Spend the day in Malaga or ....

visit Nerja? Mijas? Marbella?

Don't enjoy shopping, do very much enjoy interesting towns and handsome scenery.

Thanks!

visit Nerja? Mijas? Marbella?

Don't enjoy shopping, do very much enjoy interesting towns and handsome scenery.

Thanks!

I would suggest that you stay in Malaga.

Malaga is a fascinating city. I hope the following information may tempt you to have a look round and see for yourselves how much it has to offer.

P.S. Many of Malagas attractions have reduced admission rates for pensioners so, if you are eligible, take some form of ID showing your DOB.

PORT TO CITY CENTRE

It is a 1.5 km walk from the cruise terminal to the port gates so, if your ship doesn't provide a free transfer, a port operated shuttle bus is provided at a cost of 5 Euros return. If you feel energetic and want to walk through the port you will pass the recently built 'Muelle Uno' ('Pier One') bar. restaurant and shops development that is a good place to break your journey. When you get to the port gates go straight across 2 roads (the second is Malagas main artery the Avenida Alameda Principal) and you will be in the heart of the old city.

SHOPPING

Malaga is a great place for a bit of retail therapy - the main shopping street is the pedestrianized Calle Larios. As well as all the well known international stores, and the big Spanish department store El Corte Ingles, the city is home to many artisan shops many of which specialise in local food produce, hand crafted Silverware and Flamenco clothing.

ARAB BATHS

Missed by most visitors to Malaga the Arab baths are a great place to unwind and be massaged by experts using centuries old techniques. www.malaga.hammanalandalus.com/es

MARKET

The Ataranzas indoor market, situated one road back from the Avenida Alameda Principal, is a fascinating mix of stalls selling local food produce - the display of fish, meat and fruit/vegetables is amazing. Recently refurbished, decoration of the markets rear wall revealed a spectacular stained glass window that is now a very attractive feature. The market also has several Tapas Bars where you can sample local Sea Food/Fish, Cheeses, Cooked Meats and Wines. The market is a great place to buy Herbs to take home and the delicious local Malaga Almonds should definitely be sampled. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/mala...zas-market.htm

GIBRALFARO CASTLE, ALCAZABA + ROMAN THEATRE

Gibralfaro - Bus 35 from the Parque del Mar (park opposite the port) will take you right up the hill to the Gibralfaro Castle entrance.

http://www.malagaturismo.com/…...-gibralfaro/12 Soaring over the city, the 14th century castle was built to defend the citadel and provides spectacular views over Malaga bay and over the Bullring. After visiting the Castle walk back down the hill for less than 5 minutes and you will come to the entrance of the Parador Hotel - a really lovely place to stop for a Coffee break; you can get the bus back into the city centre from outside the Parador gates.

Alcazaba - Situated below the Gibralfaro Castle is the Alcazaba, a fascinating Moorish Citadel with many features similar to those found at the Alhambra in Granada (but without the crowds!). You can buy a reduced price joint entrance ticket for both Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba. http://www.malagaturismo.com/…...ail/alcazaba/6

Roman Theatre Ruins and Dig - Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, visitors are now allowed to walk through the ongoing archaeological Dig to get a closer look at the ruins; no entrance charge.

CATHEDRAL

A truly spectacular building known as the One Armed Lady as only one tower was built - probably due to lack of funds but legend has it that money for the second tower was sent to rebel US forces to help them in their battle against the Brits in the War of Independence. Next to the Cathedral is the Bishops Palace Square which is a great place to sit and people watch. http://www.malagaturismo.com/…...l/catedral/132

MUSEUMS

Malaga is home to far too many museums to list them all but these are my particular favourites:-

Picasso Museum - a great selection of paintings by Malagas most famous son plus family photos and personal items. The museum also has a second gallery with changing exhibitions such as the Dennis Hopper collection www.museopicassomalaga.org/en

Carmen Thyssen Museum - art gallery www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org/en

Glass and Crystal Museum - a personal collection of exquisite crystalware www.museovidrioycristalmalaga.com

Motor Museum - one of the best motor museums that will fascinate car lovers of all ages www.museoautomovilmalaga.com

TAPAS BARS

Malaga is a Foodies paradise. You are spoiled for choice of high class restaurants but, for us, Tapas is the only way to go. Definitely try the local speciality 'Fritura Malaguena' which is a delicious mix of deep fried small fish. Just follow locals into a bar and you won't go far wrong; to get a good feel of the citys bar culture and atmosphere people visiting for the first time may enjoy:

