Málaga

Málaga sits on the Mediterranean coast of Andalusia, at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol. It is often seen as a transit point — a city you pass through on the way to Granada or Seville. But that description does Málaga a disservice. The city has reinvented itself considerably in recent years. A revamped harbor district, museums, art galleries, and restored streets have turned Málaga into a destination in its own right. Compared to the weighty historical atmosphere of Andalusia's other cities, Málaga feels more open, more modern, more cosmopolitan. But its historical depth is nothing to dismiss. The city carries layers stretching from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Visigoths and the Umayyad period. It is also the birthplace of one of the world's most recognized artists — Pablo Picasso. Starting an Andalusia trip in Málaga is a logical choice. The airport is centrally located, and the city serves as a natural gateway to the rest of the region.