Facts About Málaga | 20 Interesting & Fun Facts About Málaga

November 22, 2023

Spain has some of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The port city of Málaga is the capital of Málaga Province in the Andalusia region. We found lots of amazing things to do in Málaga, like seeing the interesting museums and artworks by the likes of Pablo Picasso or getting good food at the Mercado de La Merced.

The possibilities are endless in the sunny paradise. Are you looking to see the history and culture that built the charming city or to tantalize your taste buds with the local cuisine? We found lots of amazing things to do in Málaga, like seeing interesting museums and artworks by the likes of Pablo Picasso or getting good food at the Mercado de La Merced.

We imagine you’re already booked and packed just thinking about how wonderful your vacation will be. So how about we sell you even more on the destination?

Here are some facts that we think show just how amazing and unique Málaga is.

Interesting Facts About Málaga

Málaga is a breathtakingly beautiful place, no doubt. But, apart from being so exquisite and culturally rich, it is also beyond fascinating. Check out these facts we think you’d love to know.

Málaga Has Warm Winters and Many Summer Days

Málaga has mild and warm winters. It is said that the positioning of the Northern Mountains helps shield Málaga from the cold weather. The lowest temperature recorded was 24.8℉.

Málaga barely sees any rain. Instead, the city has roughly 300 days of pure sunlight every year, and this is a treat.

The Short Sweet Life of A Biznaga

The biznaga is made from jasmine flowers attached to a thistle (stem of a Nerdo). This symbol of Málaga is sold by traditionally clothed vendors called biznagueros. While the pretty treat is loved by locals and tourists alike, it does not have much of a shelf life.

Sold on summer evenings, the biznaga only lives for a few days, but it is luckily sold all year-round due to the favorable weather in Spain.

Pablo Picasso Hails From Málaga

The famous painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer was born Pablo Ruiz Picasso in October 1881. Although the iconic artist only lived in Málaga until he was ten, his birthplace greatly influenced him. The Museo Picasso Málaga is a museum dedicated to his work.

Málaga Has Ample Fine Dining Experiences

We know that street vendors are where you’ll find some of the best authentic food in any country. However, if you’re looking for something more formal and gourmet, Málaga has eight impressive Michelin Star restaurants. Yes, eight!

Fun Facts About Málaga

Málaga isn’t short on lively things to do. There are a million things to see, delicious food to eat, and experiences to be had. But before diving into all the enjoyment, take a look at these super fun facts.

Natives to Málaga are Called Anchovies

People born in Málaga are called boquerón or boquerona for females. The local term of endearment translates to anchovy. No, we’re not kidding. It means anchovy.

Anchovies are also a special part of Málaga cuisine. The delicacy is served either deep fried (which is always tasty) or pickled.

You Can Tour Málaga Through a Game

There are so many kinds of tours you can do when going anywhere. Málaga offers some of the most beautiful and adventurous tours. But did you know that you can play a game while touring?

Yes, folks. You can travel through Málaga via an outdoor Escape Room in the city center or by going on a sightseeing treasure hunt tour.

Málaga Has Multiple Guinness World Record Holders

Did you know that in 2002, Robert Lantsoght broke the record for having the most individual golf clubs? He owned 4,393 golf clubs. So random and yet so awesome.

But one of the most fun records broken in Málaga involves juggling. The fourth-generation circus performer originally from Seville, Michael Ferreri, holds 15 records.

Zorro and Eleven Were Born in Málaga

Actor, producer, and director Antonio Banderas is known for his roles in movies like The Mask of Zorro, Spy Kids, and Crazy in Alabama. He has been very vocal and passionate about his love for his home country and visits yearly for celebrations.

Known for playing Eleven on Stranger Things and the title character of Enola Holmes, Millie Bobby Brown was born in Marbella, in the province of Málaga. The star lived there with her family before moving away when she was four years old.

Cultural Facts About Málaga

One of the most remarkable things about any place is the unique culture shared among locals and tourists. The beautiful city has so much culture to offer, and these facts will surely offer a glimpse into Málaga and all it has to give.

Colorful display at the Pompidou Museum in Malaga

Málaga Celebrates the American Day of Independence

Should you be in Málaga on the 4th of July (or the closest weekend to the date), you might be surprised to see the city celebrating the American milestone.

