Can I help with any Malaga info?

[campolady]

SEMANA SANTA 2019 - Anyone sailing into Malaga next week should try to see one of the many very emotive processions that take place around the city.  This year Semana Santa/Holy Week starts on Sunday 7th April.  

Here are some pictures from last years processions https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=AwrJRCBuW6Bc9ykAsVZLBQx.;_ylu=X3oDMTByZmVxM3N0BGNvbG8DaXIyBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?p=malaga+semana+santa+2018&fr=yfp-t

Edited March 31, 2019 by campolady

[van man]

2 hours ago, campolady said:

Yes you are correct it as lost a lot of charm over recent years, El Jardin restaurant located next to the gardens of the Cathedral is a better option for authenticity

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

[PopPopB]

13 hours ago, campolady said:

 

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. 

 

 

 

Hello Campolady - We are arriving on HAL MS Koningsdam on May 14, 2019 and have a voucher for the HOHO.   I see that you say the HOHO stops right outside the port gates.  But on various sites I have seen contradictory information about where to pick-up the HOHO bus from the cruise port.  I have seen the following as places to get on the bus:  Paseo de la Farola la Lighthouse, Puerto, and Paseo del Parque.  Can you tell me which is correct and about how long of a walk (minutes) it will be?  Is it easy to find?  Thanks!  

 

Edited March 31, 2019 by PopPopB
spelling error

[campolady]

25 minutes ago, PopPopB said:

Hello Campolady - We are arriving on HAL MS Koningsdam on May 14, 2019 and have a voucher for the HOHO.   I see that you say the HOHO stops right outside the port gates.  But on various sites I have seen contradictory information about where to pick-up the HOHO bus from the cruise port.  I have seen the following as places to get on the bus:  Paseo de la Farola la Lighthouse, Puerto, and Paseo del Parque.  Can you tell me which is correct and about how long of a walk (minutes) it will be?  Is it easy to find?  Thanks!  

 

Hello PopPopB - all three are correct.  The closest to the cruise terminal is the lighthouse (stop no, 7) - about a 5-7 minute walk.  If you look at the map showing the stops on this link the cruise terminal is at the harbour mouth at the end of the promenade below stop no. 7 https://city-sightseeing.com/en/24/malaga/230/hop-on-hop-off-malaga The port gates stop (Puerto) is easiest if you prefer to take the shuttle bus/train rather than walk.

 

Edited March 31, 2019 by campolady

[campolady]

24 minutes ago, PopPopB said:

Hello Campolady - We are arriving on HAL MS Koningsdam on May 14, 2019 and have a voucher for the HOHO.   I see that you say the HOHO stops right outside the port gates.  But on various sites I have seen contradictory information about where to pick-up the HOHO bus from the cruise port.  I have seen the following as places to get on the bus:  Paseo de la Farola la Lighthouse, Puerto, and Paseo del Parque.  Can you tell me which is correct and about how long of a walk (minutes) it will be?  Is it easy to find?  Thanks!  

24 minutes ago, PopPopB said:

Hello Campolady - We are arriving on HAL MS Koningsdam on May 14, 2019 and have a voucher for the HOHO.   I see that you say the HOHO stops right outside the port gates.  But on various sites I have seen contradictory information about where to pick-up the HOHO bus from the cruise port.  I have seen the following as places to get on the bus:  Paseo de la Farola la Lighthouse, Puerto, and Paseo del Parque.  Can you tell me which is correct and about how long of a walk (minutes) it will be?  Is it easy to find?  Thanks!  

 

 

Edited March 31, 2019 by campolady

[campolady]

5 minutes ago, campolady said:

 

Hello PopPopB - all three are correct.  The closest to the cruise terminal is the lighthouse (stop no, 7) - about a 5-7 minute walk.  If you look at the map showing the stops on this link the cruise terminal is at the harbour mouth at the end of the promenade below stop no. 7 https://city-sightseeing.com/en/24/malaga/230/hop-on-hop-off-malaga The port gates stop (Puerto) is easiest if you prefer to take the shuttle bus/train rather than walk.