El Pimpi - Accessed down a ginnel off Calle Granada or from immediately opposite the Roman Amphitheatre ruins, El Pimpi is one of the best known bars in Malaga where you can sample local Wines, Hams, Cheeses etc. www.elpimpi.com/en

Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia - this bar can be accessed either off the main street Avenida Alameda Principal or from opposite the Indoor Market. A Malaga institution (gets packed at lunchtime so visit around noon) it is rumoured to be the oldest bar in the city and was once the prison house. Numerous casks house all varieties of the famous Malaga Wines (fortified wines similar to Sherry) plus wines from other parts of Spain. As you select each glass your running total is chalked up in front of you on the old wooden bar. Good seafood Tapas served too. www.casadeguardia.com

Cafeteria Axarquia - A basic café just up from the Casa Antigua de Guardia on the Avenida Alameda Principal. Don't be put off by appearances, the Tapas and Seafood here are excellent (quality and price).

Bar El Jardin - Situated at the rear of the Cathedral (on the left hand side if you face the Cathedral), this is an Art Deco bar/restaurant that serves great Tapas (best Tortilla anywhere IMO). Although slightly dearer than other Tapas Bars, the decor and food make it a place that we never miss when visiting Malaga. www.eljardinmalaga.com

Port Bar - If you don't want to walk into the city centre there is a bar in the main port/ferry building (opposite the entrance to the port) that is a popular watering hold for local workers - not the most elegant of bars but they offer a good choice of Tapas. This place is a lot cheaper than the bars you will find in the Muelle Uno development within the port grounds.

CHURROS

Churros are deep fried Donut-like fingers served with very thick Hot Chocolate or Coffee (dunking is compulsory lol!) can be found in many of Malagas traditional bars but Casa Aranda is a Churros institution visited by people from all over the world. www.casa-aranda.net

BEACHES

If walking around a city isn't your thing, Malaga has several beaches close to the city centre. The best known is La Malagueta Beach about 5 minutes walk from the port entrance - the beach is especially popular with locals and is fringed with some good Chiringuitos (beach bar/restaurants)..

HOHO BUS

The sightseeing tour bus stops by the small lighthouse just across the bridge from the cruise terminal building (roughly a 7 minute walk) and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle. Current fare 18 Euros. http://www.malagatours.net/…/H...-Tour-i…

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES

A lovely way to be taken around the city. Tours last around half an hour and can be found by the Cathedral. Sometimes, when a ship is in port, some carriages can be boarded outside the cruise terminal building.

You may also find this thread of interest - it has been running since 2014 and still received regular questions and posts https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1968022

do very much enjoy interesting towns and handsome scenery.

That rules Marbella out then!

Campolady knows I don't rate Malaga highly, so this post won't come as a surprise to her ;)

We've visited the Costa del Sol many many times over the years, flying into Malaga.

But since we thought of it as merely a port city we'd never been into town.

Because of positive comments on this forum (from a number of folk, not just Campolady) we spent a day there a couple of years back.

To be honest, we were pretty under-whelmed. Even the castle is little more than a walled enclosure, no castle buildings as such, though there are great views from there.

But different folks, different strokes.

I agree with VMax, Marbella doesn't fit what you're looking for.

And Nerja, which I used to like despite there being nothing outstanding in the place, is now so crowded as to be no fun.

40 years back, when mass tourism changed the Costa del Sol from little fishing ports to big resort towns, folk took day-trips up to Mijas Pueblo to see "the real Spain".

Mijas has since expanded down toward the coast and the centre is now overwhelmed with tourists - carriage rides & such - but you can still get a very good taste of "real Spain" by walking behind its main plaza to the quiet little streets & alleyways of beautifully-kept whitewashed houses beyond. And the little bullring, which doesn't seem to have changed over the decades.

Of the places you've mentioned, it's the one I'd suggest.

It's possible to visit by taking the train from Marbella to Fuengirola & then a local bus up to Mijas, but in the limited time available to cruisers it's better to either rent a car (parking in Mijas can be difficult) or pre-book a car service. Journey time by road is about 35 minutes. There are taxis in the main plaza at Mijas but I don't know whether best value would be a two-way car service or a one-way car service & local taxi back.

If you're feeling more adventurous & have the time, I'd strongly recommend Ronda (google the town, it has an old Moorish part and a more-Spanish part, separated by an amazing deep but narrow chasm & ancient bridge).

