Malaga

One of Spain's oldest cities Malaga has been inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians, who called it Malaka. A city of narrow streets, white washed houses, churches and sunny plazas. Malaga offers an idealized image of Spain. Malaga was the chief port for the kingdom of Grenada, the last stronghold of Moorish Spain. The city fell to Ferdinand and Isabelle in 1487. The reconquest of Spain ended with the fall of Grenada in 1492, the year Columbus discovered the new world. In addition to the fabled Ilhambra, Grenada boasts some significant land marks such as the OLD QUARTER, the majestic Granada Cathedral, alcazaba, Ancient Moorish fortress nestled above the city and the Royal Chapel- the final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabelle.

Andalusia's main port is also your gateway to the resorts of Costa Del Sol.

This was a glorious day with warm temperatures. Finally a day like I thought all of the cruise would have been. 79F!

Our excursion was to travel to Marabella and experience the charm of the Old Town on a guided walking tour, and a visit to Puerto Banus to see how the rich and famous live.

We boarded our bus and headed out of Malaga while our guide told us of the history of this place and our skilled driver managed the traffic circles and tight corners.

Our first stop was in the jet set resort of Marbella. It was beautiful and clean . Many of the whitewashed buildings displayed dozens of pots of red geraniums. It was strikingly beautiful. I can only imagine how time consuming it is to keep them watered.

The streets and alleyways were paved with marble squares and polish rocks. Some were so shiny that I am certain you could have used them to apply make up.

We strolled to Plaza de Naranjos where orange trees line the main square . We had time here to shop and we had some ice cream.

We were able to have a quick peek inside the Encarnacion Church. It was amazing and I was able to take several photos before our time was up.

We return to the bus and after a short drive we arrived at Puerto Banus Marina, a former village harbour , now a favorite haunt for the international yachting set. We were given a little more than an hour to explore this land of the rich and famous. Some of the yachts were more like mini cruise ships than private sailing vessels. 

We walked past the trendy boutiques cafes and restaurants but we resisted the temptation to enter or to buy.

We strolled back to the meeting place where I purchased a second magnet and Ken enjoyed a second ice cream. The bus returned for us on time and we began our hour long return to the port.

I was tempted to shop at the cruise terminal but I resisted and we returned to the ship for a well deserved rest

Both going and returning our guide regaled us with stories of the present and past of this amazing place.

There are building cranes everywhere, we cannot believe how much construction is taking place. Many people live here only a few months of the year, for some  this is their other home.

The city is clean and green. We saw no poor neighbourhoods. I do not know if that is because of the route choice or because there are no poor people. I was surprised to see women smoking on the street and in the cafes.

All in all it was a grand day. We enjoyed the sights, the sounds, and the warm weather. I would return here.

Tomorrow we are in Casablanca, our only stop in Africa.