Málaga is a province in Andalusia, southern Spain on the Costa del Sol. The province is named after the city of Málaga of the same name. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Málaga is surrounded by mountains and crossed by two rivers, both of which flow into the Mediterranean Sea. The city has a Mediterranean and subtropical climate, with mild winters and not too hot summers. Temperatures average between 20 and 30 degrees. The city has an important seaport and receives almost as many cruise ships annually as Barcelona, Spain's largest port. Málaga is Andalusia's second largest city after Seville. It is also the hometown of Pablo Picasso and actor Antonio Banderas.
Málaga's pier has recently been completely renovated, the Muelle Uno has been turned into a beautiful promenade, with an open-air shopping centre, nice terraces and restaurants. Parking is good under this promenade. Notable sights include the colourful Centre Pompidou cube and the lighthouse. Right in the historical centre stands the Cathedral of Málaga. Popularly known as the Manquita, meaning the one-armed lady, the cathedral has in fact only 1 tower that is completely finished.
The Picasso Museum is perhaps the most famous museum in Málaga and its surroundings, the museum houses more than 200 works by Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. Plaza de Merced is one of the liveliest squares in Málaga, at this square with its many restaurants and tapas bars is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso (Casa Natal de Pablo Picasso). In Málaga city stands the former Moorish fortress The Alcazaba, it is built on the slope of Gibralfaro Mountain and can be visited.
The Castillo de Gibralfaro is the eye-catching castle on the 130-metre-high Gibralfaro mountain, the 14e century castle sits above the palaces and fortress of Alzacaba and offers stunning views over Málaga city centre.
About five kilometres outside the city centre are Málaga's Botanical Gardens, the Jardin de la Concepción, it is one of the larger botanical gardens in Europe with a diversity of trees, flowers and plants from all over the world. Again, there are great views over Málaga. Part of the province of Málaga includes the well-known towns of Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Alhaurín de la Torre, Mijas, Calahonda , Cabopino, Marbella, Estepona and Ronda.