But it's as much for the journey as the destination. Outward across country via some of the white villages like El Burgo and the Sierra de las Nieves, and back down the A397 with glorious elevated views of the coast all the way down to San Pedro de Alcantara and then the fast AP -7 toll road back to Malaga.

https://goo.gl/maps/abbaLU1tsiN2

Total journey time something under 4 hours, add a couple of hours in Ronda and some photostops.

Inexpensive if you rent a car (but you do need either a GPS or a good map or both), I don't know the cost of a car service for the day.

IMHO that would suit your wishes ten times better than the other alternatives, but involves more research and more expense.

JB :)

Campolady knows I don't rate Malaga highly, so this post won't come as a surprise to her ;)

 

JB :)

We'll never agree John lol but it is good that we respect each others opinions and a good job we all have different tastes. We find Mijas a bit like a Disneyland idea of Spain and of all the OPs suggestions Mijas and Marbella would be our last choices; but that is just our personal opinion and many people love both places. I suppose a lot also depends on how long the OP has in port. If a full day then I agree Ronda would be a good alternative to Malaga.

By the way, there is a museum up at the castle - it isn't big but is interesting.

We'll never agree John lol but it is good that we respect each others opinions and a good job we all have different tastes. We find Mijas a bit like a Disneyland idea of Spain and of all the OPs suggestions Mijas and Marbella would be our last choices; but that is just our personal opinion and many people love both places. I suppose a lot also depends on how long the OP has in port. If a full day then I agree Ronda would be a good alternative to Malaga.

 

By the way, there is a museum up at the castle - it isn't big but is interesting.

Yes, I was pretty certain that we would at least agree about Marbella. :D

Mijas - yes, we use different phraseology that effectively means the same thing, but it's much more authentic the further you get from the plaza https://goo.gl/maps/4UURNkiiiiA2

And I know we agree about Ronda, but of course it's easier for us to recommend than for others to follow that recommendation.

Go on, Poss - take the plunge :cool:

JB :)

Ronda is a great suggestion, but it is a long(ish) drive there and back. The A397 back down to the coast has a lot of bends, curves and sweeps, but it is better coming back that way as it is easier to drive and the views are great.

I would be inclined to suggest Nerja, for the caves and a paella lunch on the beach with a possible side trip to Frigiliana or Competa.

There was a couple of car rental places in Malaga train station (Maria Zambrano estacion) Hertz and Europcar are within the station. If you try other rental offices you need to ask where the cars are located for pick up as it may be time consuming to go to a suburban site to collect the car just to say a few dollars/euro/florints.

I very much appreciate the responses so far. And what is WRONG with me that I keep forgetting to mention that all these excursions are included in our cruise fare!

Ok, Marbella is definitely nixed.

We visited Rondo decades (and decades) ago, when we drove around Spain for 3 weeks; we loved it but I don't want to take a long excursion.

Are the Nerja caves horribly crowded, or is it mainly the town? I remember enjoying the visit to those caves, but I don't very clearly remember the caves themselves. Actually, my husband will be 89 and is not as sure-footed as he once was, so maybe those interesting caves aren't such a good idea.

Mijas sounds very pleasant. I don't think we've ever been there.

We've been to Malaga, over-nighted at the parador there (is there a parador there??), but I don't remember it.

In any case, we're excited about getting back to some Spanish ports. Haven't visited Spain in too long.

I'm hoping for more input — but I really really appreciate all your notes. And I feel awful about having people take the time to talk about travel details when I could have avoided that by just stating that these are organized excursions.

I very much appreciate the responses so far. And what is WRONG with me that I keep forgetting to mention that all these excursions are included in our cruise fare!

 

Ok, Marbella is definitely nixed.

 

We visited Rondo decades (and decades) ago, when we drove around Spain for 3 weeks; we loved it but I don't want to take a long excursion.

 

Are the Nerja caves horribly crowded, or is it mainly the town? I remember enjoying the visit to those caves, but I don't very clearly remember the caves themselves. Actually, my husband will be 89 and is not as sure-footed as he once was, so maybe those interesting caves aren't such a good idea.

 

Mijas sounds very pleasant. I don't think we've ever been there.

 

We've been to Malaga, over-nighted at the parador there (is there a parador there??), but I don't remember it.

 

In any case, we're excited about getting back to some Spanish ports. Haven't visited Spain in too long.

 

I'm hoping for more input — but I really really appreciate all your notes. And I feel awful about having people take the time to talk about travel details when I could have avoided that by just stating that these are organized excursions.

I've visited the cave just outside Nerja.

I don't remember it either.

Nor a dozen other caves in a dozen other countries.

