Can I help with any Malaga info?

[campolady]

9 hours ago, paumarier said:

We're on a cruise that stops in Malaga on May 1st. We booked a 3.5 hour Wine and Tapas Tour with Spain Food Sherpas.  We'll walk around the town after that so it will be a relaxing day for us.

That is a good thing to do as May 1st is a national holiday here in Spain and all the main shops will be closed (although some small, private shops will open).  Museums, bars and restaurants will be open and the city will be buzzing with locals celebrating the holiday so you should get a great atmosphere.

[kodesthemoose]

Hi all, 

Campolady, thanks so much for all of your helpful info in this thread and the "What to do in Malaga" thread.  We will be there for a short port day (8am-4pm ish) at the end of May.  We are 2 adults and 3 kids (reasonably good at walking, but they are kids), so I don't want to overplan or have an excessively long day.  Do you think this sounds reasonable?

 

- shuttle from port to park/port gates

- walk to get some churros/chocolate

- walk back to park to catch the #35 bus to Gibralfaro Castle

- walk (?) down to Alcazaba and Roman theatre

- Lunch somewhere

- back to the park, back to the shuttle and ship

 

[IRMO12HD]

Campolady,

 

Thank you for all of the great advice and commentary on this thread! We'll be in Malaga on May 3 aboard Oasis... we've booked a 2-hour Segway tour, and I am curious to hear  any opinions or comments you may have ...

[Fogfog]

Hello Campolady. 

Hope you are well, had a blessed Christmas and New Year.

Haven't seen you on CC for some time. Perhaps you have a life of you own and I hope you are enjoying it. Or perhaps with the same questions asked over and over... you tire of us. I do use the search function to look for your advice before posting.

In the event you swing by here--- 

We are hoping to arrange an (english) docent-guided tour at the Picasso museum... and I sent them email. No response.

Do you know anything about the museum and such a thing?

Best

fog

[VMax1700]

@Fogfog

An audio guide, in English, is included in the admission price..

https://www.museopicassomalaga.org/en/hours-admission

scroll down about 3/4 of the page.

Edited March 1, 2019 by VMax1700

[Fogfog]

2 hours ago, VMax1700 said:

@Fogfog

An audio guide, in English, is included in the admission price..

https://www.museopicassomalaga.org/en/hours-admission

scroll down about 3/4 of the page.

Yes thank you.

Was hoping to secure a docent led tour... the one day during the week there is one in English. And it looks like the one on Saturday may be in Spanish

[campolady]

On 3/1/2019 at 11:25 PM, Fogfog said:

Yes thank you.

Was hoping to secure a docent led tour... the one day during the week there is one in English. And it looks like the one on Saturday may be in Spanish

Hi FogFog.  Am afraid I can't be much help here.  I have never seen any guided tours (and we regularly visit the museum) apart from the weekly one run by the museum which is on a Tuesday for English speakers but that doesn't mean they don't exist with other companies; I will do a bit of research and see if I can find anything of interest for you.  However, if all fails, the audio guide is excellent and very easy to follow.

Edited March 3, 2019 by campolady

[Fogfog]

13 hours ago, campolady said:

Hi FogFog.  Am afraid I can't be much help here.  I have never seen any guided tours (and we regularly visit the museum) apart from the weekly one run by the museum which is on a Tuesday for English speakers but that doesn't mean they don't exist with other companies; I will do a bit of research and see if I can find anything of interest for you.  However, if all fails, the audio guide is excellent and very easy to follow.

@campolady

TY so very much

 

I did know about the audio and since the museum offers an English guided visit during the week, and I see something on the weekend (looks like its Spanish) I was hoping to work out something for a Saturday. Trying to decide if we do the Picasso museum in Malaga and then not in Barcelona...or if we use our time in Malaga for other things and then do a docent led tour in the museum in Bar. 

 

BTW CampoLady....your multiple threads and posts are so full of great advice and help. You are a treasure and appreciated. 

