One of Spain’s most popular cruise ports is a great place to experience the atmosphere and history of lively, welcoming Málaga.
The Port of Málaga is one of the oldest seaports in Spain and the first stop for many visitors on a trip to the city. The port is both a transportation hub and a popular destination itself. Shop in chic malls, lounge on beaches and explore cutting-edge art galleries, all within the marina area.
Discover a modern port with its roots deep in the history of Spain. It was founded about 1000 B.C. by the Phoenicians, who understood the trading potential of the location. The site today bears few hallmarks of this ancient history, as the sleek modern piers were redeveloped for 21st-century travelers.
Watch vast cruise ships drift in and out of the harbor, pulling up to Pier One for disembarkation. The port is also popular with fishing boats, which can regularly be seen heading out to sea and returning with their catch.
Get ready for shopping in Quay One. This vast commerce and entertainment center, opened in 2011, offers retail experiences with a difference. Boutique outlets sell high-end fashion and locally made handicrafts. Visit on the second Sunday of each month for a colorful market with over 100 pop-up stalls.
The port offers quick access to the city’s stunning beaches. Amble along to the lighthouse, which marks the entrance to a peaceful stretch of shoreline.
Look around the edges of the port to find some of the city’s best art galleries. Encounter the masterpieces of Lichtenstein and Stella in the Center of Contemporary Art, which has a permanent collection of about 400 works. Paris’ famous Centre Pompidou has its own eye-catching building near Málaga’s port. Enjoy works by Picasso, Kahlo and more within this stunning art museum.
Use the port as a starting point for exploring Málaga’s historic center. Stroll north for about 1 mile (2 kilometers) to reach sights such as the Cathedral of the Incarnation and the Alcazaba of Málaga. The Port Authority of Málaga also organizes shuttle buses into the city center for anyone visiting the port on a disembarkation day.
