---
title: "Málaga Cruise Port"
url: https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean/malaga
description: "Picasso's birthplace on the Costa del Sol"
---

# Málaga

🇪🇸 · Spain · Western Mediterranean

> "Picasso's birthplace on the Costa del Sol"

## At a Glance

- **Avg. Ships/Day:** 1.2
- **Avg. Time in Port:** 10h
- **Departure Sailings:** 54
- **Visiting Sailings:** 804
- **Cruise Lines:** 11

## Photos

- ![Málaga, Spain](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/malaga/malaga-unsplash-nx0c3cdkrlw.webp) Photo by [Yuliya Matuzava](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-view-of-a-city-with-tall-buildings-and-a-clock-tower-Nx0C3cDKRLw?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral)
- ![Málaga, Spain](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/malaga/malaga-unsplash-ypip7hm5v-a.webp) Photo by [Chris Boland](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-scenic-view-of-a-city-and-a-body-of-water-YpiP7hm5V-A?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral)
- ![Málaga, Spain](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/malaga/malaga-unsplash-wtu0myp8vcw.webp) Photo by [María López Jorge](https://unsplash.com/photos/aerial-view-of-city-buildings-near-body-of-water-during-daytime-WTu0MyP8Vcw?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral)
- ![Málaga, Spain](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/malaga/malaga-pixabay-5043132.webp) © [juliasorokina / Pixabay Content License](https://pixabay.com/photos/cathedral-architecture-building-5043132/)
- ![Málaga, Spain](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/malaga/malaga-pixabay-4082163.webp) © [javierAlamo / Pixabay Content License](https://pixabay.com/photos/kings-path-nature-scenery-malaga-4082163/)
- ![Málaga, Spain](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/malaga/malaga-pixabay-3839409.webp) © [manolofranco / Pixabay Content License](https://pixabay.com/photos/malaga-port-bay-horizon-sea-beach-3839409/)
- ![Málaga, Spain](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/malaga/malaga-pixabay-7137958.webp) © [ELG21 / Pixabay Content License](https://pixabay.com/photos/city-buildings-sea-bullring-malaga-7137958/)
- ![Málaga, Spain](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/western-mediterranean/malaga/malaga-unsplash-phw1-9yrj4g.webp) Photo by [Martijn Vonk](https://unsplash.com/photos/green-trees-near-body-of-water-during-daytime-PHw1_9YRJ4g?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral)

## Peak season

Apr – May, Oct – Dec

872 sailings over the next 12 months

Busiest months: Nov (117 sailings), Dec (97 sailings), Apr (89 sailings)

## About Málaga

Málaga sits on Spain's southern coast, where wide sandy beaches and a compact old town make for an easy day ashore. The cruise terminal is a short walk from the centre, or you can grab a shuttle bus. Orange trees line many of the streets, and the smell is particularly strong in spring. The Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress, overlooks the port from its hilltop position, and the Picasso Museum occupies a 16th-century palace nearby.

The central market, Atarazanas, has stalls piled with olives, jamón, and fresh seafood. Grab a plate of espetos (charcoal-grilled sardines) at one of the beachfront chiringuitos near the lighthouse. To the west, the sandy beach at La Malagueta fills up quickly, so arrive early if you want a spot. Getting around on foot is straightforward since most sights cluster within a 20-minute walk of the port.

## Your day in Málaga

Port bus into the old town when a ship is in; you can also walk about 2 km along the waterfront.

### Map

- **Cruise terminal**: Muelle de Levante cruise quay, just north of Terminal A (36.70910, -4.41421)
- **Shuttle stop** (36.71755, -4.42023)
- **Bus to Nerja**: Málaga Bus Station, 19 min walk (36.71292, -4.43397)

Walking times from the shuttle stop:

- Within 15 min: Alcazaba of Málaga, Málaga Cathedral, Roman Theatre of Malaca, Museo Picasso Málaga, Carmen Thyssen Museum

Map data with the walking areas: [GeoJSON](https://cruisello.com/api/day-in-port/fbf2e410-c539-4a6a-b04c-72a86169dc8e.geojson)

### What to see

#### Alcazaba of Málaga

11th-century Moorish fort with ramparts, gardens and palace rooms above the Roman theatre. 11 min walk. (36.72102, -4.41593)

Tours: [Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/viator/199554P1?via=markdown) from €18

![Alcazaba of Málaga](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1739585804174-40505e07d97e?ixid=M3w5Nzg1OTl8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxBbGNhemFiYSUyMG9mJTIwTSVDMyVBMWxhZ2F8ZW58MXx8fHwxNzkzNzEwMjgwfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&w=1440&fit=max&auto=format&q=75)
Photo: [Hongbin](https://unsplash.com/@hbsun2013), [Unsplash License](https://unsplash.com/license), [source](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-large-stone-building-sitting-on-top-of-a-lush-green-hillside-HiVsFIxj0uE)

