Malaga province, Andalusia, Spain

Malaga province is home to the well known tourist resorts of Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Marbella, amongst others. Its coastline, the Costa del Sol, is the most developed and densely populated coastal strip in the whole of Andalusia.

But there’s a lot more to Malaga province than just tourist areas. The capital itself is youthful and vibrant, with a fascinating history. Then there’s the lesser known section of the Costa del Sol to the east of the city. It’s a lot less developed than the western Costa del sol. Malaga province is also home to the rugged mountain ranges of the Serranía de Ronda and the Sierra de Tejeda.

Malaga city is just six kilometres from the airport, but most tourists bypass it and head straight for the holiday resorts further down the Costa de Sol. They don’t realise how much the city really does have a lot to offer. There’s the charming historical quarter, some fascinating museums (including the recently established Picasso museum), bustling shopping streets, great nightlife, beaches and some excellent seafood restaurants.

The Malaga Fair (Feria) is one of the biggest in Andalusia. It’s a fantastic celebration, which takes place in the middle of August. The whole city stops working; shops close and banks reduce their staff, so as many people as possible can join in the fun.

It’s a full ten days on non-stop fiesta! The city swells with visitors and the skies come alive with fireworks … there’s tapas, wine, sangria, beer available on every corner. The streets become packed with partygoers, families, artists, dancers, singers and performers all day long and well into the night. Not only is it the largest and most colourful fiesta in the province, it’s great fun and shouldn’t be missed!