Málaga Province

Málaga is much more than sun, sea and sand.

From the Sierra Morena to the coast the province of Malaga is perhaps the most fertile of the garden centres of Spain with just about every fruit and vegetable you could possibly name growing here.

The countryside is a veritable nature reserve that is not only cultivated by man but is also naturally beautiful, with sweeping views that allow the spirit to breath in great gulps of fresh air.

It could be argued that Malaga's favoured position in terms of climate, natural resources and fertile soil has acted against it, as it has been fought over by just about every marauding civilisation that time, in its capriciousness, has created.

The feet of all the ancient peoples that comprise the mosaic of Spanish history have passed over this ground.

There is a lot of evidence of pre-historic remains and of the Ibers, the earliest known tribes to inhabit the land.

The Romans were here for several centuries and their activities and constructions are still there to be enjoyed by us even some 2000 years later.

With the demise of the Roman Empire the Visigoths occupied the niche although their stay was abruptly terminated when they made the mistake of inviting the Arabs in the sort out a spot of local difficulties.

The newly arrived mercenaries enjoyed the country so much that they stayed around for some seven hundred years and remains of their warlike activities, as well as the enlightned nature of Islamic science and art are everywhere to be seen.

Today, a concrete belt girdles Malaga's coastline like an iron chastity belt around the waist of an ageing debutant. Property prices are soaring due to an influx of British, German and Russian citizens seeking respite from colder and, until recently, wetter climes.

The ribbon of beach that adorns the coastline has long since been neatly sectioned into parcels of real estate and framed with 4 star hotels, swimming pools, golf courses and managed retirement complexes, a classic example of the transplant of 'home' under the Andalusian sun.

But, if you can get away from the land of towels and funny money, if you can permit yourself the luxury of exploration then Malaga, in terms of heritage, natural beauty and gastronomic excellence, is one of the richest provinces in Spain and a place where the possibilities are endless.

More information: http://www.malaga-info.com

Routes and Places worth a Visit

The Town of Ronda. Ronda is a town filled with historical treasures giving us a clear indication of the passage of the feet from many civilisation, waves of invaders that have woven an intricate architectural pattern through time.

Today, hordes of tourists swarm the streets of Ronda, testimony to the beauty of the town and the attraction that it holds for a new generation of, perhaps less aggressive but no less voracious, invaders.

Caseres, birthplace of Blas Infante. As the amateur explorer approaches the village along the road from Marbella, the white houses, proudly preserved by the inhabitants of Casares, glisten in the sunshine.

Sitting in the mountaintop café with the ancient walls of the castle providing shade and a view that stretches beyond the Mediterranean is a rare experience that is normally only enjoyed by vultures and eagles that inhabit the high thermals.

Archidona. The town of Archidona is the gateway to many monuments, constructed both by human hands and natural forces.

In the countryside that laps against Archidona, the natural lagoons of Chica and Grande (Little and Large) are havens of peace and tranquillity and, in Archidona itself, the unique Octagonal square surrounded by French style apartment blocks, heads a list of historically interesting buildings.

Its long and complex historical evolution and the resulting monuments that define momentous times, have led to Archidona being declared a town of Historical and Cultural Importance.

Important Fiestas

August, the second most important Feria of Andalusia, the Feria of Málaga is held in August.

Estepona, first week of July, the Great Fiesta of Estepona, which is regional tourist interest.

Fuengirola. April. The International Feria of los Pueblos. July, the Festival of Music in the Castillo Sohall.