A cave is a cave is a cave. :rolleyes:

Of the included tours you've mentioned (no Alhambra option????) I'd recommend Mijas.

Not a patch on Ronda but as laid-back as you like or as interesting as you like. Bearing in mind tired old limbs, take the elevator on the other side of the plaza to avoid the steps or slope to "proper" Mijas behind the shops.

JB :)

Edited to add.

Re "no Alhambra option?"

Don't tell me ........... been there, done that :D

I’d stay in Malaga as there is plenty to see and do. If interested in art, then the Thyssen Museum is a must.

Have been to Ronda many times and most recently twice in the past year. Yes, it has a lot of history, but far too crowded, I vowed never to return.

The old town of Marbella is still quite nice and although very touristy, Mijas is also pretty.

If wishing to hire a car Helle Hollis and Malagacar are reliable companies.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

OP, if excursions are included then it is no good us suggesting places if they are not on the 'menu'!

Is it only the places that you mentioned in your original post (Malaga, Nerja, Mijas, Marbella) or are there other options? Post the options and we will give you our input!

We've been to Alhambra, totally loved it (of course) and would love to go again. Just not up for the long bus ride (I feel the same abut Ronda), would rather stay closer to port, and thus have at least a bit of time to remind ourselves of Malaga.

The trips that I mentioned are the ones that potentially interest us most.

Thanks once more.

Nerja caves would not be suitable for someone less sure footed than they used to be. There are steps and the pathway is uneven.

So, your choices are Malaga or Mijas. Personally I would stay in Malaga, go to the cathedral, Picasso Museum, Carmen Thyssen museum and the Motor Museum. Have a few tapas, and some Malaga wine. Most of this can be done via taxi or short walks.

Another nod for Malaga we were in Malaga earlier in the year for the carnival ,we have been to the Costa del Sol before but this is the first time staying in Malaga we loved the city so much so we are returning next year. We have been to Mijas and Marbella, whilst Mijas was pretty, would not rate Marbella,Puerto Banus and unless taking the journey to the Alhambra would stick with the city of Malaga more than enough places to see.

I would suggest that you stay in Malaga.

 

Malaga is a fascinating city. I hope the following information may tempt you to have a look round and see for yourselves how much it has to offer.

 

P.S. Many of Malagas attractions have reduced admission rates for pensioners so, if you are eligible, take some form of ID showing your DOB.

 

PORT TO CITY CENTRE

It is a 1.5 km walk from the cruise terminal to the port gates so, if your ship doesn't provide a free transfer, a port operated shuttle bus is provided at a cost of 5 Euros return. If you feel energetic and want to walk through the port you will pass the recently built 'Muelle Uno' ('Pier One') bar. restaurant and shops development that is a good place to break your journey. When you get to the port gates go straight across 2 roads (the second is Malagas main artery the Avenida Alameda Principal) and you will be in the heart of the old city.

 

SHOPPING

Malaga is a great place for a bit of retail therapy - the main shopping street is the pedestrianized Calle Larios. As well as all the well known international stores, and the big Spanish department store El Corte Ingles, the city is home to many artisan shops many of which specialise in local food produce, hand crafted Silverware and Flamenco clothing.

 

ARAB BATHS

Missed by most visitors to Malaga the Arab baths are a great place to unwind and be massaged by experts using centuries old techniques. www.malaga.hammanalandalus.com/es

 

MARKET

The Ataranzas indoor market, situated one road back from the Avenida Alameda Principal, is a fascinating mix of stalls selling local food produce - the display of fish, meat and fruit/vegetables is amazing. Recently refurbished, decoration of the markets rear wall revealed a spectacular stained glass window that is now a very attractive feature. The market also has several Tapas Bars where you can sample local Sea Food/Fish, Cheeses, Cooked Meats and Wines. The market is a great place to buy Herbs to take home and the delicious local Malaga Almonds should definitely be sampled. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/mala...zas-market.htm

 

GIBRALFARO CASTLE, ALCAZABA + ROMAN THEATRE

Gibralfaro - Bus 35 from the Parque del Mar (park opposite the port) will take you right up the hill to the Gibralfaro Castle entrance.

http://www.malagaturismo.com/…...-gibralfaro/12 Soaring over the city, the 14th century castle was built to defend the citadel and provides spectacular views over Malaga bay and over the Bullring. After visiting the Castle walk back down the hill for less than 5 minutes and you will come to the entrance of the Parador Hotel - a really lovely place to stop for a Coffee break; you can get the bus back into the city centre from outside the Parador gates.

