Port of Malaga

Malaga is a strategic port for transatlantic crossings because it is the nearest port to the Canaries and Funchal. Also cruises starting from Southampton often choose this port as a port of call (although other companies also stop at Cadiz or Gibraltar). The port of Malaga is quite comfortable and has a modern terminal that can accommodate large cruise ships at the end of the dock and medium-sized ships close to the terminal with figer access. If you can spend a couple of days before the cruise and visit the city, you can check our review of Malaga

GETTING TO THE PORT. The port entrance is about 500 meters from Larios Street (city center), which makes this port very comfortable. The cruise terminal is about 2 miles from the entrance of the port and there is a local shuttle-bus service that takes you to the ship for 2 € one way or € 3.50 roundtrip.

BUS SERVICE

AIRPORT. Malaga airport is equiped with all the facilities of an international airport. It is 11 kilometers away from the city center and it takes about 15 minutes at least by car / taxi (depending on traffic). There is also a bus strting from arrivals that leaves you near Larios Street

HOTELS.  The best option is to choose an hotel near Larios Street if you are flying the day before.

We'll give you three different options depending on your budget:
 

• HOTEL VENECIA (cheap option). It is near Larios street and 5 minutes away from the port entrance. It is the cheap option for a night before or after the cruise

• AC MALAGA PALACIO (expensive). It is located at the beginning of Larios Street. You can compare AC hotels to Four Seasons

• PARADOR DE GIBRALFARO (the stylish choice). The Parador is located in the mountain of Gibralfaro with views over the city of Málaga and its port. Rooms with suspended Balconys with nice views. Its the best choice if you arrive a few days before the cruise and you intend to rent a car to visit Nerja, Marbella ...

 

 Overview of the Cruise Terminal from the Costa Fortuna

ENLACES DE INTERÉS

Hotel Venecia

AC Palacio

Parador de Gibralfaro

Malaga

Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is establishing itself as the alternative starting point of cruise ships in Spain for companies like Royal Caribbean, Ibero Cruceros and Pullmantur. The cruise terminal is at the end of the port, so is worth taking the shuttle ($). There is also a free bus service that takes you from the ship to the teminal and back. If you have decided to walk, the exit of the port is approximately two miles away.

Malaga has good climate all year round and people are very friendly

Port of Malaga

OFFICIAL EXCURSIONS: Companies offer lots of excursions in this port of call like Gibralfaro Malaga, Mijas, Marbella, Nerja ... Your choice will depend on whether you've been to Andalusia before or not. Remember to return to the ship with plenty of time, because you'll have to queue to pass security at the cruise terminal.

ALTERNATIVES: Many. The exit of the port is next to Larios street, a pedestrian area with shops of all kinds in the center of Malaga. Next to Larios you can find the Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, the Kasbah ... We may also take a cab and make a panoramic city tour (35 € for 40 minutes) or walk to Gibralfaro. There is an information bureau between the port exit and Calle Larios. Anyway I recommend to reach the shuttle bus starting point with plenty of time, because if there are other large cruise ships in Malaga, the shuttle area will be full of buses. There are souvenirs shops in the terminal in case you forgot to buy something.

WHERE TO EAT: In the nearings of Larios street you can find all kinds of places where you can drink a beer, eat some tapas, fried fish, some tipical Ajoblanco ... before returning to the ship

SHOPPING: In Larios Street and near Constitution Square you'll find lots of shops (souvenir shops and franchises such as Mango, Zara) ... If you forgot to bring clothes for the evening's Gala with you Larios street can be a good place to buy them.