It has beaches, an international airport, a direct connection to Madrid via high-speed train, a pleasant climate almost all year round, a population that is warm towards foreigners, and a food scene linked to the sea that is exquisite. Is there any other reason for Malaga not to become your next vacation destination?

Located in the south of Spain, with just over 550,000 inhabitants, the city in Andalusia has experienced a boom in recent years. This above all is because many multinational technology companies, such as Google, IBM, Huawei and large consulting firms such as PWC and Deloitte, have chosen to establish new operations centers in the city. It has seen so much success that Malaga has earned the nickname of the Spanish Silicon Valley or Malaga Valley

In addition to all of the above, Malaga is also home to a film festival that began on March 18 and will run until Sunday, March 27. At the 25th edition of the event, short films, feature films, Spanish documentaries, and other productions from Latin America and countries around the world are on display.

The international event brings together professionals from the entertainment world, journalists and also tourists who visit the city and let themselves be guided by its charms. If you decide to visit on a holiday, here are some recommendations for your first time in Malaga.

The Alcazaba

This palace, whose name means "citadel" in Arabic, is one of the most important historical monuments in the city. It is located at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro next to the Roman theater. Historians estimate it was built between 1057 and 1063.

From the period of Moorish rule, the Alcazaba is located at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, where it was linked by a corridor protected by walls.

The Cathedral of Malaga

Located in the heart of the city, the Cathedral of Malaga — which is dedicated to the Incarnation — is one of the main jewels of the Spanish Renaissance.

The food

The pleasant temperatures that prevail in Malaga mean that social life takes place, to a large extent, in the open air. When it comes to leisure, the terraces of the bars and restaurants are at the forefront. The most traditional dishes are those that come from the sea, such as "fried fish," anchovies and sardines.

Beaches

Malaga has 14 kilometers of beaches and all are connected to one another. The most famous are La Malagueta, La Misericordia, San Andrés, San Julián, El Palo and Pedregalejo.

Museums and cultural life

While Barcelona is all about Gaudí, in Malaga it's all about Pablo Picasso. This Andalusian city, where Picasso was born in 1881, has a private museum in its streets that exhibits more than 200 works by the famous artist.