 

Alcazaba - Situated below the Gibralfaro Castle is the Alcazaba, a fascinating Moorish Citadel with many features similar to those found at the Alhambra in Granada (but without the crowds!). You can buy a reduced price joint entrance ticket for both Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba. http://www.malagaturismo.com/…...ail/alcazaba/6

 

Roman Theatre Ruins and Dig - Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, visitors are now allowed to walk through the ongoing archaeological Dig to get a closer look at the ruins; no entrance charge.

 

CATHEDRAL

A truly spectacular building known as the One Armed Lady as only one tower was built - probably due to lack of funds but legend has it that money for the second tower was sent to rebel US forces to help them in their battle against the Brits in the War of Independence. Next to the Cathedral is the Bishops Palace Square which is a great place to sit and people watch. http://www.malagaturismo.com/…...l/catedral/132

 

MUSEUMS

Malaga is home to far too many museums to list them all but these are my particular favourites:-

 

Picasso Museum - a great selection of paintings by Malagas most famous son plus family photos and personal items. The museum also has a second gallery with changing exhibitions such as the Dennis Hopper collection www.museopicassomalaga.org/en

 

Carmen Thyssen Museum - art gallery www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org/en

 

Glass and Crystal Museum - a personal collection of exquisite crystalware www.museovidrioycristalmalaga.com

 

Motor Museum - one of the best motor museums that will fascinate car lovers of all ages www.museoautomovilmalaga.com

 

TAPAS BARS

Malaga is a Foodies paradise. You are spoiled for choice of high class restaurants but, for us, Tapas is the only way to go. Definitely try the local speciality 'Fritura Malaguena' which is a delicious mix of deep fried small fish. Just follow locals into a bar and you won't go far wrong; to get a good feel of the citys bar culture and atmosphere people visiting for the first time may enjoy:

 

El Pimpi - Accessed down a ginnel off Calle Granada or from immediately opposite the Roman Amphitheatre ruins, El Pimpi is one of the best known bars in Malaga where you can sample local Wines, Hams, Cheeses etc. www.elpimpi.com/en

 

Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia - this bar can be accessed either off the main street Avenida Alameda Principal or from opposite the Indoor Market. A Malaga institution (gets packed at lunchtime so visit around noon) it is rumoured to be the oldest bar in the city and was once the prison house. Numerous casks house all varieties of the famous Malaga Wines (fortified wines similar to Sherry) plus wines from other parts of Spain. As you select each glass your running total is chalked up in front of you on the old wooden bar. Good seafood Tapas served too. www.casadeguardia.com

 

Cafeteria Axarquia - A basic café just up from the Casa Antigua de Guardia on the Avenida Alameda Principal. Don't be put off by appearances, the Tapas and Seafood here are excellent (quality and price).

 

Bar El Jardin - Situated at the rear of the Cathedral (on the left hand side if you face the Cathedral), this is an Art Deco bar/restaurant that serves great Tapas (best Tortilla anywhere IMO). Although slightly dearer than other Tapas Bars, the decor and food make it a place that we never miss when visiting Malaga. www.eljardinmalaga.com

 

Port Bar - If you don't want to walk into the city centre there is a bar in the main port/ferry building (opposite the entrance to the port) that is a popular watering hold for local workers - not the most elegant of bars but they offer a good choice of Tapas. This place is a lot cheaper than the bars you will find in the Muelle Uno development within the port grounds.

 

CHURROS

Churros are deep fried Donut-like fingers served with very thick Hot Chocolate or Coffee (dunking is compulsory lol!) can be found in many of Malagas traditional bars but Casa Aranda is a Churros institution visited by people from all over the world. www.casa-aranda.net

 

BEACHES

If walking around a city isn't your thing, Malaga has several beaches close to the city centre. The best known is La Malagueta Beach about 5 minutes walk from the port entrance - the beach is especially popular with locals and is fringed with some good Chiringuitos (beach bar/restaurants)..

 

HOHO BUS

The sightseeing tour bus stops by the small lighthouse just across the bridge from the cruise terminal building (roughly a 7 minute walk) and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle. Current fare 18 Euros. http://www.malagatours.net/…/H...-Tour-i…

 

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES

A lovely way to be taken around the city. Tours last around half an hour and can be found by the Cathedral. Sometimes, when a ship is in port, some carriages can be boarded outside the cruise terminal building.

 

 

You may also find this thread of interest - it has been running since 2014 and still received regular questions and posts https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1968022

This was very helpful.!!