#### Málaga Cathedral

Renaissance cathedral from 1528, still missing one of its two planned towers. 7 min walk. (36.72018, -4.41941)

![Málaga Cathedral](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q1582758/3705617ef0b4863a-1440.webp)
Photo: [Ramon Karolan](https://www.pexels.com/@ramonkaphotography), [Pexels License](https://www.pexels.com/license/), [source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/stunning-architectural-view-of-malaga-cathedral-38322034/)

#### Castle of Gibralfaro

14th-century castle on the hill above the Alcazaba with views over the port. Steep climb from the Alcazaba footpath, about 45 min (154 m) after the road walk. (36.72337, -4.41163)

![Castle of Gibralfaro](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q1049197/23618701622ad9a3-1440.webp)
Photo: Olaf Tausch, [CC BY 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:M%C3%A1laga_Gibralfaro_02.jpg)

#### Roman Theatre of Malaca

1st-century BC theatre below the Alcazaba, restored for performances. 9 min walk. (36.72129, -4.41690)

![Roman Theatre of Malaca](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q3849447/e0464d9afe10a100-1440.webp)
Photo: andynash, [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roman_Malaga.jpg)

#### Museo Picasso Málaga

Picasso works from every period in the 16th-century Buenavista palace. 9 min walk. (36.72146, -4.41809)

![Museo Picasso Málaga](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q1368396/7cb9f5394229b4f7-1440.webp)
Photo: Llecco, [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MuseoPicassoMalaga.jpg)

#### Carmen Thyssen Museum

19th-century Spanish painting in a restored palace on Calle Compañía. 8 min walk. (36.72160, -4.42289)

![Carmen Thyssen Museum](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q5043601/c59d2adf3e3afd51-1440.webp)
Photo: Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada, [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Museo_Carmen_Thyssen_-_Palacio_de_Villal%C3%B3n.jpg)

### Day trips

Based on 10 h in port, with 1 h spare before all aboard.

- **Ronda**: Car or tour, about 1 h 35 each way. About 3 h 30 in Ronda. Tour: [TopBuggy Ronda Gorge Discovery Experience](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/viator/12886P3?via=markdown) from €196
- **Nerja**: Bus from Málaga Bus Station, 1 h 20. About 4 h in Nerja. Tour: [Caves of Nerja: Entry Ticket](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/tiqets/1026163?via=markdown) from €16

Starting prices per person. We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links, at no extra cost to you.


## Quick facts

- **Currency:** Euro (EUR)
- **Language:** Spanish
- **Timezone:** Europe/Madrid (UTC+1)
- **Tipping:** Rounding up or small change; not expected

## Location

Coordinates: 36.7093, -4.4143

- [Open in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/cruise+terminal+M%C3%A1laga/@36.70934,-4.41428,13z)
- [Open in Apple Maps](https://maps.apple.com/?q=cruise%20terminal%20M%C3%A1laga&ll=36.70934,-4.41428&z=13)

