Malaga Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

Long known primarily as a package holiday mecca, Malaga continues to give incoming passengers even more reason to stick around. The strategy of positioning itself as an urban cultural center, in contrast to its smaller, strictly sun-and-beach-resort neighbors, pays off.

Of course, being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso is no bad thing, and city officials have leveraged that to great advantage, attracting big-name art collections to settle there. In fact, Malaga even comes across as a bit museum-crazy, focusing on everything from wine production to the global development of music to automobile design.

Although the urban sprawl may be unappealing at first glance, the Old City of Malaga is actually green, lively and conveniently compact, with its cultural and entertainment offerings in close proximity to beaches. The redevelopment of the port into a retail and leisure area, along with the second-largest cruise ship facility in Spain, make Malaga even more attractive and accessible.

Must See or Do

Sights—Admiring the Alcazaba's outer ramparts and the interior details of its palace; taking in the panoramic view from the Castillo de Gibralfaro; appreciating the Cathedral of Malaga's majesty, both inside and out.

Museums—Seeing the full range of Picasso's talent at Museo Picasso; journeying through art of the 20th and 21st centuries in the Centre Pompidou Malaga; the impressive variety of temporary exhibits at the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo.

Memorable Meals—Splurging on the 20-dish tasting menu at Michelin-starred Jose Carlos Garcia; sipping local wines and munching Iberian cured meats and cheeses while enjoying the incredible atmosphere at Bodega El Pimpi; trying an espeto de sardinas or pescaito frito at a beachside chiringuito.

Late Night—Wine and fantastic tapas at El Meson de Cervantes; sipping on a cocktail in the classy lounge at Puerta Oscura.

Walks—Window-shopping your way down Calle Marques de Larios and through the lanes of the Old City; strolling through the tropical lushness of the Parque de Malaga or the Jardin Botanico-Historico La Concepcion; promenading along the Paseo Maritimo.

Especially for Kids—A fun, hands-on music lesson from a virtual teacher at the Museo Interactivo de la Musica; cycling along the seaside promenade.

Location

The port of Malaga, right in the city, has three cruise ship berths and two terminals offering all the usual passenger-handling and hospitality services, including tourist information desks. Shuttle buses run at frequent intervals taking passengers to and from the Old City.

Within walking distance is Muelle Uno, an open-air shopping center that has restaurants and bars overlooking the marina; it's also home to the Centre Pompidou Malaga art museum. Adjacent to that is Muelle Dos, which features an attention-grabbing tall white pergola along the quayside, as well as even more restaurants and a museum dedicated to the sea life of the western Mediterranean. Just across the street from there is the lush Parque de Malaga and, beyond that, Malaga's Old City. The nearest beach is about a 10-minute walk.

Shore Excursions