The blinding spotlight on Malaga comes from Forbes, which has crowned Malaga the best “alternative capital” in the world.
A survey published by the broadsheet determined that Malaga new reputation is due to many factors. It beats 420 cities in the world to the top place surpassing Venice and San Francisco that completed the top three in a table where Europe reigned supreme. The continent took almost half the top 25.
What does Forbes mean by an “alternative capital”?
Forbes notes that a country’s capital city is often the first reference point for a tourist. However, it isn’t always the most impressive city in the country. Other cities take centre stage because of their history, culture and local population.
Malaga is the best alternative city
Premier Inn’s research revealed that “Malaga holiday” had 478,600 searches, making it the most searched city online in 12 months. The hotel chain praises the popularity to the city’s “idyllic beaches, lively culture and mouth-watering meals”, a top choice for visitors looking “for less obvious cities to visit”.
Malaga ranks far ahead of the romantic Venice, the second most popular “alternative capital” in the world.
Forbes mentioned that Spain’s capital Madrid is already eclipsed by Barcelona in terms of tourism. However, the Catalan capital doesn’t appear in the top 25 in the world.
Malaga stands out for its beaches and free attractions such as the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. According to Forbes, these characteristics “attract people from far away”.
Beyond tourism
Beyond tourism Forbes highlights Malaga’s other attributes. They include:
International schools – the Costa del Sol is renowned for its wide range of educational establishments, several of which rank among the best in Spain for Forbes. In 2023, they include Aloha College, the British School of Malaga, Colegio San José in Estepona and Laude San Pedro International College.
Health system – according to Forbes, the city’s hospitals and health centres work well.
Proximity to the airport – Malaga Airport is just outside the city and offers direct flights to a long list of destinations year-round and seasonal inter-continental flights such as Malaga- New York from early June to late September.
Security – Forbes stated that there is a low crime rate in Malaga, also enjoyed in the rest of the Costa del Sol.
High quality of life – Malaga offers a lifestyle based on good weather, affordable prices and excellent amenities, a trio that ensures a high standard of living.
Technological hub too
The above list obviously appeals to potential residents relocating from everywhere around the world to Malaga and the Costa del Sol. But Malaga also stands out for its technological opportunities as it has recently become a major hotspot for the world’s tech giants. The city is now known as southern Europe’s Silicon Valley.
Google is about to open its cybersecurity centre at a prime location in Muelle Uno, Malaga’s notorious Port. PWC also has a hub in Malaga with over 100 employees, with 20% more in the pipeline this year.Other companies such as Citibank and Vodafone have both established a presence in the city.
These companies draw on the world’s top tech professionals, bringing the crème de la crème to Malaga and the Costa del Sol. The arrival of Spain’s digital nomad visa with its tax benefits also adds to the appeal of this part of southern Spain.
The added benefit of the Costa del Sol
The coastline has been known as the California of Europe and regularly tops rankings for the best place to live and work in the world.
For those looking to enjoy all that Malaga has to offer but without the inevitable hustle and bustle of city life, La Costa del Sol is the solution. From Sotogrande in the far west to Nerja in the east, the entire coastline has something for everyone.
