Málaga: A Vibrant Hub of History, Innovation & Mediterranean Charm

Nestled on the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean in andalucia, in the southern of Spain, Málaga is a city rich with ancient history, its character forged by three millennia of sailors and merchants arriving from the Eastern Mediterranean. Since those early days, Málaga has thrived as an open, exploring, commercial, and profoundly hospitable destination. As the capital of the Costa del Sol, with a population of 569,009, it stands as Spain's sixth-largest city and Andalusia's leading financial capital.

Strategically Positioned for Global Connection

Málaga's unique geo-strategic location in southern Europe, bordering the Maghreb, offers a wealth of opportunities. This prime position fuels its robust international relations and drives significant economic and socio-cultural development across the region.

The Allure of Climate and Culture

Málaga boasts a truly enviable natural setting, gracefully positioned between the sparkling sea and majestic surrounding mountains. This contributes to one of Europe's mildest climates, with a delightful average annual temperature of 18ºC and over 325 days of sunshine a year. Its renowned light and vibrant colours, coupled with a Mediterranean and subtropical climate, make Málaga a destination synonymous with a high quality of life and a leading tourist hotspot, attracting over 4.4 million visitors every year.

The city's cultural and gastronomic richness stems from its deep Phoenician, Roman, and Arabic roots. Today, Málaga offers an attractive crossroads of cultures and traditions, presenting a compelling array of experiences that make it one of Europe's most visited destinations.

Professionalism, Trust, and Cosmopolitan Spirit

For several decades, Málaga and the Costa del Sol have been at the forefront of the tourism sector. This enduring professionalism is reflected in the establishment of dedicated university tourism courses and renowned catering schools, ensuring the highest level of care from Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs) and specialized agencies. You can trust Málaga as a safe, clean, and modern destination, upholding the highest standards of service.

As a Mediterranean port with over two thousand years of history and a hugely dynamic commercial area since the 19th century, Málaga embodies a truly cosmopolitan and open society. It's a place where diverse civilizations have coexisted throughout history, and where people from all five continents gather and visit every single day. The Latin and Mediterranean spirit is at the heart of its lively and hospitable society, creating an extraordinary feeling of liveability in its public spaces.

A Beacon of Innovation: Smart City, Tech Hub & Research Excellence

Málaga is currently experiencing an important stage of rapid development, showcasing one of the fastest growth rates in Spain and Europe. A key driver of this economic dynamism is the Andalusia Technology Park (PTA), a thriving hub specializing in business and industrial innovation, with strong collaborative ties to the University of Málaga.

Adding to its modern credentials, Málaga has proudly established itself as one of Spain's leading Smart Cities. Globally recognized for its forward-thinking initiatives, Málaga is ranked 51st in the world by the annual "Cities in Motion" ranking. Nationally, the Málaga Smart City project impressively holds third place, a testament to its innovation, surpassed only by Madrid and Barcelona.

Empowering Education & Groundbreaking Research

Málaga is also a center of academic excellence and medical innovation. The University of Málaga (UMA) boasts 263 active research groups, 44 international projects, and 92 National Plan projects, alongside 7 collaborative national projects. With 532 agreements and contracts with companies and institutions, and a portfolio of 248 patents, UMA's modern network of research infrastructures provides a wide variety of advanced laboratories.

The University of Málaga, together with the University of Seville, forms the prestigious Campus of International Excellence "Andalucía Tech." This collaborative campus focuses on leading areas of research and knowledge transfer, maintaining strategic alliances with over 150 private companies. Approximately 40,000 students currently pursue one of UMA's 63 Bachelor’s degrees, 120 postgraduate courses, PhD programs, master’s programs, and individual qualifications, contributing to a vibrant academic and research environment.