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Malaga

Nestling between the mountains and the sea, Malaga, on Spain’s east coast, is known as the capital of the Costa del Sol.

Fantastic beaches nestled between the mountains and the sea

Nestling between the mountains and the sea, Malaga, on Spain’s east coast, is known as the capital of the Costa del Sol.

This region has long been popular with holidaymakers who are drawn by the area’s fantastic beaches and made the Costa del Sol one of the most visited regions in Spain.  But this town has more to offer than just seaside and sunshine! Founded around 3000 years ago, Malaga went on to become an important part of the Roman Empire as a centre for both commerce and culture before being dominated by the Moors. Several ancient Moorish monuments remain in Malaga and the surrounding region.

Why not take a day away from your luxury MSC cruise ship and join us on one of our fascinating excursion packages to local sights. As well as enjoying great deals on Malaga attractions, you can immerse yourself in the history and folkloric traditions of the area.

The Adalusian town of Mijas, for example, with its cobbled streets and picturesque whitewashed houses is a peaceful spot where time seems to have stood still. History lovers will not want to miss our outing to the Alhambra, the fortified royal residence and UNESCO heritage site located in the beautiful city of Granada.

Families with children will love the Nerja caves with their impressive stalactites and stalagmites, which are considered the most beautiful caves in Europe.

From its beautiful landscapes to picturesque villages, Malaga makes for a worthwhile day away from ship and is a very pleasant stop during your Mediterranean cruise vacation.

 

Cruise to Malaga - Spain - Mediterranean - MSC Cruises

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Port average temperature

The climate is Mediterranean-Subtropical with mild winters and comfortable summers. Málaga enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of about 300 sunshine days and only about 50 days with precipitation annually. It is located on the coastline, the winds blowing from the Mediterranean Sea makes the heat manageable during the summer. It experiences the warmest winters of any European city with a population over 250,000 and over 100,000 jointly with two other cities from Andalusia: Almería and Algeciras.

Its average annual temperature is 18 °C : 23 °C during the day and 13 °C at night. In the coldest month, the typically temperature ranges from 11 to 18 °C during the day, 4 to 12 °C at night and the average sea temperature is 15–16 °C. In the warmest month, the typically temperature ranges from 26 to 32 °C during the day, above 20 °C at night and the average sea temperature is 23 °C. Average number of days above 21 °C is 206, average number of days above 32 °C is 18. Average morning relative humidity 79%, evening relative humidity 57%. Average number of frost days is 0. Sunshine hours is till 2,815 per year, from 158 in December to 338 in July rain occurs mainly in winter, the summers are generally dry season, with the summer temperatures lasting 8–9 months. December, January and February are characterized by early-autumn/spring temperatures.

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

MALAGAMonths
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high °C161618202326282927231917
Average low °C78910131720201814118
 MAL01 - CITY TOUR (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Situated in the deep south of Spain on the Mediterranean coast, the city of Málaga is not just a popular tourist attraction for its sunny climate and beaches, it is also one of the world’s oldest cities and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Your half-day excursion begins with a guided tour through the main streets of the city, passing the Alameda Principal – a grand boulevard flanked by lush trees – on the way. A visit to the 16th-century Cathedral, one of the most important examples of Andalusian Renaissance architecture, as well as a look around the Gibralfaro fortress are equally on the tour itinerary. Your return to the port and your ship brings the tour to an end. Please note: the visit to the Cathedral and the Gibralfaro fortress must be reconfirmed during your cruise. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting places of religious importance.

Price per person $61.00 Adults $43.00 Children

   


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 MAL02 - MIJAS (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Situated only a little way inland from the beautiful Costa del Sol coastline approx. 1 hour’s coach ride from Malaga lies Mijas, a pretty little Andalusian town with cobbled streets and typical white-washed buildings. Thanks to its elevated location at a height of 428 metres above sea level, the town’s Pueblo Mijas district is known for its views of the African coast, the Atlas mountains, the rock of Gibraltar and a generous portion of the Costa del Sol. There are many small independent stores mainly selling meticulously crafted artisan products, including attractive pottery and clothing. You will have some free time to enjoy Mijas on your own before heading back to Malaga and your ship.

Price per person $54.00 Adults $38.00 Children

   


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 MAL04 - ALHAMBRA IN GRANADA (full day, lunch included) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Limited Availability  Lunch or dinner included  Cultural  Your enjoyable day trip off the ship begins with a 1.5-hour coach drive inland from the port of Malaga through the wonderful Andalusian countryside to the city of Granada, which is situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Your ultimate tour destination is Granada’s impressive Alhambra Palace, a fortified palace complex situated at the top of a hill. The Moorish building is one of Spain’s major attractions and home to some of the most significant Islamic architecture in the country. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You tour includes a visit to the Palacio de Generalife, literally the “Architect’s Garden”, which was built in Italian Renaissance style with terraces and beautiful fountains. Your tour also includes lunch. Please note: your visit to Alhambra Palace and the gardens will be on foot and will take approx. 2.5 hours. This tour is not available for guests onboard MSC Magnifica. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per person $149.00 Adults $104.00 Children

   


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 MAL05 - MARBELLA & PUERTO BANÚS (approx. 4.5 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Wheelchair and disabled-friendly tour  Your half-day excursion to the seaside resort of Marbella – one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations on the Costa del Sol and certainly one of the prettiest – begins with a scenic 1-hour coach ride from Malaga port. Marbella is ideally set, tucked away in between the Sierra Blanca mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Your guide will show you around the key sights of the city, such as the 16th-/17th-century Iglesia de la Encarnación, a fabulous church built in late Gothic style that features an ornate golden altar. The next stop is the pretty marina at Puerto Banús, a suburb of Marbella. You will have some free time to have coffee (not included in the price of the tour), explore the resort and admire the beautiful yachts moored in the luxury marina before returning to the port and your ship. Please note: external viewings only of the places visited.

