Old town of Málaga, Spain

© Sean Pavone Photo/Getty Image

2,800 years of history. Málaga, Spain

Today we’re visiting one of Europe’s oldest cities, with more than 2,800 years of history. Málaga is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians in 770 BCE and its exceptional weather has made it the capital of tourism in Spain. Situated on the Costa Del Sol, an estimated six million tourists make the trip every year. If you can pull yourself away from the beautiful beaches, you’ll find yourself abound in historic architecture, museums and the local cuisine of espetos - specially skewered sardines, cooked over an open fire.

Aside from paying Pablo Picasso’s birthplace a visit, a popular reason for visiting Málaga is to celebrate Holy Week. In contrast to the silent and meditative celebrations throughout much of Spain, Málaga’s 45 street processions are colourful, loud and exciting affairs, commemorating The Passion of Jesus from Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday. It’s been happening for more than 500 years with many floats and other processional materials being carried over from year to year.