Wandering Through Beautiful Malaga, Spain

Miles and miles of beautiful beaches stretch along the sun drenched Mediterranean coast of Spain, the Costa del Sol.  Malaga lies as the gateway to this stunning section of Spain.

  For the traveler, Malaga has something for everyone.  Do you want to visit beaches or maybe mountains?  History and architecture?  You will find it here.  Shopping, gardens, art, cuisine?  Malaga provides easy access to these, too.

Families staying here can enjoy all of these things.  If you are visiting on cruise ship, then you have to be selective.  On our Disney TransAtlantic Cruise stop in Malaga, we chose to spend the morning in the picturesque, white, hill town of Mijas.

Mijas is one of the most picturesque places that I have ever visited.  This half day tour left several hours in the afternoon to explore Malaga.

Our ship, the Disney Magic, docked down the long pier, almost a mile from the city.  Even in May, the bright Spanish sun shown overhead making it hot.  Fortunately, busses transported us to and from two stops:  The Pompidou Museum and the Tourism Office; each of which are about 1/2 mile apart.

So much is packed within a half mile of these stops!  I enjoy wandering through streets with a map in hand and no clear plan.  Around each turn was something new, modern and ancient side by side.  I began and ended my walk at the Visitor’s Center.   Here is what I saw.

Malaga Cathedral

The majestic Cathedral serves as the centerpiece for the city.

St. Augustine Cathedral

Not far away, the quaint and colorful St. Augustine Cathedral lies on a busy street corner.

Pablo Picasso Museum

Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga.  The city honors the artist with a museum housed in the Buenavista Palace.  Picasso actually lived about a 200 yards away.

The Streets of Malaga

Modern and ancient structures stand side by side along the streets.  Locals and tourists enjoy tapas bars, upscale shopping, and quaint gardens as they wander.

Roman Theater

The Romans built the theater in Malaga in the first century B.C.  It lies adjacent to the entrance of the Alcazaba.  As you can see, you can walk in and sit where the ancients sat millennia ago.  The theater has been well restored.

The Moorish Alcazaba

The Moors ruled Andalusia for centuries, being driven out in the 1400s.  The Alcazaba, Moorish palace and fort, stretches along the hilltop overlooking the town.  Cruises leave limited time to see anywhere close to everything.  We did not have time on our first cruise stop in Malaga, but on our second, we we were able to visit the Alcazaba.

Gardens Lining the Alcazaba

A street runs up the hill and along the port side of the Alcazaba.  The area is stunning!  I enjoyed this walk more than any other part of my tour.  Reds, yellows, and purples popped against the green background.

Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso

Between the Alcazaba and the harbor, a series of gardens and parks provide shade and another burst of color.  

Pompidou Museum

The Rubix Cube looking structure rests above the Pompidou Center, an extension of the original in Paris.  It houses a permanent collection from artist like Picasso and Chagall.

Parque de Malaga

Malaga Park stretches for many blocks along the harbor.  While not as interesting as the area next to the Alcazaba, the shade was certainly welcomed.  Across the road you will find the beautiful, yellow city hall.

Back Aboard the Disney Magic

The next time that we visit Malaga, we will skip the tours and stay in town for a closer look.  I especially want to go inside the Alcazaba to view the intricate Moorish architecture and lush garden.  With more time, I hope to wander further and see even more!  I can’t wait to return!

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