What to do in Malaga

[campolady]

Thank you for all the great information. Does bus #34 have a stop at the castle or do we need to get off at a different stop and walk from there?

 

The bus stops at the castle entrance - end of the line - close to the ticket booth.

 

For anyone over retirement age there is a reduced admission charge of just 60 cents but you need to take ID to prove qualification.

Edited December 3, 2015 by campolady

[Skipper's Mom]

A group of four of us thoroughly enjoyed the automobile museum on our recent visit to Malaga in November. The cars and fashions are unbelievable! The entrance fee was 5.50 euros pp for seniors. A bargain! We hopped a taxi for 5 euros from the Plaza de Marina and the same back right to the ship. The museum called the taxi for us. They also have great free WIFI, a bonus.:D

[saatuk]

Just FWIW if you want exercise - I walked briskly from the ship to the castle entry in 35 minutes. Going up to the castle there was a good display of Lantana flowers (late November).

[campolady]

Just FWIW if you want exercise - I walked briskly from the ship to the castle entry in 35 minutes. Going up to the castle there was a good display of Lantana flowers (late November).

 

 

Wow!!! It takes me 15 minutes just to get from the cruise terminal to the port gates - and I consider myself a fast walker!

Edited December 26, 2015 by campolady

[Hlitner]

We love to walk in Malaga and find the time estimates interesting. Getting from the most common docking position to the port entrance is about 1/3 of a mile and a fast walker should be able to do that in 6-8 min. Making it to the Castle in 35 min would be tough as I figure it is at least 2 miles from the pier and part of this is uphill. But we could probably do it in about 45 min if the ole knees are not aching :).

 

Hank

[mskaufman]

DW was in Spain last year and says the Alhambra is a top site. That's what we plan to do from Malaga this summer.

[Hlitner]

DW was in Spain last year and says the Alhambra is a top site. That's what we plan to do from Malaga this summer.

 

That is a wonderful option. We have actually stayed inside the Alhambra (there is a terrific Parador inside) for a couple of days and recommend the place for any visitor. However, keep in mind it is about a 1 1/2 hour drive (each way) and you usually need reservations to enter the Alhambra. So its best done on either a cruise line or private tour that includes entrance.

 

Hank

[campolady]

DW was in Spain last year and says the Alhambra is a top site. That's what we plan to do from Malaga this summer.

 

This thread was really meant for people who want to spend the day in Malaga itself so they can decide what they would like to see in the city.

 

However, the Alhambra is well worth seeing if you don't mind a 2 hour journey each way and can cope with a lot of steps once there; as already recommended go on your cruise ship excursion, or one run by a company that guarantees to get you back in time, rather than self-driving as delays due to accidents and road works on the journey are notorious and your ship won't wait if you are late getting back. If you do decide to drive there on your own you need to book Alhambra entrance tickets well in advance - they go on sale 3 months ahead.

Edited December 27, 2015 by campolady

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

Sitting at the Toronto airport after my Epic cruise & just wanted to thank you campo lady for the Malaga info. I love your city & hope to return there for a land vacation

.

I took the HOHO bus & got off at stop 5 for Gibralfaro then took the elevator up & came out a different way, on a square where the Roman dig is, not far from the Cathedral which by the way charges 5 Euros to enter.

 

Lots of lovely flowers in bloom & orange trees bearing fruit, just beautiful!

 

Jo

[Hlitner]

Must admit that this thread really has us thinking. We have been to Malaga about a half dozen times on cruises and a few more times during our extensive driving trips around Spain. We will again be in Malaga in late March for a port day. This time, DW is saying "lets not rent a car" and she wants to just stay in Malaga! For us, this is a novel approach since we normally would be off in our car to Grenada, Nerja, Mijas, Ronda, Marbella, or other wonderful Spanish destinations in the region. But DW has now dictated that we actually spend an entire port day in Malaga. Oh my!

 

Hank

[campolady]

Must admit that this thread really has us thinking. We have been to Malaga about a half dozen times on cruises and a few more times during our extensive driving trips around Spain. We will again be in Malaga in late March for a port day. This time, DW is saying "lets not rent a car" and she wants to just stay in Malaga! For us, this is a novel approach since we normally would be off in our car to Grenada, Nerja, Mijas, Ronda, Marbella, or other wonderful Spanish destinations in the region. But DW has now dictated that we actually spend an entire port day in Malaga. Oh my!

 

Hank

 

Malaga has far more to offer than Nerja for sure - we live 5 minutes drive from Nerja; the Cave is good but only takes a few minutes to see. Ronda is lovely but a long drive. Mijas is pretty but VERY touristy (a bit like a Disney impression of Spain). Marbella we just do not like but that is just our personal opinion.

 

Do as DW suggests and you won't be disappointed - especially if you add a Tapas Trail to your visit lol!

[John Bull]

HI all!

 

 

 

I see you have been on Thomson Dream a few times so I guess you love it. I'm going on it in 2016 for the 1st time on the Pride of Panama itinerary & really looking forward to it.

 

Thanks again.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

Hi, Jo.

