Malaga is the second most populous city in Andalucia and is the sixth largest in Spain. It is supposedly one of the oldest cities in the world and was founded by the Phoenicians who named it Malaka (derived from the Phoenician word for salt because fish was salted in the harbour) in around 770 BC.

It is a lively and buzzing city with lots to see and do and many great places to eat and drink so it's a good idea to plan where you want to go before you are there otherwise you might end up walking around the city for days. There are some fabulous restaurants including La Moraga and Café de Paris which both serve delicious cuisine as well as some fantastic tapas bars where you can enjoy several tapas and a few glasses of vino after exploring the city. Have a look at the different view points we've chosen in the Virtual Tour below to get an idea of what the city has to offer.

Malaga is also known for its famous exports including actor Antonio Banderos, golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez and painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso whose work is displayed in the Picasso Museum. Open from 10am to 8pm Tuesdays to Sundays, the museum traces Picasso's life and work and showcases ceramics, drawings and etchings made by the artist. Picasso's birth place Casa Natal is also worth going to as it's not as busy as the museum.

Also worth visiting is the Alcazaba - a Moorish fortification that was built to serve as the palace to the governors to the city, originally defending the city from incursions of pirates and is the best preserved one in Spain. Overlooking the Alcazaba and with breath-taking views of the city is the Gibralfaro castle which is definitely worth walking around although there are lots of steps to walk up and down so make sure it's not too hot on the day that you decide to visit.

Other attractions to see are the Quecha Theatre which dates from the 1st Century BC and is the oldest architectural remains in the city and the Plaza de Toros, or bullring, which was built in 1874 and houses a museum that is dedicated to Antonio Ordonez - a legend in the world of bullfighting.

The harbour at Malaga is a hive of activity with cruise ships taking travellers all over Europe and boats importing cereal, cement and petroleum coke and exporting olive oil and dolomite. The port is currently undergoing huge developments and renovations with millions being spent to make it the new Puerto Banus.

Malaga's football team is also doing well recently since the club was bought by Sheikh Al Thani - the latest transfer bill was around €60 million with players brought onto the team to help with their success in the future.

Malaga's Feria takes place in August with the streets transformed into symbols of Spanish culture - live music and flamenco dancing ensues during the days while there is a fairground with rides and games at night.

Another big celebratory week is the Holy Week at Easter which has been taking place for more than 500 years and is famous worldwide. Dramatic processions occur throughout the city on Holy Thursday and Good Friday with more than 250 members of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza wearing long purple robes and white pointed hats carrying 'tonos' or floats singing mournful saetas followed by women in black carrying candles.

It takes about an hour to get right into the centre of Malaga from the centre of Marbella by car and there are bus services available to Malaga city centre and the airport from the Marbella Bus Station. A high speed train also connects Malaga to Madrid and Barcelona.