Calle Larios, Pedestrian Street, Malaga Tour

Calle Larios, Pedestrian Street

Picasso Museum

We arrived in Torremolinos late in the day after our Seville Córdoba Ronda Tour.  On Day 5 of our Gate 1 Travel adventure, we took the optional Málaga Tour, which was a pleasant surprise.  I’d decided to give Picasso one more try/  The Picasso Museum in Málaga solidified my personal opinion that I find nothing inspiring in his works.  The rest of Málaga did inspire me though. Many of the best areas are close together within walking distance.  We started at the free gardens at the harbor called Parque de la Alameda.  The park includes an extensive rose garden. 

Alcazaba, Moorish Fort, Málaga Tour, Spain

Alcazaba, Moorish Fort

Alcazaba

Past the town hall, between the university and the Málaga Museum is a street that leads to the Alcazaba.  The Alcazaba is a Moorish medieval fortress.  For those with more energy, take the walkway between the Alcazaba and the gardens up to the Castillo Gibralfaro which has views to the Cathedral, the harbor, the coastline and the bull ring.  Both of these fortresses have a nominal entry fee.

Málaga Cathedral, Malaga Tour, Spain

Málaga Cathedral, Malaga Tour, Spain

Málaga Cathedral

From the Alcazaba we wandered the old town streets past the Picasso Museum, the Málaga Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace.  The influence from across the Strait of Gibraltar was evident in the Moroccan restaurants.  When we reached the popular pedestrian only street named Calle Marqués de Larios, we walked up and down its length.  We also checked out the fresh meat and produce market at Mercado Central Atarazanas.  Eventually we were worn out and took a cab from the beginning of Calle Marqués de Larios back to the Meliá Costa del Sol.   Our Málaga Tour had been a pleasant surprise.  

Bullring, Málaga Tour, Spain

Bullring

Chiringuito

That night we visited a chiringuito (beach bar).  We enjoyed fish smoked over a typical outdoor olive wood BBQ set in boat hull filled with sand.  If you see a sign for a parrilla, it’s also cooked on an open fire, but this is done inside the restaurant using more flame in order to cook all types of meat.

Málaga Slide Show Gallery

Next Stop – Gibraltar