 

 

Edited March 31, 2019 by campolady

[CCWineLover]

Can anyone comment on taking a visit to Nerja from Malaga, and in particular, visiting the caves?  It sounds quite interesting.  We will be in Malaga on a Sunday, if that matters.   Will much be open on Sunday?

[campolady]

9 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

Can anyone comment on taking a visit to Nerja from Malaga, and in particular, visiting the caves?  It sounds quite interesting.  We will be in Malaga on a Sunday, if that matters.   Will much be open on Sunday?

 

Hello CCWineLover

There will be more going on in Malaga on a Sunday than at Nerja.  Museums in Malaga will be open but the main shops will be closed.  Malaga buzzes on a Sunday as it is the day many local families visit for lunch.

Nerja is a 60-90 minute bus ride from Malaga depending on the route and services are less frequent on Sundays.  The fare is just under 4 euro per person each way.  You can get a bus from the bus station by the port gates - a 1.5 kilometer walk from the cruise terminal or take the shuttle train.  For bus timetables see https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

The Cave of Nerja (there is only one cave open to the public) are not actually in Nerja but 3 kilometers east at Maro - some of the bus services go on to the caves so you would need one terminating at 'Nerja Cuevas' not finishing in  Nerja itself.  The bus station (just a layby rather than a proper building) is on the outskirts of the town so you need to walk down the main street (Calle Pintada) to get to the centre - this is a steep descent so a real pull on the return leg lol.

Again all the main shops in Nerja will be closed on a Sunday but bars/restaurants and tourist shops will be open; the main beach (Burriana) is to the east of the town and a 15-20 minutes walk from the centre.

Details of the Cave can be seen here http://www.cuevadenerja.es/en/

Hope this helps a bit - we live 3km from Nerja and know the town very well so feel free to ask any other questions.

Edited April 4, 2019 by campolady
Inserting web links

[ColleenHale]

Hello

 

We arrive in Malaga on Sept. 29/19 for the day 9 - 6.   We are hoping to see the following:

- hoho

- alcazaba palace

- gibralfaro castle

- roman amphitheatre

- ataranzana market

 

Would LOVE to include a trip to Alhambra and the Nasrid Palace so need a name of a tour company for this trip, hopefully to include admission tickets.

 

Can this be done in the time period we have in Malaga?

 

Thanking you in advance.

 

Colleen

British Columbia, Canada

[Fogfog]

16 hours ago, ColleenHale said:

Hello

 

We arrive in Malaga on Sept. 29/19 for the day 9 - 6.   We are hoping to see the following:

- hoho

- alcazaba palace

- gibralfaro castle

- roman amphitheatre

- ataranzana market

 

Would LOVE to include a trip to Alhambra and the Nasrid Palace so need a name of a tour company for this trip, hopefully to include admission tickets.

 

Can this be done in the time period we have in Malaga?

 

Thanking you in advance.

 

Colleen

British Columbia, Canada

HI

Campolady will likely chime in

If you go back in this thread--and use the search function you can see her suggestions re itinerary locally. 

She also mentions that getting to the Alhambra can be problematic with construction/road delays etc

She makes the same recommendations again and again when asked the same questions you have

Have you contacted anyone like Tours By locals etc to see what can be offered? or Trip Advisor? They will be able to tell you whats do-able...

IMHO I think the travel to/from Alhambra and touring there would take up your day....

We were concerned about missing sail away

Good luck in your planning

 

 

 

 

[Lovincruisin1321]

On 1/9/2014 at 3:07 AM, campolady said:

We live mid-way between Malaga and Granada and know the city of Malaga well.

 

If anyone visiting Malaga on a cruise has any questions I will be happy to do my best to help - the city is not great at promoting itself which is such a shame as it has so much to offer.

I am so glad to see this post!

 

My husband and I visited Malaga in 2016 for a quick port stop and we are returning in September 2020.  We fell in love with this port and would love to explore it more deeply.  We only did a walking tour and a restaurant.

 

I am a huge Picasso fan, my husband is an architect and we love exploring the culture of food and wine!

