Málaga is the second most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, the sixth largest city in Spain and 43rd-most populous municipality in the European Union, with a population of 566,447 in 2008. It is the 8th largest European city above the Mediterranean Sea and experiences the warmest winters of any European city with a population over 250,000, with a Mediterranean-Subtropical climate. It lies in southern Spain, on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun), about 100 km on east from Strait of Gibraltar and Tarifa - southernmost point of continental Europe and about 150 km on north from Africa.Malaga, together with the Rincón de la Victoria, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Alhaurín de la Torre creating a urban area named Greater Málaga populated by 824,842 in 561.71 km² (density 1,468 hab / km²). The population of the metropolitan area (urban area plus satellite towns) is 1,091,228 (according to Plan de Ordenación del Territorio de la Aglomeración Urbana de Málaga), ranking as the fifth largest metropolitan area in Spain.Málaga is surrounded by mountains - Montes de Málaga (part of Baetic Cordillera), lying in the southern base of the Axarquía hills, and two rivers, the Guadalmedina - the historic center is located on its left bank - and the Guadalhorce, which flows west of the city into the Mediterranean.

The inner city of Málaga is just behind the harbour. The quarters of El Perchel, La Trinidad and Lagunillas surround this centre. The city has much revenue from the agricultural sector and from tourism.The Holy Week, and the Málaga Fair ("Feria de Málaga") are two well-known Málaga festivals. The Malaguenos choose the hottest month of the year, August, to celebrate the Feria de Malaga. The streets are transformed into symbols of Spanish culture and history, with sweet wine, tapas, and live flamenco shows filling the town. The day events consist of live music and dancing, while the night fair is moved to the Recinto Ferial, consisting of restaurants, clubs, and an entire fair ground with rides & games.

The city is a tourist destination, due mainly to its proximity to the Costa del Sol. Tourists also visit here to see the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. From Málaga, other cities like Seville, Córdoba, Granada, and Jaén can be reached by train, bus or car.A popular walk leads up the hill to the Gibralfaro castle (a Parador), offering views over the city. The castle is next to the Alcazaba, which in turn is next to the inner city of Málaga. A walk takes the Paseo del Parque (a promenade that runs alongside a park with many palm trees and statue) to the harbour, finishing in Calle Larios the main commercial street of the city.