Off the Malaga topic, but you're doing Pride of Panama on Thomson Dream.

We did that itinerary January this year - a couple of heads-up........

 

San Blas islands. If it's on your itinerary, don't hold your breath. It's a tender port, and Dream has rarely (if ever ????) stopped there due to "sea conditions". Those who've been there (with other cruise lines) rate the place highly, but landing is so unreliable with Dream that it really should've been replaced on the itinerary.

 

Colon. It's the port for the Panama Canal, and well worth the port-of-call for visiting the canal. The choices are an excursion by train to Panama City, or (my recommendation) a partial transit by boat - bus from the ship to Lake Gatun, transfer to boat, sail the canal across the lake, through the Culebra cut, through the locks on the Pacific side, ending in the Pacific opposite Panama City. Then bus back to Colon. So you transit the canal except for the Gatun locks on the Caribbean side. An excellent day, & surprisingly good value.

It's not possible to take the train independently, or to take the regular ferry in the time-scale. Consequently we had pre-booked the canal boat trip :) and strongly advise that you do likewise as soon as possible - both the boat & the train sold out before the cruise, leaving many disappointed.

The town of Colon is aptly-named - it's as dangerous & seedy as I've seen in the Caribbean - and that includes La Guairá, Venezuela :eek:.

The next scheduled port-of-call was Limon, but that was another stop cancelled due to "sea conditions". So we also had the next day in Colon - the police shepherded folk to the few bars opposite the ship, some ventured on a bus transfer to the shopping centre but quickly returned, a ship's cycle group was accosted by a gang but the police intervened & escorted them back. We spent the enforced day in one of those bars, using their free wifi. As more folk headed to those bars the wifi speed slowed to unusable. The only plus of the extra day in that awful place was that the ship managed to repeat the canal boat trip on that day, so those who'd missed out by not pre-booking were lucky.

If you don't take a ship's excursion there's little / nothing to do in Colon, and you won't want / won't be allowed to wander. All the more reason to pre-book one of those excursions.

 

Cartagena was excellent, a super place. And easy to pick up a taxi or tour at the pier.

Grand Cayman (tender port) - at the pier we picked up a boat trip out to a shallow sandbar known as "stingray city", where wild stingrays gather. Brilliant. Check it out on Google & Google-images, & take your snorkelling gear.

I think your cruise includes either Playa del Carmen or Cozumel. PdC is excellent, some great options from there. But Cozumel is an island, if you take the ferry to the mainland (Playa del Carmen) the 45 mins e/w plus safety margin takes a big chunk out of your day and adds the complication & risks of that ferry & no possible Plan B.

 

With apols to Campolady for going just a few thousand miles off-topic ;)

 

JB :)

Edited December 29, 2015 by John Bull

[Hlitner]

Malaga has far more to offer than Nerja for sure - we live 5 minutes drive from Nerja; the Cave is good but only takes a few minutes to see. Ronda is lovely but a long drive. Mijas is pretty but VERY touristy (a bit like a Disney impression of Spain). Marbella we just do not like but that is just our personal opinion.

 

Do as DW suggests and you won't be disappointed - especially if you add a Tapas Trail to your visit lol!

 

Tis good advice. DW will go anywhere for good patatas bravas :). As to Nerja, it has been a favorite spot of ours for a beach vacation and we really like staying at the Parador on the cliff. But we agree that it makes little sense for a port day (and we have seen the cave). So a day with tapas and some Sangria sounds like a plan. If you have any particular recommendations on Tapas Bars please tell :).

 

Hank

[MADflyer]

Marbella we just do not like but that is just our personal opinion.

 

!

 

From a Marbella perspective, it has been great watching Malaga climb to the status it now has and with the addition of the film festival in 1998 and the Picasso Museum in 2003. With the great improvements in communication in the region and the revitalization of many sections of the city, it is now quite a pleasant destination and someplace that I can recommend.

 

I am happy to see the cruise lines stop referring to the port as Granada (Malaga) and now give Malaga top billing as a separate destination.

 

Marbella is a lifestyle destination and has great appeal within some narrow segments, but for most is just a spot to get a glimpse of the fading 'jet set' that have been replaced by 'moneyed' foreigners for the most part. It is certainly 'hit and miss' for a cruise passenger to head over to Marbella just to get a glimpse of mega yachts, expensive cars and shops for a couple of hours, when they could just stay in Malaga and enjoy all that it has to offer.

[campolady]

So a day with tapas and some Sangria sounds like a plan. If you have any particular recommendations on Tapas Bars please tell :).

 

Hank

-

 

Hank, I love Patatas Bravas too! Have a look at these Tapas Bar suggestions (all places we very regularly visit):-

 

Pepe y Pepa 2 - In the heart of the old town and close to the Picasso Museum at Calle Caldereria 9. Very well priced, and therefore gets very busy with locals during working lunch hour. Many choices of hot and cold Tapas or, if you are hungry, larger portions of Raciones or Medio Raciones. Not to be confused with its sister bar Pepe y Pepa 1 that is nowhere near as good in our opinion.

