Málaga (tours to Granada), Spain cruises
Málaga Port Guide
Serene parks filled with families of green parakeets. Narrow streets snaking into grand boulevards. Atmospheric tapas bars brimming with animated conversation. Málaga offers visitors a true taste of what life in Spain is all about.
When it comes to passing a day in port you’ll be spoiled for options. Art. History. Architecture. Málaga has it in spades. The city is extremely walkable, with an influx of green spaces and a promenade that’s perfect for stretching your legs. Nearly all of Málaga’s must-see sights, including the golden sands of its Malagueta beach, are located within close proximity to the cruise terminal, which is perfect for visitors arriving by ship.
Alternatively, why not take a Shore Experience to Granada to see the Alhambra? Just an hour and a half’s drive away, this fortress and palace is one of Spain’s most visited attractions and among the best-preserved Islamic monuments anywhere in the world.
Top landmarks and sights in Málaga
Alcazaba
Alcazaba, literally means ‘a fortification within a walled town’ and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Málaga’s incarnation. Similar in style to Granada’s famous Alhambra (albeit smaller), having passed through the hands of the Moors, Romans, and Catholics throughout the centuries, Alcazaba’s history is far-reaching. With an extremely reasonable entry price, and a central location in city, it’s well worth a visit. You can optionally purchase a combined ticket that offers entrance to the Castillo de Gibralfaro too (see our entry below for more details). You’ll need roughly an hour and a half here to see it all, which also allows time to pause and take photos.
Castillo de Gibralfaro (Gibralfaro Castle)
You can’t miss the Castillo de Gibralfaro in Málaga. Nestled atop Málaga’s Montes de Máalaga Mountain range – which in itself is a protect national park – this once defensive fortress has presided over the city from its elevated vantage point since the 10th Century. Despite its age, the castle’s ramparts are excellently preserved and walking them offers some of the best aerial views out to Malagueta beach and across the city’s bull ring. Entrance to the castle is via an uphill cobbled street accessed from Paseo de Juan Temboury or the steps that begin at Plaza del General Torrijos. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or hop-on-hop-off bus directly to the top.
Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación (Malaga Cathedral)
This imposing but beautiful site of religious worship is Málaga’s tallest building, and additionally one of the tallest cathedrals in all of Spain. It was originally designed to have two towers, but the second was never finished and remains incomplete to this day. Regardless, the cathedral is stunning. A blend of Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic styles, that have been sympathetically layered together through history. It’s also expansive – both in height and stature. Visitors can access areas including the roof and the cathedral’s vaults, so there’s a lot to see, as well as some excellent views of Málaga to be enjoyed. The cathedral welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday and on Sundays it conducts a traditional Spanish Mass.
Things to do in Málaga
See original artworks by Pablo Picasso
Málaga is Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, and it was his desire that his works should find a permanent home one day in the city. While his dream never reached fruition in his lifetime, today the Museo Picasso Málaga has at last seen the artist’s wishes come true. Housed within the beautiful Buenavista Palace (Palacio de Buenavista) on Calle San Augstín, the gallery is a Málaga must-visit for fans of Picasso’s visionary cubist and surrealist style. The collections feature both sculpture and paintings by Picasso, complemented by periodic guest exhibitions from other influential and emerging artists.
Walk the Caminito Del Rey
The wider province of Málaga features some truly incredible geology and nowhere can you appreciate this better than a walk of the Caminito Del Rey. Situated around 60km from Málaga, this is a walk in nature that requires a strong stomach. The one-way route snakes you along nail-bitingly narrow paths, suspended above towering gorges. Originally built to allow workers at the hydropower plant the means to travel between locations, today it operates purely as a tourist attraction and has been described as “the world’s most dangerous walkway”.
Take a Shore Experience to Alhambra in Granada
Alhambra lies in the Andalucian city of Granada, an easy hour and a half’s coach ride from Malaga. Considered one of the most important Islamic palaces throughout the world, this Moorish wonder has become an iconic symbol of Spain that attracts around 3 million visitors each year. Once inside, you’ll discover a labyrinth of courtyards and interconnecting rooms framed by intricate archways and beautiful patterned tiles. It’s a peaceful escape, one that offers a step back through time and a journey through a true icon of Islamic architecture.
