Volendam 2026, Malaga, Spain

We had a noon arrival into Malaga so I was out on Deck 6 for sail in photos in the howling wind. Our plan today was to take a cab to the top of the Gibralfaro Castle and make our way down to the center of town…the best laid plans!…We altered the plan and took a taxi tour with our driver José. The port was busy today with 5 ships in and traffic leaving the port was very congested. Our first stop was the Mercado Central de Atarazanas: A bright, airy market hall framed in iron and glass, modeled after traditional 19th-century European market architecture with a beautiful stained-glass window at the back of the market. This is a vibrant covered market displaying fresh produce, local cheeses, meats, delicacies, tapas and seafood. Leaving the market we drove to Merced Square is one of Malaga’s oldest and most historically public spaces in the heart of the La Merced neighbourhood. This area is widely known as the birthplace home of Pablo Picasso which is across the street from the Park and now serves as the Picasso Birthplace Museum. Our next stop was up to the Gibralfaro Mirador a great viewpoint on our way up to the Castillo de Gibralfaro. There is also a great views of the city skyline Malaga Bullring, the coast, the city and Alcazaba as well as the harbor. Gibralfaro Castle is a 14th-century hilltop castle offering some of the best views of the city and coast and walked the castle perimeter on the ramparts to get those views. The castle was designed to protect the lower Alcazaba fortress and control the harbor. We descended from the Castle to the Alcazaba. Alcazaba is an 11th-century Moorish palace fortress featuring lush gardens, fountains, and panoramic harbor views. We toured the Alcazaba to the top through ancient defensive ramparts, bent gates, and horseshoe arches built during the Moorish era. From here we made our way to the Malaga Cathredral, a massive Renaissance cathedral famous for its distinct, unfinished second tower, La Manquita, The One-Armed Lady. Our 3 hour tour covered a lot of territory and very scenic sights…The weather held off and we did not receive any rain. Malaga is a busy but beautiful and historic city.