 

Any off the beaten track fun you would suggest?

[VMax1700]

Just not possible. It is either Alhambra or Malaga. The Alhambra is 2 hours drive from Malaga and a visit requires at least 3 hours. You also need timed admission tickets for Nasrid's Palace. It really is a day trip.

 

[campolady]

19 hours ago, ColleenHale said:

Hello

 

We arrive in Malaga on Sept. 29/19 for the day 9 - 6.   We are hoping to see the following:

- hoho

- alcazaba palace

- gibralfaro castle

- roman amphitheatre

- ataranzana market

 

Would LOVE to include a trip to Alhambra and the Nasrid Palace so need a name of a tour company for this trip, hopefully to include admission tickets.

 

Can this be done in the time period we have in Malaga?

 

Thanking you in advance.

 

Colleen

British Columbia, Canada

As the previous 2 replies have said, it is impossible to do both a trip to Granada and a tour of Malaga so you need to decide which is most important to you.  It is a 2 hour journey each way from Malaga to Granada and travel delays are far from unknown.  This company - amongst several - offer a trip to Granada and the Alhambra - you would need to contact them to see whether it would fit in your timeframe which is quite short https://www.alhambra.org/en/Alhambra/alhambra-malaga-en.html

Hope this helps.

[campolady]

2 hours ago, Lovincruisin1321 said:

I am so glad to see this post!

 

My husband and I visited Malaga in 2016 for a quick port stop and we are returning in September 2020.  We fell in love with this port and would love to explore it more deeply.  We only did a walking tour and a restaurant.

 

I am a huge Picasso fan, my husband is an architect and we love exploring the culture of food and wine!

 

Any off the beaten track fun you would suggest?

As a Picasso lover you may find this suggested walking tour of interest https://www.living4malaga.com/picassos-route-in-malaga/

The tour starts at the Plaza Merced home of some excellent bars and restaurants mainly used by locals which as foodies you may like to visit - also there is the Merced Market home of some great/more unusual food stalls https://www.spain-holiday.com/Malaga-city/articles/20-gourmet-market-stalls-at-malagas-mercado-de-la-merced

Hope this helps.

 

Edited April 8, 2019 by campolady

[Lovincruisin1321]

1 hour ago, campolady said:

As a Picasso lover you may find this suggested walking tour of interest https://www.living4malaga.com/picassos-route-in-malaga/

The tour starts at the Plaza Merced home of some excellent bars and restaurants mainly used by locals which as foodies you may like to visit - also there is the Merced Market home of some great/more unusual food stalls https://www.spain-holiday.com/Malaga-city/articles/20-gourmet-market-stalls-at-malagas-mercado-de-la-merced

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you.  We have been to Merced Market but while looking around the internet I discovered our favorite pastime, bullfighting and found the website and calendar for Malaga!  I also found Flamenco which would be fun.  

 

Any restaurants overlooking the water that you would recommend? 

[ColleenHale]

4 hours ago, campolady said:

As the previous 2 replies have said, it is impossible to do both a trip to Granada and a tour of Malaga so you need to decide which is most important to you.  It is a 2 hour journey each way from Malaga to Granada and travel delays are far from unknown.  This company - amongst several - offer a trip to Granada and the Alhambra - you would need to contact them to see whether it would fit in your timeframe which is quite short https://www.alhambra.org/en/Alhambra/alhambra-malaga-en.html

Hope this helps.

 

[ColleenHale]

 

THANK YOU …………...your suggestions are wonderful!     

[BarbinMich]

Our cruise ship stopped in Malaga back in Sep 2014 and I enjoyed exploring on foot (what I often do).  Went up to the Alcazaba, then down past the Roman ruins, past the Picasso Musuem and finally to the Cathedral of the Encarnacion.  Then had lunch at a local restaurant.  Although the day was overcast, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[iflyrc5]

On 3/31/2018 at 12:17 AM, campolady said:

 

Most walking tours such as this one https://www.freetour.com/malaga/free-walking-tour-malaga meet at the Plaza de la Constitucion which is only a 5 minutes walk from the Cathedral. If you are have a different meeting point just let me know where it is.

