The Alcazaba and Roman theatre of Málaga

Port guide · Spain

Málaga (Granada)

The heart of the Costa del Sol and Picasso's birthplace. The terminal is about 2 km from the centre: a 20–30 minute walk along the palm-lined seafront brings you into town. The Alcazaba, the Roman theatre and the cathedral are close together and fit into half a day; for the Alhambra you need to go to Granada, best on an organised tour.

Cruises calling at Málaga Contact an advisor

To the centre: 20–30 min on foot
Don't miss: The Alcazaba
To Granada: 1.5 h by car
Time needed: Half a day or a full day

From the ship to the centre

Ships berth at the cruise terminals on the east side of the port, about 2 km from the centre. Head west through Muelle Uno and the Palmeral de las Sorpresas: in 20–30 minutes you're by the cathedral, along a flat seafront promenade.

On footRecommended
Time: 20–30 minApprox. price: Free
Through Muelle Uno and the Palmeral: flat and pleasant
Shuttle
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: As announced at the terminal
On cruise days it leaves from the terminal and drops you near the centre
Taxi
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: Metered fare
The easiest way up to Gibralfaro Castle

Shuttle stops and fares are posted at the terminal; allow at least an hour to get back to the ship.

Suggested routes

Route 1

A walk around central Málaga

About 4 hours

Through the Palmeral to the centre
Málaga Cathedral
Only one tower was ever finished: locals call it "La Manquita" (the one-armed lady)
Roman theatre
At the foot of the Alcazaba; visible from the street
The Alcazaba
An Andalusian palace-fortress with courtyards and gardens; paid entry
Gibralfaro Castle
Views over the whole port and the bullring; the climb is tough, so go up by taxi and walk down
Calle Larios and back to the ship
The main street, with shops and cafés

Open this route in Google Maps

Route 2

Granada and the Alhambra

About 8 hours

The Alhambra, the great Nasrid palace, is 1.5 hours from Málaga by car. Tickets are timed and often sell out well in advance: an organised tour is the safest option.

Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.

Contact an advisor

Málaga Airport to the cruise terminal

Embarking in Málaga? The airport is south-west of the city, about 10 km from the terminal.

TaxiRecommended
Time: 15–20 minApprox. price: Metered fare
Easiest with luggage: it takes you to the terminal
C1 commuter train + taxi
Time: About 40 minApprox. price: Train approx. €1.80 per person, plus the taxi
To the last stop, Málaga Centro-Alameda (about 12 minutes); then about 10 minutes by taxi to the terminal

Málaga has more than one cruise terminal: follow your boarding documents.

Good to know

The midday summer sun is fierce: visit the castles in the morning and bring a hat and water.
For the Alhambra, take a tour or book tickets well in advance: there are rarely any left at the ticket office.
Try pescaíto frito (fried fish) and sardine espetos at the beach bars.
Calle Larios and the area around the cathedral are very busy: watch your phone and bag.

Not booked yet?

Search MSC cruises calling at Málaga with VIAJES FH, with live prices.

Search cruises

Already booked with VIAJES FH?

Your advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.

Contact an advisor

More port guides

All port guides

Spain

Barcelona

Shuttle to La Rambla, then a full day of Gaudí

View guide Search cruises

Spain

Valencia

Old town, City of Arts and Sciences and paella

View guide Search cruises

Spain

Ibiza

Dalt Vila and a beach by the pier

View guide Search cruises

Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.

Cover photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

VIAJES FHVIAJES FH

Opening the VIAJES FH official website

Port guide · Spain

Málaga (Granada)

Cruises calling at Málaga Contact an advisor

To the centre: 20–30 min on foot
Don't miss: The Alcazaba
To Granada: 1.5 h by car
Time needed: Half a day or a full day

From the ship to the centre

On footRecommended
Time: 20–30 minApprox. price: Free
Through Muelle Uno and the Palmeral: flat and pleasant
Shuttle
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: As announced at the terminal
On cruise days it leaves from the terminal and drops you near the centre
Taxi
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: Metered fare
The easiest way up to Gibralfaro Castle

Shuttle stops and fares are posted at the terminal; allow at least an hour to get back to the ship.