Malaga Spain from a Cruise Ship
What to do when visiting Malaga, Spain, from a Cruise Ship?
Malaga, Spain, is a beautiful city located on the southwest coast of the peninsula, close to the border of Portugal. Malaga has beaches, cathedrals, and Picasso, who could ask for more?
📍Book Your Cruise to Malaga, Spain
What is Malaga known for?
This city is most known for its music and is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. This seaside city is on southern Spain’s shore and has plenty of high-rise hotels and resorts on yellow sand beaches. It has a huge selection of music bars, cafes, and nightclubs.
Is Malaga worth visiting?
Yes, Malaga is worth visiting. With its excellent weather and being the entry point to Southern Spain’s most popular region, it is great in every season. With almost 19 miles of beaches, the warm weather makes it a popular destination for tourists.
From March to May, the temperature ranges from 68-77 degrees, and from June to September, between 75-88 degrees. Malaga’s weather is considered the best in Europe with 300 days of sunshine a year.
Where do cruise ships dock in Malaga?
The Cruise Terminal in Malaga, named Terminal El Palmeral, is centrally located right in the heart of Malaga. The terminal includes duty-free shops that feature both handmade products and many food products, including olive oil and freshly-made pastries.
Free Wifi and a concierge desk are available as well.
Latest Posts
Can I walk to the city center from the Malaga cruise port?
Yes, the walk from the cruise terminal is a 15-20 minute 1.2-mile walk to the city center or old town. You can walk through Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Puerta de Mar. Also, there is a free shuttle bus at the cruise terminal that will take you to the edge of the city center.
How far is the Malaga Port from the beach?
One of the most popular beaches in Malaga, Playa la Malagueta, is right by the cruise terminal. When you leave the ship, the walk is under 5 minutes.
11 Things to Do When Visiting Malaga, Spain from a Cruise Ship
📍Visit many of these attractions on the Best of Malaga Tour
Malaga, located in the southern region of Spain, is a vibrant city that offers an array of exciting activities and experiences for tourists to enjoy. Check out the list of 13 Malaga things to do below.
1. Gibralfaro Castle
The most famous site in Malaga is the Gibralfaro Castle, a 14th-century Moorish castle. It is a hilltop fortress above the city and has outlook towers and ramparts originally built to help defend it. This castle is 2500 years old and was pivotal in a 1487 siege.
The Gibralfaro Castle is on Spain’s list of national monuments and features a military museum.
Tip: Go to the Gibralfaro Castle lookout at 433 feet above sea level for a beautiful view, especially at sunset.
2. Fortress of Alcazaba
Located on Gibralfaro Mountain, the Fortress of Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress-palace from the Islamic era in the 11th century. It was expanded over 500 years and is made up of two sets of walls protecting it. The first set of walls contains fountains and gardens and the second set has the palace and courtyard gardens.
This fortress is known for its remains of Roman walls, and the amazing panoramic view of the city. This is the most iconic landmark of Malaga, known for its important Muslim works.
3. Molino del Hortelano
If you are looking for something a little different, take a short 45-minute drive outside of town to visit an olive oil mill and farm. This area grows both almonds and olives.
The olive oil mill, Molino del Hortelano, is in Cassabermejo and produces world-winning olive oil. We had the opportunity to tour the facility where they make olive oil as well as the chance to taste several different versions. The owners taught us all about the olive oil business. The views along the way were spectacular.
4. Pablo Picasso’s Home and Museum
Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, at Casa Natal in 1881. His family moved when he was a child. His childhood home, Casa Natal, is small and located on Plaza de la Merced. Picasso died in 1973.
His childhood home contains a small collection of his artwork and items from his childhood.
A larger display of his artwork can be found at the Picasso Museum, just a couple of minutes away from his childhood home. The museum is located in the center of old town and contains 285 works of art from the 1800s to the early 1900s. The museum is in a restored 16th century palace.
5. Roman Theater
One of the oldest sites in Malaga, the Roman Theater from the first century is down the hill from the Alcazaba. It was rediscovered in 1951 and has several levels of seating in the 52-foot-high theater. The Roman Theater was in use for over 300 years.
On-site is a visitor center showing artifacts found, such as Roman tools. This theater was constructed under the dominion of Augustus in the first century.
6. Go Shopping and Dining at the Port of Malaga
You can take a free shuttle bus from the cruise terminal that will drop you off at the far side of the port of Malaga. There are plenty of shops, stalls with handmade goods, and restaurants along the way. It’s a beautiful walk back to the ship that also passes Centro Pompidou (see below), a lighthouse, and the beach.
7. Centro Pompidou
Centro Pompidou is a sister to the iconic Parisian institute located in Paris. The exhibits include contemporary art from impressionists. The art consists of work by Picasso and Warhol, as well as from up-and-coming artists.
8. Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta Bullring
The Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta, or Bullring, opened in 1876. This arena has hosted bullfights and many of the most famous Spanish bullfighters.
The area is 170 feet wide ring and located in the heart of Malaga. Multiple events are held throughout the year at the arena. It is declared as both a Historic-Artistic and a Cultural Interest Site.
9. Playa la Malagueta
Playa la Malagueta is man-made and the most famous urban beach in Malaga. During high season, it can be crowded. This beach is only a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal, and the water is cool even in July.
There are tons of restaurants, cafes, bars, and water activities located by the beach.
10. Contemporary Art Center (CAC)
The Contemporary Art Center, affectionately called CAC, is small with modern art. You can visit in an hour, and the entrance is free. CAC is located near the Centro Alameda train Station. Museum Website
11. Malaga Cathedral
No visit to a European city is complete without visiting a cathedral or church, and Malaga is no different. The Malaga Cathedral is a 16th-century cathedral and was under construction for 200 years. Eventually ran out of funds, so only one cathedral tower was completed. The other one is only half complete.
You can climb 200 steps to the roof to see a view of the city.
Cruise Ship Shore Excursions
Most ships offer shore excursions that you can book on board. Click on the cruise line below to see the excursions currently offered.
Transportation in Malaga
Malaga is a very easy city to get around in. It is walkable and has several types of transportation for tourists, including Hop on Hop off Bus Tours, Taxis, Metro, Train, Bus, Bike Rental, and Rickshaw.
If you are in Malaga for more than a day, then check out these 10 weekend getaways by train.
The Wrap-Up: Malaga, Spain from a Cruise Ship
Visiting Malaga, Spain, from a Cruise Ship provides you with many unique opportunities. From shopping in the city, hanging out at the beach, and visiting historic sites such as a fortress, a bullring, or a Roman Arena. This city has some of the most beautiful scenic overlooks of any city in the world.
So whether you take a shore excursion from the ship or set out on your own you are sure to make memories that will last you a lifetime.
