magnificent beaches of the Costa del Sol. Some of the oldest, most established resorts in the Mediterranean, where just the names evoke memories of people’s first family holidays in the Mediterranean sun from their local airport: Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Mijas Costa, Fuengirola, Marbella, Puerto Banus, Estepona and Nerja. With now over 60 golf courses, fabulous marinas, luxurious villas with pools and 5 star hotels, this coastline offers so much, to so many.

It is also extremely popular and, as a result, very busy. There are havens of tranquility and beauty away from the coast in the Province of Malaga. In the west there are the Parque Naturals in the mountains around Ronda. This area behind Estepona and Marbella is an immense mountainous wilderness. One of the most spectacular parts of inland Malaga is Antequera. The Torcal Parque Natural has magnificent mountain scenery and on the plains below is the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, home of one the last remaining pink flamingos in Europe.

The Province of Malaga is a place of beauty. A place of almost year-round sunshine. A place designed to meet the needs of almost everyone and a place to enjoy life. This is why it has become not only the most popular tourist destination in Europe, but also one of the most popular areas in Europe, for people of all nationalities to choose as their permanent residence, in retirement.

Go and see why.