Tips on visiting Malaga, Spain for the day

[mlkb]

Has anyone visited Malaga for the day as a port-of-call?  Please relay any tips on how to use our time as well as what to enjoy as far as local cuisine and drink.  Thank you- any insight will be appreciated.

[awestover89]

We did on the Symphony TA. We opted for a guided tour of Alhambra Palace. We also considered doing a visit to the Rock of Gibraltar and will likely do that if we return. 

[GloriaF]

We lived in Sevilla for a couple years, and I think both suggestions are good ones.

[hkto]

Both Giblatar and Granada (Alhambra) are not close but doable by a tour and not by public transport due to lack of time. Mijas (Pueblo Blanco) is doable by bus, 1 hr each way.

 

Malaga is great place to visit, has beach, historical parts, Picasso museum, market and good restaurants. Food choices vary by taste, they got restaurants in many price points. Lots of fried fish and other seafood.If fan of sweet vine check out  Antigua Casa De Guardia bar, very unique experience. 

 

[mskaufman]

We went to Granada/Alhambra and were happy with the choice.

[davelinde]

We took a guided bike tour and had a very good time.  The area near the port is bike friendly and the tour was not strenuous at all.  It was like a guided walking tour except we got to cover more territory.  Not expensive either.  There is a bit "luck of the draw" with that.   Our tour guide was engaging and informative and his English was easily understandable (mostly).  Our group was my family, two other couples and a bunch of British wives on holiday without their families.  The mix of people was half the fun.

[campolady]

On 10/3/2019 at 11:04 PM, mlkb said:

Has anyone visited Malaga for the day as a port-of-call?  Please relay any tips on how to use our time as well as what to enjoy as far as local cuisine and drink.  Thank you- any insight will be appreciated.

mikb - hope this helps:-

 

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 American 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. 

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 by the lighthouse just 5 minutes walk from the cruise terminal and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle - fare October 2019 20 Euro per person. 

 

MALAGA PARK/PARQUE DE MALAGA

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

 

[mlkb]

Thank you very much for the detailed information on Malaga!  This will be very helpful in planning our day in the city.

 

Thanks again,

MLKB

[CCWineLover]

On 10/12/2019 at 6:18 AM, mlkb said:

Thank you very much for the detailed information on Malaga!  This will be very helpful in planning our day in the city.

 

Thanks again,

MLKB

We were not able to get to the Alhambra, but instead booked a tour that went to Nerja, where had a very unique experience touring underground the magnificent caves!  Quite amazing and extensive.  It was a highlight of our cruise for us.  Just do a search for "The Caves of Nerja Spain".

[Cienfuegos]

Thanks for the detailed descriptions, Campolady!

 

Malaga is a fine walking city, with relatively gentle grades downtown. The Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a few blocks from the center of town.  Large farmer's market with a wide selection of vegetables, fruits, and prepared foods.

 

For the adventurous, there are scooter rentals...

[VMax1700]

13 hours ago, Cienfuegos said:

For the adventurous, there are scooter rentals...

Absolutely NOT recommended!

Malaga is currently in the middle of constructing a second metro line and the diversions and road works only make the normal slow moving traffic even worse.  Traffic is a nightmare.

Also, some travel insurance policies do not cover injuries from scooter/motorcycle rentals!

[midwestchick]

Thank you campolady.  The information you gave will be so helpful when we visit. 

[FlaMariner]

We used Spanish Day Tours and headed to the Alhambra for the day......Glad we did.  

[Hlitner]

Malaga is one of those wonderful "gateway ports" that not only has its own charms but gives cruisers access to an expanded region of Spain.  One can certainly choose to spend their time in Malaga, and in fact, spend their entire day simply walking.  We just did just that on a visit 3 weeks ago.  But there are many more options for those that want to leave town.  You could rent a car and drive yourself to many places (i.e. Marbella, Mijas, Nerja, Granada, Ronda, etc) or you could take a huge variety of cruise line excursions or private tours.  No right or wrong here....so it behooves the cruiser to do their pre-trip homework and decide what best suits their own taste.

 

One word about the Alhambra (located in Granada).   Visiting this popular attraction requires timed entrance tickets.  While same-day entrance might be possible you might be out of luck if you simply try to visit without advance tickets (or an excursion/tour that includes entry).  Those that intend to spend some time in Spain (we love driving trips in this country) might want to look into booking a couple of nights at the Parador (a quasi government hotel) that is located inside the Alhambra.  We loved staying at this facility but it usually requires a reservation booked very far in advance.

 

 

Hank

[Tyskie]

On ‎10‎/‎5‎/‎2019 at 9:31 AM, campolady said:

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. 
 

 

 

 

Excellent information, thank you campolady!