Malaga Shore Excursions
Many cruise passengers arriving in Malaga take a shore excursion to Granada's
Alhambra Palace. This is often the highlight of their entire vacation.
This is no wonder because the Alhambra is the most outstanding remaining example
of Moorish art in the Western world attracting over two million annual visitors. Guide books to Spain suggest that if you only see one town in Spain it should
be Granada so your ship's arrival in nearby Malaga provides the perfect
opportunity to visit this most exciting, sensual and romantic of all European
monuments.
What is the Alhambra Palace?
Spain was subject to Moorish rule to
varying extents geographically between the year 711 and 1492 with Al-Andalus,
modern day Andalucia in the south of the country, most influenced. The
Alhambra was the palace-fortress of the last Spanish Moorish kingdom, and in its
construction Moorish art reached a spectacular climax. But the building seems to
go further than this, revealing something of the whole brilliance and spirit of
Moorish life and culture. Getting to the AlhambraAll cruise ships arriving in the port of Malaga offer excursions to the Alhambra and you'll normally see many coaches awaiting your arrival as you pull into your berth. If you prefer a private tour you will meet your driver at a prearranged time at your ship then begin the 80 mile drive to Granada heading northeast along the N-331. This takes around 1½ hours depending on traffic getting out of Malaga city. How Much Time Will I Have?Typically most cruise ships arrive in Malaga in the morning (around 9am) and
depart in the early evening (around 6.30pm). Considering the journey time
without allowing for any delays due to traffic is approximately 1½ hours each way there isn't much time to see very much of the city of Granada.
If your ship's arrival and departure time does allow for some flexibility then it's well worth heading down to Plaza Nueva along Cuesta de
Gomerez then along the Carrera del Darro into the Albaicín district. This is the
largest and most characteristic Moorish quarter that survives in Spain. Here you
can visit the Mirador de San Nicolás which offers a spectacular, panoramic view
of the Alhambra with the snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the
background. Private tours to the AlhambraFor more information about hiring a driver and guide for a private tour to the Alhambra Palace take a look at these links: Private Excursion to Granada's Alhambra Palace
(Tour Reference Nº: 1241) Another favourite is to take a drive into the mountains to the quaint town of Ronda
which is one of the most popular tourist destinations from the Costa del Sol.
Private Excursion to Mijas and Ronda
(Tour Reference Nº: 1240) Still not sure? ... take a look at ourCosta del Sol Private Excursions page to get some other ideas of other possible shore excursions from Malaga Port.
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