Question 1

Phoenicians, Moors, and Picasso

Accepted Answer

Phoenicians from Tyre founded the city as Malaka about 770 BC. Under Rome the city prospered on garum, a fermented fish sauce exported across the empire. Islamic rule began in the 8th century. In the 11th century the Hammudid dynasty made Málaga the seat of a small kingdom. Castile took the city in 1487 after one of the longest sieges of the Reconquista. The castle on Gibralfaro held out for three months, until hunger forced a surrender. Pablo Picasso was born in Plaza de la Merced in 1881. In February 1937, during the Civil War, Nationalist troops with Italian support captured the city.

Question 2

Getting Around

Accepted Answer

The historic center, with the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum and the cathedral, is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Palmeral de las Sorpresas promenade at the port. A taxi from the cruise terminals to the airport takes 20 to 25 minutes. The C1 train to the airport leaves from Centro-Alameda station, about 15 minutes on foot from El Palmeral, and takes about 11 minutes. María Zambrano station, for high-speed trains, is about 2 km from El Palmeral and about 4 km from Terminals A and B. UK government travel advice for Spain is to use only official, licensed taxis.

Question 3

Espetos and the Atarazanas Market

Accepted Answer

Espetos are sardines skewered on cane and grilled over a wood fire on the beach, a method local fishermen have used since the 19th century. Beach restaurants called chiringuitos grill espetos in old boats filled with sand. The Atarazanas Market is a 19th-century iron market hall on the site of a Moorish shipyard, with a large stained-glass window. Porra antequerana is a cold, thick tomato soup from Antequera, topped with egg, ham or tuna. Ensalada malagueña is a cold salad of potato, orange, olives and salt cod.

Question 4

Culture & Local Life

Accepted Answer

The Alcazaba, begun in the 11th century, is one of the best-preserved Moorish citadels in Spain. A Roman theater, rediscovered in 1951, lies at the foot of the Alcazaba. Gibralfaro Castle stands on a 130-meter hill above the Alcazaba, joined to it by a walled corridor. The Picasso Museum opened in 2003 in the Buenavista Palace and shows more than 200 of his works. The cathedral was built between 1528 and 1782. It is nicknamed La Manquita, "the one-armed lady," because its south tower was never finished. Some museums close on Mondays, and many are free on Sunday afternoons.

Question 5

Tipping Guide

Accepted Answer

Spain uses the euro, and in Málaga a tip is appreciated but not expected. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for good service is common. Cards are widely accepted, though some places ask for a minimum spend of around €10. All three cruise terminals have ATMs and currency exchange.

Question 6

Shopping in Málaga

Accepted Answer

Calle Marqués de Larios is Málaga's main shopping street. Shops in Spain generally open from 10 am to 9 pm, and some close between 2 pm and 5 pm, especially in summer. Málaga's own wine is sweet and fortified, made mainly from Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grapes. Travelers who qualify can claim a tax refund on their purchases at the port. Prices in shops are fixed, and haggling is not done.

Question 7

Traveling with Family

Accepted Answer

The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle are the sights most children take to, with real fortress walls to walk and the harbor spread out below. Go to the fortresses in the morning, when the city is cooler and quieter, because the way up is steep. The Centre Pompidou Málaga, a branch of the Paris museum, is under a colored glass cube on the Muelle Uno waterfront. Tejeringos are Málaga's version of churros, usually eaten with hot chocolate or coffee. The botanical garden, laid out in the mid-19th century, is just north of the historic center.

Question 8

Beaches

Accepted Answer

La Malagueta is the city beach, in the eastern district of the same name. Los Baños del Carmen, in eastern Málaga, opened in 1918 as a bathing pavilion. Pedregalejo is the city's old fishing district. UK government travel advice for Spain notes that many beaches use warning flags, and that a red flag means you must not enter the water. Keep an eye on bags in crowds. UK government travel advice for Spain warns that thieves use distraction and often work in teams.

Question 9

Accessibility

Accepted Answer

All three cruise terminals have elevators and adapted restrooms, and wheelchairs are available on request from the security staff. Ask your ship whether the gangway will be step-free in Málaga. From Terminals A and B, ask whether the bus to Plaza de la Marina takes a wheelchair before you count on it. The old town's streets are cobbled. The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle are hillside fortresses. Ask at a terminal information desk which parts can be reached without steps.

Malaga, Spain

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