Sharon Sparlin: MALAGA, SPAIN

Founded by the Phoenicians in 770 BC, Málaga became a Roman colony 550 years later. Currently a municipality of Spain with a population approaching 600,000, Málaga is the 2nd most populous city in Andalusia after Seville and the 6th most populous in Spain. It lies on the Costa del Sol of the Mediterranean, about 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 80 miles north of Africa.

Málaga has a typical Mediterranean climate and is also known as the birthplace of famous Spanish sculptor and painter Pablo Picasso and actor Antonio Banderas.

The Norwegian Sun docked in Málaga, Spain at 7:00am on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The ship was cleared at 7:45am. I was off the ship and standing on the pier by 8am.

Walking through the terminal

Down the escalator to outside

The Port Authority of Málaga provides shuttle buses from the cruise port to the Main Port Gate, in Plaza de La Marina and next to the Tourism Information office. Buses run every 15-20 minutes and it takes about 5 minutes. They charge a small fee of 5 euros for the round-trip.

Malaga Port map

Also available dock side is the Málaga Hop-On Hop-Off bus. It departs right from the port so you can catch the bus next to the cruise ship.

HOHO bus loading poin

I decided to simply walk to Old Town. This area is flat and easy walking but has a steady balmy breeze from the sea. On the day of my arrival the Report From The Bridge indicated "Moderate Gale" with 33 mph winds. It was definitely breezy.

Norwegian Sun docked in Malaga

Walking from cruise ship to Old Town along the waterfront

Walking to the lighthouse from the ship

Along the walk toward town you will pass Malaga's port area which was rejuvenated in 2011. Muelle Uno is now a modern dining and shopping destination on the waterfront with an attractive promenade.

Muello Uno area

Passing the Muelle Uno you will come to the La Farola de Malaga Lighthouse. Started in the 19th century, it was finished in 1816.

La Farola de Malaga Lighthouse

Lighthouse and bus stop location from ship

As you pass the lighthouse you will see the bus stop on your left directly across the street from the Real Club Mediterraneo entrance.

La Farola bus stop just past the lighthouse

Real Club Mediterraneo/across street from bus stop at lighthouse

Marci waiting at the La Farola bus stop for bus #14

The Paseo de La Farola bus stop is where you can pick up bus #14. The route starts at Paseo de La Farola and runs all the way to Ave. Plutarco. A single ride will be 2.40 euros or you can purchase an all day pass for 9.60 euros, which is what I did.

Bus #14 Route

My day in Málaga would include the beauty of Malaga Cathedral and its museum Museo Catedralicio. The design of the Cathedral blends Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The historic centerpiece of Málaga is more than 250 years old and despite construction spanning the mid-16th century to the late 18th century, it was never fully completed due to a lack of funds. It is still very impressive.

Museum inside the Cathedral

Here are some photos of local sights while walking the streets of Old Town.

I was now thirsty and a little hungry so made a short stop in Old Town at the Sherlock Holmes Pub. Great service and good tapas.

Then it was back to the Paseo de Parque bus stop where I boarded bus #11. I rode it to the end of the line, Calle Playa Virginia stop. I remained onboard and then rode it back to the other end of the line, ending at Luis Pasteur stop. I remained on board and headed back to Old Town, getting off again at the Paseo de Parque stop.

The main shopping street in Málaga is Calle Marques de Larios. It is right in the center of the city about a 10 min walk from the Port of Málaga shuttle bus drop-off location. It is the most expensive street to live on in Málaga and the 11th most expensive place to live in all of Spain.

Also on my list was the Malaga Museum. It is divided into 2 distinct areas. The first floor houses an Archeology collection of over 15,000 and the second floor stores the Fine Arts collection of over 2,000 pieces. Entrance fee is only 1.50 euros for seniors. Handbags and backpacks are not allowed in the museum however, storage lockers are available at a cost of 1 euro. You will receive the euro back when you return the key.

Picasso "Head of a Muskateer" 1968

Last thing on my list would be a quick stop at the remains of an old Roman Theater situated under the Alcazaba Castillo. It faces a small plaza in Old Town and you can view the ruins anytime from an overlook in the plaza. If you want to get up close you can enter the attached building where you will be shown a short film and view some artifacts before entering the theater itself where you can walk past the old stage and sit on the stone steps. Admission is FREE.