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The Andalusian Coast’s Malaga

 

On a relaxing cruise along the Mediterranean coast, I discovered Malaga. A popular tourist destination and the largest city on the Andalusian Coast, Malaga is home to roughly 670,000 residents. If one comes by ship, it is also the usual gateway to ancient Granada and the world-famous palace of Alhambra, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain.

Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, is conveniently near to beautiful beaches and charming villages like Mijas and Alfarnatejo. Nearby also are the prestigious resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banús, extensive vineyards and wine cellars, as well as the picturesque town of Nerja. Nerja is home to important subterranean caves that are among the largest in Europe. Excursions to all these and more should be available aboard your ship.

Like Barcelona, Malaga boasts a significant Picasso Museum and a splendid Cathedral, built between 1528 and 1728, which combines element of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Overlooking the city and offering majestic panoramic is the imposing Castillo de Gibralfaro, constructed by the Arabs during the 14th century.

Lovely parks and gardens can be found adjacent to the downtown area, where shopping is also a popular visitor pursuit. Although the bustling port area here is relatively close to the downtown area, there is some bad news of a temporary nature. Cruise ships dock close to very substantial freighter operations, and the entire complex is torn up in the midst of a major reconstruction project, so walking into the city is all but impossible, requiring the use of a port shuttle bus at €5 per person round-trip.


Roman ruins


Statue of Pablo Picasso in front of the building where he was born


View of city from Castillo de Gibralfaro