Reasons to study Spanish in Malaga

THE CITY:

  • Population: 567,000.
  • Location: South of Spain, on the Costa del Sol.
  • The city has an international airport, Malaga Airport, one of the oldest in Spain.
  • The city lies besides the sea, 100 km east from the Strait of Gibraltar
  • Malaga enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild and summers are hot.
More information about Malaga

Málaga is located in the southern region of Andalucía with its coastline forming part of the Costa del Sol above the Mediterranean Sea. Today the capital of the Costa del Sol is the 6th largest city in Spain and has more than half a million inhabitants. The city was originally founded by Phoenicians who called it Malaka (which means “fish salting place”). Its rich history spans over 3,000 years and boasts a heady mixture of Roman, Muslim and Spanish cultures - each of which has naturally left behind its own distinct imprint. It was particularly under the Roman and Arab rule that Malaga enjoyed many prosperous centuries in the architecture and trading areas; prosperity shown in the Roman amphitheatre found next to the Moorish Alcazaba fortress sitting in the hills near a Muslim palace known as Gibralfaro.

Malaga has many bars, museums, churches, parks, and endless narrow streets. A walk through Málaga is a good way to get to know the city and enjoy what it has to offer. The commercial Calle Marques de Larios is surrounded by enticing streets and plazas as well as the magnificent Malaga´s Cathedral. Stroll through San Agustin and La Judería areas to experience the tranquility of their Moorish-style streets. Then enter Plaza de la Merced, where a good range of churches and museums can be found and attest to Malaga's post- reconquest Spanish presence. Malaga is also the place where Pablo Picasso was born, so when you visit the city you have the chance to discover Picasso´s house and explore the museum devoted to him. Also each year, like every other city and town in Spain, Malaga celebrates the local festivals and the Semana Santa (Holy Week) which is considered to be one of the best in Spain.

Málaga´s climate is temperate, with average temperatures of 25ºC in summer and 19ºC in winter thanks to the mountains protecting the coast from cold north winds. However, its coastal position may mean that its temperature can reach past 30ºC during the summer months.

Malaga´s gastronomy is heavily sea influenced thus many typical dishes contain fish and other types of seafood.  Vegetables are also a big part of the diet along with fruit, especially oranges, and of course the healthy Andalusian Gazpacho.

In short, Málaga is a unique sea port city filled with an enticing mixture of architectural, cultural and historical attractions.