Cheers

fog

[tommui987]

On 1/8/2014 at 10:07 PM, campolady said:

If anyone visiting Malaga on a cruise has any questions I will be happy to do my best to help

 

Dear Campolady:

 

Thank you for assisting visitors to Malaga.

 

I was tempted to go to Cordoba but being handicapped and muy viejo, a four plus hour journey just to get there might be too much!

I usually get around on a (handicapped) scooter. Would it be a problem using one in Malaga such as in the market, the Museo Picasso, the Cathedral, the Alcazaba? While I can go very short distances using a cane, the scooter would be preferable!

 

[campolady]

On 3/4/2019 at 1:20 AM, tommui987 said:

 

Dear Campolady:

 

Thank you for assisting visitors to Malaga.

 

I was tempted to go to Cordoba but being handicapped and muy viejo, a four plus hour journey just to get there might be too much!

I usually get around on a (handicapped) scooter. Would it be a problem using one in Malaga such as in the market, the Museo Picasso, the Cathedral, the Alcazaba? While I can go very short distances using a cane, the scooter would be preferable!

 

Not sure about the Alcazaba but the other places should be fine with a scooter.  If you cannot access the Alcazaba you would be able to go to the Roman Amphitheatre below and look up to the Alcazaba from there.

[Fogfog]

@campolady

 

I am in the midst of planning packing/wardrobe.

Can you advise on general acceptable style for touring in Malaga and other ports ---as well as Barcelona by chance?

I realize Barcelona  is not in your backyard ye you may have an opinion on that

 

When we lived in Umbria we could spot tourists across the piazza by clothing (colors) or wearing things that we in the "town" only wore at the "beach" (no shorts in the city for example). 

 

Would like to blend in and not be so much of a "mark" 

 

Have things to choose from including "day dresses" (casual and length appropriate), slacks and tops (black, white, jeans), and jackets (black leather tailored)   and things like a jean jacket or white denim jacket etc

 

Thank you in advance. Weather Underground says you are enjoying a sunny day and 24 degrees 

 

 

[campolady]

15 hours ago, Fogfog said:

@campolady

 

I am in the midst of planning packing/wardrobe.

Can you advise on general acceptable style for touring in Malaga and other ports ---as well as Barcelona by chance?

I realize Barcelona  is not in your backyard ye you may have an opinion on that

 

When we lived in Umbria we could spot tourists across the piazza by clothing (colors) or wearing things that we in the "town" only wore at the "beach" (no shorts in the city for example). 

 

Would like to blend in and not be so much of a "mark" 

 

Have things to choose from including "day dresses" (casual and length appropriate), slacks and tops (black, white, jeans), and jackets (black leather tailored)   and things like a jean jacket or white denim jacket etc

 

Thank you in advance. Weather Underground says you are enjoying a sunny day and 24 degrees 

 

Quote

Hi Fogfog

 

You won't see locals wearing shorts in Spanish cities (apart from some young people in scorching July and August) so anyone doing so does stand out as a tourist!  But apart from shorts you will see residents wearing all type of clothing so anything you feel comfortable is absolutely fine.  The majority of younger people of both sexes wear jeans with T-Shirt type tops; older women tend to wear knee length dresses or lightweight trousers.  The list of clothing you suggested (denim and leather jackets etc.) is perfect.

 

It is still considered good manners to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches but this is not compulsory.

 

As with cities worldwide there are pickpockets about looking for easy prey tourists so keep valuables well hidden and obviously don't hang cameras or handbags on the back of chairs in bars - just use basic common sense and you will be fine.  Rather than carrying your precious passport around take a photocopy and leave the original on the ship unless you are told otherwise on board (e.g. in a time of increased security).

 

Hope this helps a bit.  Yes, the weather has been glorious with temperatures around 20 degrees and forecast to rise a little over the next week.

 

When does your trip start?

