Need info about Malaga and day trips in the area?

[peterfischer]

I live close to Malaga and know the city very well.

 

If anyone visiting Malaga on a cruise has any questions, I will be happy to help! Malaga is a great city and has many things to see in the city and around the city.

[WisRiver]

We arrive in Malaga on a Monday, when all the museums are closed. We can walk, eat and shop. Any suggestions for a day trip that does not involve a long drive. Thanks

[valee]

Do you have any suggestions on reliable tours to Alhambra from the port? Every slot for excursions with my cruise line is already filled.

[hmorrow]

Hi,

Is there a hoho bus in Malaga?

Thanks,

Helaine

[John Bull]

Yes, Malaga has a ho-ho.

And there's a stop close to the cruise berth.

 

JB :)

[peterfischer]

We arrive in Malaga on a Monday, when all the museums are closed. We can walk, eat and shop. Any suggestions for a day trip that does not involve a long drive. Thanks

 

There are many day trips you can do around Malaga, any of the towns near Malaga are worth visiting, for example Mijas (20 m from Malaga) Mijas village nestles in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level, it has managed to retain much of its “white village” charm, with cobbled, narrow winding streets, dazzling whitewashed walls and breathtaking views.

 

Marbella (45 m from Malaga) .Since the 70s, Marbella has been renowned as a playground for the rich and famous. It has a wonderfully cosmopolitan atmospher. The historic quarter of Marbella has maintained its old charm and consists of white washed buildings and narrow cobblestoned streets. The center of the old quarter is the Plaza de los Naranjos where cafes line this orange tree filled square.

 

Ronda sits in the heart of the Serrania de Ronda, about 100 kms from the city of Malaga (1,5 hr driving from Malaga) it is a place that literally takes your breath away when seeing it. Not be be missed is el El Tajo gorge, an iconic natural landmark that slices the town into old and new districts.

 

This Viator tour to Ronda has very good reviews https://www.viator.com/tours/Malaga/Private-Ronda-City-Tour/d956-29895P9

Hope it helps!

[peterfischer]

Do you have any suggestions on reliable tours to Alhambra from the port? Every slot for excursions with my cruise line is already filled.

 

Alhambra palace in Granada is very popular and tickets are very hard to get during high season. Check Viator.com to see if any company offers this day trip.

[campolady]

Hi,

Is there a hoho bus in Malaga?

Thanks,

Helaine

 

Details of HOHO bus in Malaga https://www.viator.com/tours/Malaga/City-Sightseeing-Malaga-Hop-On-Hop-Off-Tour/d956-2916MAL

[campolady]

MALAGA CRUISE TERMINAL TO CITY CENTRE

It is a 1.5 km walk from the cruise terminal to the port gates so a shuttle bus is provided at a cost of 5 Euros. 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.

 

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 de Malaga (park opposite the port) will take you right up the hill to the Gibralfaro Castle entrance. 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.

 

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; closed Mondays.

 

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.

 

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

 

Carmen Thyssen Museum - art gallery

 

Glass and Crystal Museum - a personal collection of exquisite crystalware

 

Motor Museum/Fashion Museum - one of the best motor museums that will fascinate car lovers of all ages and ladies will enjoy the neighbouring Fashion Museum

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 immediately outside the port gates and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle.

 

 

 

 

MALAGA PARK/PARQUE DE MALAGA

 

Situated just across the road outside the port gates (and by the drop off point for the shuttle bus) this is an oasis in the city. Parakeets, Tropical Trees, small childrens play area and peace + quiet make this a lovely place to relax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cruisecrucerocrociera]

Hi i did it two weeks ago with Play Granada company. They offer 2 packages according your needs and your time.

 

First one longer from 9 am and return at Malaga port about 7:30 pm and the other shorter from 9 am and return to the port at 4:00 pm.

 

They provided me the transfer (that was optional) from the port, they picked me up at 9:00 am, was a people carrier i think Mercedes Tourer so for maximum 8 people (we were six that day) and than we arrived at their office in Granada about 11:30 and started 2 hours city tour through the arab quarter and gipsy quarter. Could choose between walking tour max. 12 people and segway or e/bike which were for maximum 6 people (i chose e/bike). After the city tour (from 12 to 2 pm) which i really recommend you, the receptionist gave me the alhambra ticket, so i ate something and rested a little bit and than about 3:30 i went to visit the Alhambra (just 10 minutes distance from their office) until 6:00 pm (the company offer you the possibility to have guided tour in the alhambra). After that at 6:00 pm the driver pick me up just outside the Alhambra and bring me back at the Malaga port about 7:30 pm. I passed a great day. They always have Alhambra tickets available but recommend you to book in advance.

 

As i have told you before there is also half day Alhambra from 9am to 4 pm for the cruisers who don't have a lot of time (i think skipping city tour).

