A day in Malaga

The  next choice made on our “Choose your own cruise” on the Fred. Olsen Braemar was Malaga, Spain. It’s been five years since I was last in Malaga, and I was looking forward to re-visiting some familiar places and seeing what things had changed. We were able to dock very close city centre. It is about at 15-20 minute walk, but part of it is along the new pier promenade. When I was last in Malaga, this area was all under construction. Now, it is a beautiful promenade with lots of open-air cafes and shops. There is also easy access to a very nice beach.

I headed to the city centre and watched as Malaga slowly woke up — people opening shops or setting up food stands, Others were getting their first cup of coffee. It was nice to just wander around to the Cathedral plaza and find a little park on the side.

I made me way to the entrance to the Alcazaba, the walled fortress. I love this fortress. Not only are the view great, but there is just something about it that I find very special. At first, you see all the battlements that were built to protect it.

But, after walking uphill, you make a couple of turns into the inner courtyards and find beautiful gardens filled with jasmine, hibiscus, roses and oleanders. I forgot how much I miss the smell of jasmine.

Let’s just saw, I can spend a lot of time here because I find it both beautiful and very peaceful.

But, other things called, so I headed out and made a quick stop to the Roman Theatre, which is next to the fortress.  Then is was more just wandering through the streets and trying some salted almonds from a street vendor — and they were really good and fresh! Then, I decided to see about getting something to eat and I went to one of the cafes on the pier promenade.

There were lots of people to watch as I ate tapas and drank wine. It was also getting hot, so I thought I’d head back to the ship and go to the pool. With little shade, the walk was a lot longer than I anticipated.  But, all in all, it was a beautiful day in Malaga.