Puerto de Malaga (Port of Málaga), Malaga (must see)

Phoenicians from Tyre were familiar with Malaga. They had founded the port in the year 1,000 BC or thereabouts, and they had named it for the Semetic word for Salt, "Malaka." Fish were salted on the first dock, a single quay running along the shoreline. During the Roman era the port was famous for minerals, almonds, wine and oil.

As Malaga was named the capital of Islamic Granada, trade and business expanded. When Ferdinand and Isabella entered the city in 1487 the port also became strategically important to the new regime. It served to embark troops for the Spanish conquest of the Rif area of North Africa and Oran.

The port experienced rapid expansion in the 16th and 17th centuries. It became Spain's the major place of export. King Philip V commissioned French engineer Bartolome Thurns to expand the port to meet military and business needs. The result was the construction of the East Dock and the New Quay. The first lighthouse appeared in 1814.

The port today is less important for marine trade but thriving in tourism. It is full of bars and restaurants with lively nightlife entertainments. During the day it is a great place to have a walk and enjoy the sea view.