 

Before booking i checked the reviews on tripadvisor and noticed they have 2 company (Granada and Nerja) both of them are first in the table in the respective cities. The email is: info@playnerja.com . I hope that can help you. Bye

[fabnfortysomething]

Alhambra palace in Granada is very popular and tickets are very hard to get during high season. Check Viator.com to see if any company offers this day trip.

 

 

 

Just a note that viator is a third party tour operator

A little research can identify the actual local company which may be cheaper and they don’t have to pay commissions to viator

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[ab21au]

I live close to Malaga and know the city very well.

 

If anyone visiting Malaga on a cruise has any questions, I will be happy to help! Malaga is a great city and has many things to see in the city and around the city.

 

I have 2 excursion I am very interested in when we dock in October. The Caminito del Rey path walk or go to Ronda.

 

Have you done either of these that you could comment on?

 

Thanks for any info you can give.

[telebax51]

I live close to Malaga and know the city very well.

 

If anyone visiting Malaga on a cruise has any questions, I will be happy to help! Malaga is a great city and has many things to see in the city and around the city.

 

Hi peterfisher

we arrive the 11th of May and have a excursion to Cordoba what can you tell me about places to see and do there.

[peterfischer]

I have 2 excursion I am very interested in when we dock in October. The Caminito del Rey path walk or go to Ronda.

 

Have you done either of these that you could comment on?

 

Thanks for any info you can give.

 

Hi, Ronda is very popular and a great place to visit. The El Tajo gorge is quite impressive. You can check more info about Ronda here https://www.costaexcursions.es/destination/ronda/

[peterfischer]

Hi peterfisher

we arrive the 11th of May and have a excursion to Cordoba what can you tell me about places to see and do there.

 

Hi Cordoba is a beautiful city about 2 hours from Malaga. "La Mezquita" or Mosque is the most popular monument to visit. During May, Cordoba has what is call "Los patios" where private owners open their homes so people can admire their patios full of flowers and plants. Be aware that Cordoba can get very busy during May.

[sm3ds]

I will making a port stop in Malaga in May. I will traveling with my13 year old son. I was considering a 2 hour Segway tour around the city. I thought this might be fun for him. Any ideas for an active teenage boy would be appreciated.

[peterfischer]

I will making a port stop in Malaga in May. I will traveling with my13 year old son. I was considering a 2 hour Segway tour around the city. I thought this might be fun for him. Any ideas for an active teenage boy would be appreciated.

Hi, you can check http://www.segwaymalagatours.com/, they do that

[campolady]

Hi, you could visit Nerja, in my opinion the most beautiful village in Malaga. Just 45 minutes distance from Malaga port. There is a company PlayNerja that arrange you the transfer from the port and once in Nerja you can have 1:30h segway tour and after that back to the port. I really recommend you it. The same company has segway tour in Malaga, Nerja and Granada. The website is www.playnerja.com and email: info@playnerja.com

 

Maybe I am being cynical but this sounds strangely like an advert for a first ever post! We live just outside Nerja and it is far from being a village! The town centre is attractive compared with some other resorts but, just my personal opinion, there are far more attractive places to visit in Malaga Province.

[Aussie Gal]

Hi peterfisher

we arrive the 11th of May and have a excursion to Cordoba what can you tell me about places to see and do there.

 

Can you tell me the name of your tour company you will be using as we will be in Malaga next year and we are looking for a tour company to take us to Cordoba. We were last there in 2000 and what we saw then is very hazy so we want to return.

 

Jennie

[campolady]

EASTER IN MALAGA - If anyone is docking in Malaga next week and wishes to see some of the cities famous Holy Week / Semana Santa events here are details http://www.semana-santa-malaga.com/english/holy-week-in-malaga-2018.html

[telebax51]

Can you tell me the name of your tour company you will be using as we will be in Malaga next year and we are looking for a tour company to take us to Cordoba. We were last there in 2000 and what we saw then is very hazy so we want to return.

 

Jennie

 

We are using Spaindaytours when you google their site top left ( our day tours ) scroll down you will see Cordoba, will be there May 2018 Horizon

[Aussie Gal]

We are using Spaindaytours when you google their site top left ( our day tours ) scroll down you will see Cordoba, will be there May 2018 Horizon

 

Thanks so much for that. I have gone ahead and organized a tour with them to Cordoba. We are also on another tour with them that another member of our Roll Call has organized from Bilboa. Our cruise is still 18 months away, we will be on Oceania's Marina in September, 2019. Already our Roll Call is 6 pages with lots of people organizing tours.

 

Jennie

[telebax51]

Thanks so much for that. I have gone ahead and organized a tour with them to Cordoba. We are also on another tour with them that another member of our Roll Call has organized from Bilboa. Our cruise is still 18 months away, we will be on Oceania's Marina in September, 2019. Already our Roll Call is 6 pages with lots of people organizing tours.

 

Jennie

 

Sounds like you will have a great cruise. This will be my first BTB and TA Med. cruise and also in the new Havana Cabana cabins for the 24 days cannot wait to try it out very excited.