Virgin Voyages' guide to Málaga
MÁLAGA
More in Málaga
Its Moorish past and modern flair make Málaga an alluring seaside destination along the Mediterranean. Málaga gets mistakenly overlooked by tourists flocking to hotspots like Seville and Granada, which allows Málaga to stay the best-kept secret on the Spanish coast.
Discover Málaga’s magic
The Alhambra Complex
Discover the beauty guarded within La Alhambra's famous reddish walls on a guided tour of the fortified palace complex built in the 13th century. A can't-miss spot in Granada, the Red Castle (as the Moors used to call it) located on top of the Al-Sabika hill is known as a love letter to Moorish culture and designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Explore the walled citadel that became a home for medieval royalty before having lunch at a restaurant that invokes some serious Alhambra vibes.
Taste of Málaga & Picasso Museum
Enjoy two Spanish artforms, Picasso’s timeless works of art and an artisan Spanish cheese board—whichever you prefer is up to you to decide. First, visit the Picasso Museum in the artist's hometown. Stroll through the museum to see the famous artist’s paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more dating back to 1890. Admiring all of Picasso’s styles and techniques works up an appetite. Walk over to a nearby tapas bar to taste three types of olive oil and five types of Spanish cheeses.
Granada: The Soul of Andalusia
Explore Granada on foot where you’ll wander the famed Albaicín Quarter (also known as Moorish Old Town), its Alcaicería — the spice market, boasting authentic Arabic aromas wafting from hookah cafes. You’ll continue on to the Carlos V Palace — the only Spanish Renaissance palace with a spectacular circular plan (perfect for snapping some incredible panoramas), see the Royal Chapel, and admire the ever-looming Alhambra, watching over the city from its majestic fortress walls in the distance.
We have even more in our curated catalog.
El Caminito del Rey Hike
Málaga
El Caminito del Rey offers impressive views of Malaga's landscape—but this 4.97 miles long walkway is called "The King's Little Path" for a reason: it is only three feet wide. Once considered one of the most dangerous in the world, the famous walkway alongside the steep walls of El Chorro Gorge hangs over 300 feet above a river and connects two former hydroelectric plants. Surround yourself in nature as you walk down the Little Path and take in the stunning views from a unique perspective.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Set out on a stunning walkway for 3.5 hours that is carved into the rocky face 300 feet above the river in the El Chorro Gorge
- Walk along the path of a king that used to connect two early hydroelectric plants
- Return to the ship ready for your next adventure with your adrenaline still pumping
- Approximately 1-hour and 15-minute drive to El Caminito del Rey
- Sailors must be able to walk for approximately 3.5 hours
- Sailors must be able to walk approximately 5 miles
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- Closed-toed shoes are required
- Sailors should bring water and a snack
- Sailors must wear the provided safety gear
- This Shore Thing is considered 'daring' and not for the faint of heart. Sailors are reminded that they assume full risk and responsibility
- This experience is not recommended for Sailors with a fear of heights
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- This experience is not suitable for Sailors with vertigo
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time
- Please note that this Shore Thing is not recommended for Sailors with limited mobility
- Please note that restrooms will only be available at the beginning and end of the hike
- Please keep in mind that cancellations made within 72 hours or less are subject to a 100% cancellation penalty
- This Shore Thing can be canceled due to bad weather for safety reasons
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Mijas Village
Málaga
A visit to Mijas gives you the best of both worlds: the Andalusian countryside while still staying within the Costa del Sol. Your adventure will begin at the top of the town, where you'll see a bullfighting ring and get panoramic views of the valley, beautiful white houses, and the not-so-far-away coast. Then, you'll have some free time in the village to explore, shop for ceramics and other handmade souvenirs before hopping back on the bus for a short driving tour around Málaga if time permits.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Enjoy free time to shop handmade gifts in Mijas
- Marvel at Mijas’ white-painted houses and views of the coast
- Go deeper into Andalusia while still staying within the Costa del Sol to visit Mijas
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- The order of sites visited may vary
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Ronda: Village & Vineyard
Málaga
Your journey begins at Morosanto Winery, whose vineyard is located on an ancient site with Roman and Moorish ruins. Sip on wines that have been grown in the region since Phoenician times before visiting an art gallery to pair award-winning wines with delicious jamón. Then, you’ll visit Ronda, a hilltop city set above a dramatic gorge. Cross the ancient bridge called Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) that connects the new town to the old, and explore the small medieval village and its narrow streets.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Visit Ronda, Andalusia's best kept secret with its dramatic scenery and historic past
- Explore the Morosanto Winery, where the vineyards are built on an ancient Roman and Moorish ruins site
- Taste the reds, whites and rosés where wine has been made since the Phoenician and Grecian times
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Cancellations made within 48 hours or less are subject to a 100% cancellation penalty for this Shore Thing
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Village Hopping in the Countryside
Málaga
Take it slow in the Andalusian countryside to hop from village to village. First, you’ll reach Alfarnate and visit a traditional olive oil mill. There, you’ll learn how extra-virgin olive oil is made and sample its products among centennial olive groves. Next, it’s off to Alfarnatejo to taste local wine. You’ll be invited into a traditional Spanish home for a home-cooked meal and enjoy a cozy atmosphere where the world slows down, and the wine flows freely.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Take a scenic drive to Alfarnate and visit an olive oil mill
- Arrive at a local’s house to taste local wine and a Spanish-style lunch
- Feel right at home at an Andalusian family's table
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Approximately 1-hour and 45-minute drive
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Famous locals
Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas were both born in Málaga.
Shore Excursions
Stray (far off) the course
A trip outside of the province of Málaga takes you to Granada for Exclusive Access to Alhambra, a mix between a fortress and palace with a blend of Moorish and Christian design.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSMálaga leaves you embracing the duality of life — medieval and modern, land and sea, Islamic and Christian. Long after you return home, you’ll reminisce about the warmth on Malagueta Beach, the panoramic views from Gibralfaro and the smell of fresh conchas finas in the Mercado de Atarazanas. A small dot on the map has become a hub of culture while still preserving its hidden gems and coastal pace of life. As Málaga continues to grow — with its up-and-coming Soho district and international influences — you’ll always know it as it once was: a quaint yet charming port on your Mediterranean journey and the routes of seafarers since 770 BCE.
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