Old town of Málaga, Spain

© Sean Pavone Photo/Getty Image

2,800 years of history. Málaga, Spain

Today we're visiting a city with over 2,800 years of history—it's one of the oldest in Europe. Málaga is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians in 770 BCE and today its year-round exceptional weather has made it a center of tourism in Spain. Situated perfectly along the Costa Del Sol, this culturally rich mecca is visited by around 6 million tourists in an average year. If you can pull yourself away from the beautiful beaches, you'll find yourself in a city abounding in historical architecture, museums, and restaurants featuring outstanding local seafood.

Aside from paying Pablo Picasso's birthplace a visit, the most common reason people make the journey to Málaga is to celebrate Holy Week. Contrasting with the silent and meditative celebrations throughout the rest of Spain, Málaga's 45 processions are loud, joyous demonstrations through the streets to commemorate the Passion of Jesus from Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday. The event has happened for more than 500 years with a vast number of floats and other processional materials being carried over from year to year.