Price per person $59.00 Adults $41.00 Children

   


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 MAL06 - THE CAVES OF NERJA (approx. 4.5 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  A 1-hour drive by coach from Malaga port will take you to the coastal town of Nerja, home to a famous network of caves that were re-discovered in modern times by a group of potholing friends in 1959. The caves were inhabited from approx. 25,000 B.C. to the Bronze Age, with cave paintings delivering lasting proof of human habitation. Considered to be one of the most beautiful complexes of its kind in Europe, the cave system is made up of various chambers with their characteristic stalagmites and stalactites, including the amazing Cataclysm Chamber – which houses a perpendicular central column that rises 32 metres into the air – and the so-called Hall of Nativity. You will also have some free time to enjoy the panoramic view from the “Balcony of Europe” before your tour concludes with your return to Malaga. Please note: the visit to the caves involves walking up and down winding steps, stairs, narrow passages and on slippery ground. Only cameras without a flash are allowed inside the caves.

Price per person $61.00 Adults $43.00 Children

   


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 MAL07 - A TASTE OF ANDALUSIA (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  Snack  Cultural  Enjoy a guided tour of Malaga, Spain’s fifth-largest city, plus an inside viewing of Gibralfaro Castle, an imposing fortification built by the Caliph of Granada in the 14th century. Located on top of Mount Gibralfaro at 130 metres above sea level, the castle also delivers wonderful views of the surrounding scenery. Indeed, the name Gibralfaro is derived from a Phoenician word meaning “rock of light”. Next up is a visit to the La Malagueta bullring. A look around the arena and the museum will give you a real feel for this popular Spanish pastime. The Spanish folk theme continues with a trip to a dance studio for a flamenco show put on by a troupe of dancers. A snack will be served while you enjoy this performance of one of the country’s leading art forms. Please note: as the viewing of Gibralfaro Castle involves climbing numerous steps, it is not suitable for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair.

Price per person $105.00 Adults $74.00 Children

   


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 MAL09 - FLAVORS OF MALAGA (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  Snack  Shopping  New Excursion  Your half day tour begins with a sightseeing coach drive through Malaga and with a brief photo stop at Gibralfaro Viewpoint. Next, a short drive will take you to the Atarazanas Market, built on the place where an old Muslim building was located. The building was torn down except for a biggest arch and the town government decided to build a public market in its place and incorporate the arch as the entrance. The market was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1979. After the visit you will proceed to a classic Cafetería to taste the traditional and delicious “Hot Chocolate with Churros”. Churros are sometimes referred to as a “Spanish doughnut”, and are fried-dough pastry—predominantly choux—based snack. They are very typical in Spain, where are normally served with Hot Chocolate, in the winter months. Your excursion will continue towards the Old Quarter, until “Calle Lario” where you will enjoy some free time before returning to the port. Please note: this excursion is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per person $47.00 Adults $33.00 Children

   


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 MAL10 - A SPANISH SERENADE (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  Snack  Cultural  New Excursion  Leave the port and treat yourself to a few hours of real Spanish atmosphere on a sightseeing tour of one of the world’s oldest cities and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Your first stop will be at Gibralfaro point offering wonderful views of the surrounding scenery; a good opportunity to take romantic photos to bring home for your memory book. Next you will reach the city centre to begin a pleasant guided walking tour through the main streets of Malaga. On the way your guide will introduce you to the history of the city and will also tell about the famous marriages that were celebrated in town. Highlight of your Spanish day will be a stop at “El Pimpi” a traditional Tapas Restaurant where you will enjoy a tasteful snack. You will be delighted by the performance of “The Tuna”, a group of university students in traditional dress who play guitar and sing romantic serenades. You guide will tell about ancient traditions and Tuna History before your return to the port. Please note: this excursion is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per person $57.00 Adults $40.00 Children

   


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 MAL11 - VIVA ANDALUSIA! (approx. 5.5 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  Snack  New Excursion  Join us and taste “real Andalucia” on this relaxed excursion in the countryside! A 40-minute coach drive will take you to a Spanish “Finca” (a traditional farm) where your entertaining host, Juanito, will invite you to discover the fruits and the flavors of the “Sunshine Valley”. You will stop to enjoy a traditional Andalusian breakfast. Next you will continue to the village of Álora, a typical “pueblo blanco”, a whitewashed village nestled between three rocky spurs. Enjoy a pleasant walk exploring the narrow streets of the village before taking a scenic journey to Malaga Lake District, El Chorro Gorge, with its turquoise-colored lakes surrounded by pine forests. You will have free time to stroll around this magnificent location before returning to the quayside and your ship. Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests in a wheelchair.

Price per person $61.00 Adults $43.00 Children

   


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The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.