 

Quote

 

 

 

Edited March 14, 2019 by campolady

[Fogfog]

@campolady

 

Thank you so much. Hope you are having a lovely week.

We sail late April and will be in Portugal and Spain with several days on the end to enjoy Barcelona.

Want to be properly dressed. Especially in the bigger cities of Lisbon and Barcelona (and Barcelona at night)

 

 

[campolady]

Have a wonderful trip Fogfog.  I think you will find that people are more relaxed dress wise than you are expecting - apart from in high end restaurants.  Barcelona is no more fashion conscious than any other city and Lisbon is very laid back.

Edited March 15, 2019 by campolady

[Fogfog]

6 hours ago, campolady said:

Have a wonderful trip Fogfog.  I think you will find that people are more relaxed dress wise than you are expecting - apart from in high end restaurants.  Barcelona is no more fashion conscious than any other city and Lisbon is very laid back.

 

Thank you @campolady I am not so fashionable/not nearly as my friends while living in Italy, yet recognize that tourists stick out by dress/gait/food choices etc...   

And that there are some norms like dressing properly in the "town" vs "beach" etc. that are as much about respect as anything.

Good manners and respecting the norms of the host culture I am visiting certainly greases the wheels for a more pleasant visit -at least we found that to be so just about everywhere so far 😉

I will be leaving anything "flashy" related to jewelry home--as we hear the pick pockets etc in Barcelona are quite rampant. and no need to draw attention- especially not being locals

 

Have a blessed one

 

 

[Doris Banting]

@campolady we will be in Malaga for 3 nights in October before joining a group. Do you recommend a city centre hotel or a Costa del Sol resort. 2 adults. Could you make a recommendation? Also do you have a recommendation for a driver from Malaga to Andalucia?

[VMax1700]

30 minutes ago, Doris Banting said:

from Malaga to Andalucia?

Málaga is in Andalucia.  Andalucia is the 'state/province' which includes the area from Huelva in the West to Almeria in the east and Cordoba in the north.  Also includes Grenada!  Perhaps you could be a bit more specific about where you want to go!

 

I would much rather stay in Málaga than a Costa resort.  What do you want?  Sightseeing in an exciting and historic city, with great train and bus connections, or sun, sand and relaxation?

[campolady]

57 minutes ago, Doris Banting said:

@campolady we will be in Malaga for 3 nights in October before joining a group. Do you recommend a city centre hotel or a Costa del Sol resort. 2 adults. Could you make a recommendation? Also do you have a recommendation for a driver from Malaga to Andalucia?

There are some excellent hotels in Malaga centre to suit all budgets - for great value and good location the Ibis Malaga Centro is an excellent choice, for a higher budget the 4 star AC Malaga Palacio and Molina Lario are also good; for top of the range the Gran Hotel Miramar is lovely.  If you give me more idea of what you are looking for I can make more informed suggestions.

As VMax1700 has already said, Andalucia is the region not a particular place so where are you looking to travel to from Malaga?  Although I cannot recommend a private driver, the city is a hub for great public transport services (bus and train) so you can easily travel to anywhere within the area.

I will reply again when you provide a bit more information.

Edited March 16, 2019 by campolady

[campolady]

On 3/15/2019 at 2:56 PM, Fogfog said:

 

Thank you @campolady I am not so fashionable/not nearly as my friends while living in Italy, yet recognize that tourists stick out by dress/gait/food choices etc...   

And that there are some norms like dressing properly in the "town" vs "beach" etc. that are as much about respect as anything.

Good manners and respecting the norms of the host culture I am visiting certainly greases the wheels for a more pleasant visit -at least we found that to be so just about everywhere so far 😉

I will be leaving anything "flashy" related to jewelry home--as we hear the pick pockets etc in Barcelona are quite rampant. and no need to draw attention- especially not being locals

 

Have a blessed one

 

 

Fogfog - the easiest way to stand out as a tourist in Spain is by over tipping!  Here it is the norm to just round a taxi bill up to the next Euro and, for very good service in a restaurant, a maximum of 5% is all that is ever given.  Nor should you tip in advance at a hotel in anticipation of getting better service.  Hope this helps.

