Malaga, Spain Port Reviews
 

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Malaga's Fabulous Bull Ring Seen From the Trail to the Alcazaba

Overview:

Malaga' Beach and Promenade

Malaga is a vibrant city offering just about everything anyone could want. Great beaches, Roman ruins, castles and forts, a pedestrian Old City, wonderful shopping, some world-class museums and much more. Unfortunately for Malaga's visitor count is the fact that Malaga is also the jumping off point for tours to the Alhambra. Malaga enjoys avery temperate Mediterranean Climate and the official currency of Spain is the euro.

Cruise Port Location and Information:

Celebrity Century Docked In Malaga

Cruise ships dock at the Atracadero Adosado pier in the industrial harbor. You can see how close the pier is to the city, which is only a 20-minute walk into the downtown area.

The Entrance to the Port

It is almost impossible to get lost in Malaga, but if one did, all they have to do is look for the port entrance landmark.

Exploring on Your Own:

Malaga is best explored on your own and it is very easy to do. Everything is within easy walking distance (with the exception of a steep trail to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Museum.

Horse Drawn Carriages at the Entrance to the Port

Horse drawn carriages are very popular in Malaga because they can get where cars cannot.

The Malaga HoHo Bus

Other than saving you the walk up to the top of the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, the HoHo bus really isn't worth the investment in Malaga. You can walk many more places than the bus takes you and it spends a good deal of time in areas of no interest to visitors.. But, it is good for an orientation tour.

The Pedestrian Pathway between Malaga's Two Main Streets

Once you depart the port simply cross the street and head inland to find the Old City or go to the right crossing Paseo de los Curas to the pathway paralleling the Avenue. Once you see the beginning of the pathway to the Alcazaba (shown below) you can cross Paseo del Parque and start climbing the pathway. Or, you could simply continue past the traffic circle to the beach.

Shopping Tips:

The Central Market of Malaga

Like many cities in Spain, France and Italy, Malaga has an established central market that is the central place for commerce. Located in an old building tucked away down a side street, this market is spectacular and well worth a visit.

Central Market Olives

Central Market Fruit

Octopus

Central Market Meat Section

The Central Market is quite close to the old and new sections of Malaga where one will find excellent shopping. There are also some shops selling local items and souvenirs in the Central Market.

Shopping Street Near the Central Market

Throughout the area surrounding the Central Market are many shops, boutiques and department stores.

The Pedestrian Streets of the Old Section

Leaving the newer section of Malaga and heading into the Old Section with its narrow and winding pedestrian streets and gracious squares, one sees numerous shopping opportunities. The shops do follow traditional Spanish hours of being open until lunch and then closing for three or four hours only to open again late in the afternoon.

Shopping by the Beach

There are still more shopping opportunities by the beach area of Malaga. Shops and boutiques selling beach attire and knick knacks are abundant along with some souvenir shops.

Port Highlights:

The Malaga Catedral

Built in the 16th century, the Malaga Cathedral is well worth a visit. It took over 200 years to build and is absolutely exquisite.

Ancient Roman Theater

While the theater is under reconstruction, there have been substantial delays because many of the blocks were used in the construction of the Alcazaba, which adjoins the theater.

The Roman Theater and the Alcazaba Wall

The Alcazaba's construction started in the 10th century and was built to house the Arab Emirs that ruled Malaga for centuries.

One Entrance to the Alcazaba

There are a couple of entrances to the Alcazaba and you will find one quite near the Roman Theater. However, a better way to gain access is to use the stairway found before the traffic circle on the pedestrian walkway mentioned above.

The beginning of the Pathway to the Alcazaba

You can gain access to the pathway that leads to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle by climbing these stairs.

The Trail to Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle

While the trail isn't really steep it does climb several hundred feet. I suggest taking it slowly and enjoying the ever increasing view of the area. When you reach the top of the trail and entrance to te Alcazaba you will be required to purchase a ticket to enter.

The Upper Walls of the Alcazaba

You can wander around for hours walking the walls and enjoying the views in the Alcazaba. The overall scope of the Alcazaba is simply amazing. It is difficult to believe that a structure this large was constructed so long ago.

The Turrets Used In Battle

There is little doubt as to the effectiveness of the Alcazaba's ability to turn away invaders.

One of the Alcazaba's Cannons

The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle are well worth the visit. Both the grounds and the museum found within the walls have a ton of weapons and armor used centuries ago. It is very interesting to see.

The Model of Alcazaba

Of special interest is the model of Alcazaba that reside i the museum. This scale model allows one an overview of the entire area. It shows how advanced the engineering was that created it centuries ago and how many men it must have taken to construct it.

Cruise Ship Seen Through a Alcazaba Gun Turret

I took this picture of our ship as seen through one of the gun turrets as an example of how the Alcazaba can defend itself.

Spanish Architecture

Leaving the Alcazaba we will return to the entrance stairs and head towards the beach. As we traverse the isthmus we see some of the most beautiful buildings in all of Malaga. The Spanish influence is seen in every brick.

The Beach Promenade (Note You Can See the Ship)

Malaga has an excellent beach that goes for miles. The beach alone is reason enough to enjoy your day in Malaga.

The Ship and the Beach

While the ship is very close to the beach, there is no direct way to get to it without first leaving the port and then making your way back down to it.

The Pathway Back to the City

Returning to Malaga's city center and the port we head back down the pedestrian wlkway and get to enjoy some of Malaga's flora.

Subtropical at its Best

Blessed with nearly perfect weather, subtropical plants are well represented along the walk. It is a very enjoyable way to traverse the city between the beach area and downtown.

The Old City's Pedestrian Streets

Heading back into the old city to explore its narrow and winding pedestrian streets is a wonderful contrast to the rest of Malaga.

Old City Pedestrian Avenue

Usually bustling with activity, this picture was taken on a rainy Sunday. The Old city is also the home of the House of Picasso and the Picasso Meseum, which are both open to the public.

Downtown Malaga

As you can see, Malaga has much to offer visitors who choose to spend their day exploring this wonderful city on their own.

Off the Beaten Path:

Cruise ships will always offer several shore excursions in this port and they are the way to go if you want to see the destinations being offered. While you may arrange for a private taxi to take you or contract with a local tour operator in advance, it can get expensve because of the distances involved. Here are the key destinations that will be offered.

The Alhambra: The Alhambra overlooks the city of Granada, which is located about 100 miles from Malaga. The Alhambra is consider one of the finest structures on Earth and is known locally and the eighth wonder of the world. Built in the 12th century as a fortress and then a palace, the Alhabra consists of several buildings, the Alcazaba and palace. What makes the Alhambra so interesting is the complexity of detail of the entire structure. There

Mijas: Considered one of Spain's most beautiful villages with whitewashed buildings situated high on forested hills overlooking the Mediterranean. Mijas' narrow pedestrian pathways are loaded with boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs are a visitor's dream come true. Mijas is located about 20 miles (or so) from Malaga and is served by bus from the airport and main bus station.

Marbella: Home of the rich and famous, Marbella features a fabulous beach area, designer shopping, restaurants, boutiques and a to-die-for Old Section with Pedestrian avenues. Marbella is well worth a visit. It is served by train several times per day.

Dining and Drinking Suggestions:

None come to mind, but there are many local restaurants that look terrific.

Must Do List:

Yes, I would give a climb up to the Alcazaba a "must do" rating. The experience will stay with you long after you get home from your cruise.

 

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