 

I am not sure that the shuttle bus will be running in time for you to get to 9 a.m. mass so it would probably be safer to take a taxi to the Cathedral or the walk from the cruise terminal would take around 20-25 minutes.

Campolady - just found this thread.  We will arriving on the Holland America Rotterdam on 6 Nov 2019.  How far is it from the entrance of the port to the Plaza de la Constitucion where the freetour folks start their tours?   Thanks so much for your help

[campolady]

3 hours ago, iflyrc5 said:

Campolady - just found this thread.  We will arriving on the Holland America Rotterdam on 6 Nov 2019.  How far is it from the entrance of the port to the Plaza de la Constitucion where the freetour folks start their tours?   Thanks so much for your help

It is an easy 7-10 minute walk from the port entrance (which is 1.5 km from the cruise terminal but there is a shuttle train) to the Plaza de la Constitucion.  Cross the road at the port gates then also cross the next road which is the main Malaga thoroughfare - Avenida Alameda - then turn on to the main pedestrianised/shopping street Calle Larios.  The Plaza is at the top of Calle Larios (around 200 meters).

Hope this helps.

[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

 

Campolady:

 

My wife, son and I will be visiting Malaga for the day arriving on the Nieuw Statesdam in September.

Because of health reasons, we cannot drink alcohol in any form.

How does one handle going into a tapa bar without buying wine or beer or the like?

 

Thanks much!

[jean87510]

1 hour ago, tommui987 said:

 

Campolady:

 

My wife, son and I will be visiting Malaga for the day arriving on the Nieuw Statesdam in September.

Because of health reasons, we cannot drink alcohol in any form.

How does one handle going into a tapa bar without buying wine or beer or the like?

 

Thanks much!

We always get water and soda, tea or coffee. I cant drink wine with my food.

[campolady]

6 hours ago, tommui987 said:

 

Campolady:

 

My wife, son and I will be visiting Malaga for the day arriving on the Nieuw Statesdam in September.

Because of health reasons, we cannot drink alcohol in any form.

How does one handle going into a tapa bar without buying wine or beer or the like?

 

Thanks much!

You do not have to have an alcoholic drink to get a tapa.  Just ask for a coffee, water or soft drink and you will be fine.   The Spanish actually tend to have non-alcoholic drinks more than alcoholic ones. 

 

One thing to remember that in some of the most traditional bars you still only get a tapa if you sit at the bar not if you sit outside at a table.

 

Have a wonderful trip.

[sarahwalker2007]

Hello! I have read a lot of posts on this very detailed thread but can't find the answer to my question. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

I see many posts saying that Malaga is a very "walkable" area and that you can really do a DIY tour. My question is are the roads/paths etc wheelchair friendly? One member of our party can't walk far and we are bringing a wheelchair for her. 

 

thanks!

sarah

[Fogfog]

13 minutes ago, sarahwalker2007 said:

Hello! I have read a lot of posts on this very detailed thread but can't find the answer to my question. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

I see many posts saying that Malaga is a very "walkable" area and that you can really do a DIY tour. My question is are the roads/paths etc wheelchair friendly? One member of our party can't walk far and we are bringing a wheelchair for her. 

 

thanks!

sarah

Can only speak from what we saw/did

The walk from the pier to town is long. It is nice and there are sidewalks

Alcazaba has an elevator up YET the halls etc are not wheelchair friendly and there are steps/stairs. that your friend would need to walk (cane perhaps) because a chair wont work

Depending on day--pedestrian streets are crowded with tourists.

How does she normally tour cobblestone streets etc?

The PIcasso Museum is multi level. I suspect there is an elevator. Check the floorplan on their site. If you go--buy tickets online to avoid the line outfront.

We did lunch in a side street that looks vacant--in a small tapas place...very tiny.about 12 high bar stools.  The WC was not HC friendly.  There are lots of lunch options -- worth a look on google maps.

Hope this helps

Others who have been other places can likely share more