The people here celebrate and commemorate the contribution of Bernardo de Gálvez as he helped the Americans win the Battle of Pensacola.

Málaga Is the City of Museums

Málaga is one of the best places to visit if you love museums. Why? Well, because it has over 30 museums to explore. You can visit history, music, and even wine museums.

Málaga Is a Producer of Wine

Are you a lover of Spanish wine? Well, then, Málaga is perfect as it has 45 wineries and over 260 brands of wine.

Wine is a significant export for the country, and if you want to merge seeing vineyard views with wine tasting, you simply have to visit Málaga. It’s heaven for wine lovers.

View overlooking a vineyard in Malaga

The Antequera Dolmens Is a UNESCO Site

The Antequera Dolmens is made up of three megalithic monuments and two natural sites. The natural wonder was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. It’s a great visit because of its beauty and history.

Unusual Facts About Málaga

Here’s what we know: Málaga is beautiful, has a fantastic culture, and its history is epic. The city is pretty weird, too, in the best way. Check out these pleasantly unusual facts.

Time in Málaga is Shorter

The clocks in Málaga subways follow the same system as the British ones. Clocks in this system only count 58.9 seconds but pause until a full 60 seconds has passed.

La Manquita Cathedral in Malaga

Málaga is Home to the One-Armed Lady

“La Manquita” is known as the one-armed lady because it remained unfinished for years. The cathedral began construction in 1528 but halted for years, leaving the building without a south tower (get it? missing a tower or rather an arm).

From an architectural eye, you can see the long construction time on the building as it has influences from the Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance eras.

Málaga Releases a Prisoner Every Year

It is an unusual tradition that has been upheld for centuries since its inception back in 1759. The story is that back in the day, Easter processions were canceled due to a plague outbreak.

When local prisoners heard the news, they were devastated and decided to break out of prison. They took to the streets carrying portraits of Jesus Christ, and when they were done, they returned to their cells.

King Charles III was so surprised and pleased with their actions that he decided to release a prisoner at Easter time every year.

Easter Procession in Malaga where a statue of Jesus Christ is carried by locals

Málaga Has a “Bridge of Germans”

In 1900, a bunch of locals rushed to save German sailors after a storm wrecked a ship sailing nearby. Seven years later, the Guadalmedina overflowed, and in a bid to return the favor, the Germans gathered resources to help out. Thus the “Puente de los Alemanes” was created.

Historical Facts About Málaga

Seeing a city is one thing, but learning about how it came to be is extra special. Have a look at these fascinating historical facts.

The Phoenicians Founded Málaga, and the Greeks Visited Too

Phoenicians were an ancient civilization. Their home, Phoenicia, was located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea (where modern-day Lebanon lies). They set up a trading post and named the area “Malaka” around 770 B.C.

Following the Phoenicians, the Greeks settled in Málaga. In the 6th century B.C., they established a colony and ended up staying for centuries.

The Reconquest of Spain Shifted Religious Dominance

The siege of Málaga happened during the Reconquest of Spain in August of 1487. In a bloody battle, Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella gained control of the city from the Emirate of Granada.

As a result of this roughly four-month-long conquest, many non-Christians were persecuted, enslaved, and even killed.

Inside a beautiful Cathedral in Spain

A Childless King Caused the Spanish War of Succession

The line of succession in royal families is super important and the reason why royals are encouraged to produce heirs. King Charles II had no children, and when he died, there was confusion about who would rule. So, between 1701 and 1714, the Spanish War of Succession was fought. The Treaty of Utrecht concluded the war, and Phillip V was named King of Spain.

Málaga Was Not Always the Name of Choice

When Málaga was founded, it was named Malaka. Málaga was under Islamic rule for some 800 years, and during that time, it was known as Málaqa. Following the Second Punic War (which ended in 202 B.C.), the Romans ruled the city and called it Flavia Malacita.

Conclusion on the Facts About Málaga

So, you know that Spain is generally awesome. A perfect getaway awaits whoever visits. But now you know how amazing Málaga is with all its rich culture, interesting history, unlimited fun, and all things beautifully bizarre and endlessly unique. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Next Read: Are you ready to visit Málaga but not sure where to crash? Take a look at where to stay in Málaga City.

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