If you are doing the city in just one day, consider planning your itinerary ahead. Probably your cruise makes a port stop in Málaga City and you have only 12 hours to explore it. Here you will find the must-see places of the capital of Costa del Sol.
A stroll along Larios Street
Calle Larios is synonymous with Málaga City. The city and the street are the same thing. Running along 300m, it connects Alameda Principal with the historic district. Larios Street was named after Manuel Domingo Larios y Larios, 2nd Marquess of Larios. At Christmas, in the summer, during Carnival and the summer fair, Calle Larios is all decked out to play host to major events in town.
Málaga, a city with great museums
Málaga is a city rich in culture and museums. Some of the most outstanding painting collections in Spain can be found in the Centre Pompidou Málaga, the Carmen Thyssen Museum and the Picasso Museum Málaga. In addition, the Contemporary Art Centre, the Revello de Toro Museum and the Motor Museum are too on the must-visit list.
A walk across the historic district
In the heart of Málaga are charming streets and corners. A walk across the historic district takes you right to the essence of the city inviting you to turn your gaze on its streets, smell its aromas and meet its kind people. You’ll walk past Malaga Cathedral, named ‘La Manquita’ (Spanish for ‘maim’) because it features a single tower, the Alcazaba (Arab fortress), Císter and Alcazabilla streets, and some old squares like Plaza de la Merced or Plaza de la Constitución.
A coffee at El Pimpi
On Alcazabilla Street, you can regain energy and relax for a hile in one of the most emblematic establishments of Málaga: Bodega El Pimpi. You can sit in the sun on the terrace or in El Pimpi’s indoor room, where you can take a look at the pictures on the walls. The place is decorated in the Andalusian style and serves delicious local dishes and wines that capture the charm of the terroir.
Great vistas from Gibralfaro
The Gibralfaro Castle, on Mount Gibralfaro, affords spectacular vistas of Málaga City and the Costa del Sol. Head for the mount, arrive at the top and look down – you will think you are reading a city map. La Malagueta bullring at your feet, ‘La Manquita’ to the right and the Pablo Ruiz Picasso sea promenade to the left. And, on sunny days, you will make out Africa in the distance.
Hanging around in Muelle Uno
Next to the cruise terminal, the Muelle Uno lifestyle centre has restaurants and boutiques for a unique leisure experience outdoors. Palmeral de las Sorpresas, the promenade that leads to Muelle Uno, is a quiet area to take a stroll while you take in the views of the Mediterranean Sea.