 

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. http://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. http://www.casadeguardia.com

 

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. http://www.eljardinmalaga.com

 

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.

Edited December 29, 2015 by campolady

[SightCRR]

Campolady, I tried to read your recommendations but have no idea what you are talking about. Bars ok for minors? Where to find more info? Sorry to be so dense.

Thanks again for your past help.

Any info for lunch would be great. Thanks.

Sightcrr

[campolady]

Campolady, I tried to read your recommendations but have no idea what you are talking about.Sightcrr

 

Sorry for appearing stupid but I don't understand what you mean? My last post is in response to Hlitners request for Tapas bar suggestions and reads as a reasonable reply to me but obviously I have failed in some way. What is it that you not understand what I am talking about?

 

In answer to the second part of your post, minors - well behaved - are allowed in most bars although some places do prefer families with children to sit at the tables outside.

Edited December 30, 2015 by campolady

[Hlitner]

Campolady, I tried to read your recommendations but have no idea what you are talking about. Bars ok for minors? Where to find more info? Sorry to be so dense.

Thanks again for your past help.

Any info for lunch would be great. Thanks.

Sightcrr

 

The Lady was responding to my specific request for Tapas bar recommendations. And even my DD is well over 30, so we can assure you my request has nothing to do with minors. And while we are on the topic we want to express our sincere thanks to Campolady for the info (which we have already printed-out).

 

Hank;)

[SightCRR]

I didn't mean to get in the middle of the discussion. What I wondered is about is "hot and cold Tapas or, if you are hungry, larger portions of Raciones or Medio Raciones"

 

What are Tapas and Raciones? Lunch, drinks, dinners?

Again sorry to butt in the middle.

Sightcrr

Edited December 30, 2015 by SightCRR

[SightCRR]

Before I asked I should have done a simple google search. Got it figured out now.

Sorry.

Sightcrr

[campolady]

I didn't mean to get in the middle of the discussion. What I wondered is about is "hot and cold Tapas or, if you are hungry, larger portions of Raciones or Medio Raciones"

 

What are Tapas and Raciones? Lunch, drinks, dinners?

Again sorry to butt in the middle.

Sightcrr

 

Before I asked I should have done a simple google search. Got it figured out now.

Sorry.

Sightcrr

 

No problem - glad you got it sorted and apologies for me not understanding your post.

 

You can't come to Spain and not try Tapas! Most bars have a Tapas cabinet on show and, if you don't know the name of a particular Tapa, just point; some places actually have a Tapas Menu to peruse. The odd bar still gives a Tapa free with each drink but most charge a nominal sum nowadays - anything from 50 cents (as at our local bar) to €2-3 at more pretentious places. As you will have found out from your google search, Medio-Raciones and Raciones are just larger portions of Tapas - medios generally cost around €4-5 each with full raciones around €6-8. It is quite normal to have just one drink and tapa in several different bars rather than making a full meal of it in just one place; Tapas are generally available throughout the day from mid/late-morning onwards. Some bars only offer Tapas to people sitting at the bar but most now also serve them to people sat at tables inside or outside.

 

Every bar has its own selection of Tapas. It would be impossible to give a full list - the options are limitless - but most places serve at least some of the following more common choices:-

Patatas Bravas (hot) - fried Potato pieces often served with spicy Tomato Salsa and/or Mayonnaise

Calamari Romana (hot) - battered Squid Rings

Croquetas (hot) - Deep fried torpedo shapes filled with Béchamel Sauce mixed with Ham, Cheese or Fish

Queso Manchego (cold) - slices of Spanish Cheese

Jamon Serrano (cold) - slices of Mountain Ham

Pulpo - Octopus with potatoes and paprika (hot) or cold in a vinegrette

Tortilla (usually warm but can be cold) - Spanish potato and onion omelette

Gambas - Prawns - served Cocidas (cold), Plancha (warmed on a griddle), Pil Pil (hot with olive oil, paprika and garlic)

Sardinas (hot) - Sardines

Chorizo (hot) - Spanish spicy sausage

Paella (hot) - Rice with vegetables and usually meat and/or seafood

Mejillones - Mussels - hot either griddled or steamed or cold in a vinegrette

Callos (hot) - Tripe stew often with chick peas

 

Hope this helps

Edited December 30, 2015 by campolady

[SightCRR]

As usual you were a big help again.

Sightcrr

[campolady]

As usual you were a big help again.

Sightcrr

 

You are most welcome. Have a great new Year.

[retiring soon]

HI all!

 

John Bull ~ thanks for the info re the Pride of Panama cruise. We're doing Santa Marta Colombia instead of San Blas Islands this cruise.

I tried to book the ferry ride through the Canal & it's already full.:(

 

campolady ~ looks like my day in your lovely city will be my last as DH has informed me he doesn't want to fly anywhere that's more than 4 hours from here.

 

Happy New Year!

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[Derbie]

Thank You!

 

We'll be in Malaga in two weeks; these tips are much appreciated.

:cool::D:);)

 

Can you give a quick review on your time in port? Thanks!