[Fogfog]

50 minutes ago, campolady said:

Fogfog - the easiest way to stand out as a tourist in Spain is by over tipping!  Here it is the norm to just round a taxi bill up to the next Euro and, for very good service in a restaurant, a maximum of 5% is all that is ever given.  Nor should you tip in advance at a hotel in anticipation of getting better service.  Hope this helps.

Yes. A great reminder.

Almost 30 yrs ago DH and I had landed in Germany and the first night we had some dinner --we left a typical tip and the server looked at us like we were crazy.  Made that mistake too often at that time--- as we did as college students years prior.... trying to not "be cheap" and yet not understanding the cover/prices and norms/expectations. Live an learn. TY for the reminder.

 

Beautiful weather here today-- Hope you have had a glorious one there. ☺️

[Doris Banting]

Thank you for the prompt replies. To clarify.... After our 3 night stay arriving at the Malaga airport, we are meeting our group in Antequera. My apologies for the confusion. 

Suggestion of 4* accommodations in Malaga centre and/or Costa Del Sol for 2 adults.

Also how to get from our accommodations to Antequera.  Thanks.

[VMax1700]

18 hours ago, Doris Banting said:

Thank you for the prompt replies. To clarify.... After our 3 night stay arriving at the Malaga airport, we are meeting our group in Antequera. My apologies for the confusion. 

Suggestion of 4* accommodations in Malaga centre and/or Costa Del Sol for 2 adults.

Also how to get from our accommodations to Antequera.  Thanks.

 

You can get to Antequera by bus or train.  In Málaga the bus and train stations are at the same location.  the local bus company is Alsa (www.alsa.es) and takes about an hour from Málaga to Antequera.  Luggage space is minimal.

Train takes longer and you arrive at Antequera Santa Ana station, which is actually not in Antequera (it was built to facilitate the AVE high speed line to Cordoba/Seville/Madrid etc).The station is about 16 kms (10 miles) from Antequera, so you will need to take a taxi from the station to the town.

 

It is quite some years since I used this train line as I spend more time in the East side of Málaga, so perhaps Campolady will correct or update any erroneous information I have posted.

[campolady]

On 3/16/2019 at 10:19 PM, Doris Banting said:

Thank you for the prompt replies. To clarify.... After our 3 night stay arriving at the Malaga airport, we are meeting our group in Antequera. My apologies for the confusion. 

Suggestion of 4* accommodations in Malaga centre and/or Costa Del Sol for 2 adults.

Also how to get from our accommodations to Antequera.  Thanks.

I can personally recommend both the Hotel Molina Lario https://www.hotelmolinalario.com/index.php?urlLang=en and Hotel Malaga Palacio https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/agpmg-ac-hotel-malaga-palacio/  - both very conveniently situated by the Cathedral/old city centre.  Both are good 4 star quality.

Edited March 18, 2019 by campolady

[van man]

If you get a chance have a tapas lunch in Malaga at El Pimpi an 18th century wine cellar built in an old house

[campolady]

On 3/30/2019 at 12:02 AM, van man said:

If you get a chance have a tapas lunch in Malaga at El Pimpi an 18th century wine cellar built in an old house

 

Agree Van Man El Pimpi is still one of the bars I recommended in my 'What to do in Malaga' suggestions (where there is a link to the El Pimpi website); however, since they altered its layout it now seems to attract more tourists than locals which has changed the atmosphere somewhat. 

 

As the 'What to do in Malaga'  suggestions are now lost somewhere back in time on this forum in case they are of interest to anyone here they are again:-. 

 

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 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.

 

 

 

 

Edited March 31, 2019 by campolady