Málaga is much more than sun, sea and sand. From the Sierra Morena to the coast the province of Málaga is perhaps the most fertile of the ancient Spanish flood plains.

This results is huge variety of crops of fruit and vegetables and fills just about every valley and topographic feature with a sea of green and the countryside of the province is a natural reserve in perhaps the truest sense of the word.

It’s said that the advantageous situation of Málaga in terms of climate and location, natural resources and the fertility of its lands has sometime acted against it. For this land has been fought over by just about every civilization that has set foot on it.

This is a place that has been marched across by armies of many colours and the whole forms a hugely rich mosaic of culture complete with ancient artefacts that have been left for posterity.

This is especially marked by the influence that Islam had. Between the 8th and the 15th centuries was a period of great expansion of culture, art and science in the land they called Al-Andaluz.

In the province of Málaga the influence is particularly noted with many of the small villages still retaining the narrow streets introduced by the Arabs to protect against the heat of the midday sun.

The names of many towns still conjure up their Muslim rulers and there are many pristine examples of castles and palaces that were built in this time of splendour.

Today, a concrete belt girdles Malaga's coastline like an iron chastity belt around the waist of an ageing debutant. 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 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