The Port of Malaga, Spain
ABOUT
Malaga has a long and rich history with its origins in around 770BC making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It is thought to have been founded by the Phoenecians who called it Malaca, meaning `fish salting place’. Over the centuries it was ruled by Carthage, the Romans and more. It has survived wars, fluctuating commerce even dictatorships.
Its Cathedral was built between 1528 and 1782 and considered one of the most valuable Renaissance jewels in Andalusia.
Probably its most famous son is Pablo Ruiz Picasso born in Malaga in 1881 and raised there as a young man. He was a painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and theatre designer who spent most of his adult life in France.
Population of the city in 2024 is 586,384.
Currency is the Euro.
THINGS TO DO
There is certainly a lot to do in Malaga with its centuries old history and its famous son.
The ancient Moorish castle of Alcazaba lies in the city and dates back to the 11th Century. Tickets are reasonable and guided tours are available.
The castle of Castillo de Gibralfaro sits on a hill overlooking the city and port. Built in the 10th Century its image features on the city seal and flag.
The Cathedral is a huge building full of art and history. There is also a rooftop tour you can take, if you are able to climb the 200 steps.
The Roman Theatre is a free archaeological site dating back to the 1st Century.
The Picasso Museum honours Malaga’s most famous son. It opened in 2003, there is a small admittance fee.
On top of that of course there are beaches to visit together with plenty of shops and cafes to keep you busy.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
OUR VISIT IN SEPTEMBER 2024
Our visit to Malaga in September 2024 was whilst cruising with Princess Cruises on Sky Princess. It was a lovely sunny day, without it being too hot. We decided to take the Hop On Hop Off bus around the city. You can conveniently catch the bus adjacent to the cruise terminal and people are on hand to sell tickets. Be aware though it can be very busy.
This is a great service in most places we have visited and our intention was to stop off at the Old City. The driver though had other ideas! Firstly the commentary was not in order and then the driver did not stop at all the places he should have done.
The tour itself took us along the seafront and up through into the hills above the city. Some of the views were quite spectacular – and we did get a chance to see the outside of the Old City. We also had chance to see some of the architecture and a close encounter with some oranges en route.
Nevertheless we had a lovely bus tour of the city and we are determined to get to the old city on our next trip.
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