Eating and drinking in Málaga
One of the great things about Málaga is its long sandy beach, just a stone’s throw from the center of the city. Here you’ll find a selection of chiringuitos – casual small eateries serving drinks and a few Spanish dishes that are perfect for a light lunch. One of the most popular (and a staple of Spain’s Málaga province) is skewered sardines. Cooked over hot coals until their skin blisters, this inexpensive snack is a regional speciality beloved by Málaga locals.
A sleeker (and sand-free) dining experience can be found at the restaurants lining Málaga marina, where snaring one of the al fresco tables (weather permitting) rewards you with views of glistening superyachts. On hot days a light mist of water occasionally infuses the air to help you keep cool – something you’ll be grateful for if your Málaga cruise brings you into port in the height of summer.
Within the narrow passages and plazas of the city you’ll also find many a tempting tapas bar serving sharing sized portions of delicacies like Russian Salad (ensalada Rusa) and aubergines (berenjenas), deep fried and drizzled in honey. The Spanish take their lunch at around 2pm, so expect establishments to be busy at this time. From around 4pm tables tend to empty out and some kitchens may close altogether.
Shopping in Málaga
On days cruise ships call in Málaga port, a market selling regional wares tends to pop-up at the marina. The selection of stalls generally comprises independent artists and creators selling homemade wares such as ceramics, sundresses, and plants in decorative pots. It’s a great spot to find a handmade Spanish keepsake.
Being a large city, Málaga boasts a diverse selection of shops, including some designer brands. If shopping is high on your Málaga agenda, you’ll find plenty of options along Calle Larios, including some homegrown Spanish brands and high-end labels. The adjacent street, Calle Nueva, is another good shopping spot, featuring many well-known high street stores.
Just outside of Málaga, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet offers the opportunity to snap up a fashion and homeware across a range of stores for up to 70% less than the recommended retail price. If you’re looking to add some new pieces to your wardrobe and don’t mind travelling outside of the city, this is a good place to bag yourself a bargain.
Getting around, Málaga transport
Málaga’s extensive public transport network makes it easy to travel in and outside of the city. While many of the main attractions are within walking distance of the cruise terminal, the city is well connected by metro, train, taxi, and buses if you do want to venture a little further afield. Just be sure to always check the return timetables in advance to allow yourself plenty of time to get back to your ship before it departs for its next port of call.
Málaga port facilities
Cruises to Málaga call right in the heart of the city, so it’s a great port to have on your itinerary if you enjoy the freedom to walk to and from your ship unaided. If you do need a little assistance however, you’ll find a free shuttle bus providing quick and easy return travel to the city center.
Málaga cruise terminal itself is well equipped. Inside, you’ll find several restrooms, located in different areas of the port, as well as ATMs and currency exchange booths. The terminal also offers free Wi-Fi and there’s an on site Tourist Information where you can ask questions and pick up some literature about what to do while you’re in port.
Málaga quick tips
Currency
The currency in Málaga is the Euro. As previously mentioned, ATM and currency exchanges are located inside the cruise terminal and you can also exchange money before disembarking, on board your Cunard Queen. Debit and credit cards are accepted in most mainstream stores and restaurants, but carrying a small amount of Euros can be helpful for paying for purchases like water in convenience stores and for tipping wait staff in bars and restaurants.
Weather
Being in the South of Spain temperatures in Málaga are favorable for many months of the year and sunny days, even in winter, aren’t uncommon. July and August are the hottest months to visit. Temperatures in more recent years have been known to climb into the 40s (Celsius) in these months, which can be uncomfortable for some. Many outdoor bars and restaurants will provide parasols to shade against the sun, but sunscreen is highly advised.
Although cooler, winters in Málaga can still be very pleasant temperature wise. While the locals always tend to wrap up, you may find the weather comfortable enough for a lightweight jumper or jacket, or even short sleeves on some particularly sunny days. Although rain in this part of Spain is rarer than in the north, occasional showers can occur in fall and winter, so it’s never a bad idea to pack an umbrella. With over 300 days of sunshine annually in Málaga, however, chances are that your day there will be dry.