## Things to do in Málaga

Top-rated shore excursions that fit a typical ~10h port call

| Tour | Rating | Duration | Times | Fits Port Day | From | Provider |
|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
| [Malaga Wine and Tapas Small Group Guided Tour](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/60b7982b-b8d5-476b-a6e5-4d6f1fecf498?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (2,669) | 3h 30m | 11:30 AM–3:00 PM, 12:00 PM–3:30 PM, 12:30 PM–4:00 PM, 5:30 PM–9:00 PM, 6:00 PM–9:30 PM, 6:30 PM–10:00 PM, 7:00 PM–10:30 PM | Fits your port day | €69 | Viator |
| [Malaga City Tour 2 Hours Monumental Segway Tour](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/9f27442a-b315-4f75-a9b4-07f8bc2a2984?via=markdown) | 5.0★ (954) | 2h | 7:00 AM–9:00 AM, 8:00 AM–10:00 AM, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM, 9:00 PM–11:00 PM | Fits your port day | €55 | Viator |
| [Caminito del Rey with Pickup from Malaga City](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/87a951f2-93c4-46d5-a0c8-34e6f8a4d25b?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (836) | 6h 30m | 9:25 AM–3:55 PM, 11:10 AM–5:40 PM | Fits your port day | €59 | Viator |
| [Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/d732a3fd-c300-4120-a9df-b0dfa2f74fad?via=markdown) | 4.8★ (874) | 2h 30m | 10:00 AM–12:30 PM, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM, 12:45 PM–3:15 PM, 3:30 PM–6:00 PM, 4:30 PM–7:00 PM | Fits your port day | €25 | Viator |
| [Alegria Authentic Flamenco Show and Gastronomy in Malaga](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/451bd3e6-d5a0-4f86-8094-70d46eb17a34?via=markdown) | 4.8★ (543) | 1h | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM, 6:30 PM–7:30 PM, 8:00 PM–9:00 PM, 9:00 PM–10:00 PM, 10:30 PM–11:30 PM | Fits your port day | €26 | Viator |
| [Taste of Malaga Tour : Tapas, History and Local Customs](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/5a9e2c71-8344-48ef-912b-d648223a2b07?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (841) | 3h 30m | 11:00 AM–2:30 PM, 11:30 AM–3:00 PM | Fits your port day | €69 | Viator |
| [Malaga Private Eco Tuk Tuk Expert Tour with Local Guide](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/09f81dce-86a3-40ac-aa74-a1e09e9191f6?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (640) | 2h | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, 4:30 PM–6:30 PM, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | Fits your port day | €20 | Viator |
| [Go local for a day!](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/e9d32390-6772-4c6b-af35-e070329feccc?via=markdown) | 5.0★ (433) | 2h 30m | 10:30 AM–1:00 PM | Fits your port day | €36 | Viator |
| [Discover the Treasure Cave: Unique Electric Car Tour in Málaga](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/87194b32-8231-4694-b53c-61756e34742a?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (82) | 3h | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM | Fits your port day | €110 | Viator |
| [The Ultimate Tapas Workshop in Malaga](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/827a6439-8e20-4953-a131-595870d42a01?via=markdown) | 5.0★ (381) | 4h | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM | Fits your port day | €64 | Viator |
| [Sailing Adventure: Sailing, Dolphins and Relaxation with Drinks](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/9a81e38f-a4e8-4aec-b6f7-cb6b4ed9ceb2?via=markdown) | 4.7★ (447) | 2h 30m | 10:00 AM–12:30 PM, 10:30 AM–1:00 PM, 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 12:00 PM–2:30 PM, 1:30 PM–4:00 PM, 2:00 PM–4:30 PM, 2:30 PM–5:00 PM, 3:30 PM–6:00 PM, 4:00 PM–6:30 PM, 4:30 PM–7:00 PM, 5:00 PM–7:30 PM, 5:30 PM–8:00 PM | Fits your port day | €60 | Viator |
| [The Best of Malaga: Guided Tour of Cathedral, Alcazaba & Theatre](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/ec6b94fd-3876-49fa-8094-3aaa89c8e2d5?via=markdown) | 4.5★ (687) | 3h | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, 10:30 AM–1:30 PM, 12:15 PM–3:15 PM, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM, 4:30 PM–7:30 PM | Fits your port day | €32 | Viator |

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews.

Starting prices per person. We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links, at no extra cost to you.

## Nearby ports

- [Motril](https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean/motril.md): 80 km (43 nm) · Spain
- [Gibraltar](https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean/gibraltar.md): 106 km (57 nm) · United Kingdom
- [Ceuta](https://cruisello.com/destinations/western-mediterranean/ceuta.md): 122 km (66 nm) · Spain

## Cruise lines stopping here

- [AIDA Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/aida-cruises.md)
- [Carnival Cruise Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/carnival-cruise-line.md)
- [Celebrity Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/celebrity-cruises.md)
- [Costa Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/costa-cruises.md)
- [Holland America Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/holland-america-line.md)
- [MSC Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/msc-cruises.md)
- [P&O Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/p-o-cruises.md)
- [Princess Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/princess-cruises.md)
- [Royal Caribbean](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/royal-caribbean.md)
- [TUI Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/tui-cruises.md)
- [Virgin Voyages](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/virgin-voyages.md)

## Cheapest Available Sailing

**[View this cruise →](https://cruisello.com/cruises/iberian-escape-la-coruna-cadiz~MSC-VIRTUOSA-20261107-5.md)**

- **Price:** €369 per person (€738 total for 2 guests)
- **Cruise Line:** [MSC Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/msc-cruises.md)
- **Ship:** [MSC Virtuosa](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/msc-cruises/msc-virtuosa.md)
- **Duration:** 5 nights
- **Departure:** 2026-11-07
- **Itinerary:** Iberian Escape – La Coruna & Cadiz

## Cruises from Málaga

Prices are per person, two sharing.

| Cruise | Ship | Line | From | Departure | Nights | Price |
|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
| [Saffron & Salt – Tunis, Tangier & Naples](https://cruisello.com/cruises/saffron-salt-tunis-tangier-naples~COSTA-PACIFICA-20270108-12.md) | Costa Pacifica | Costa Cruises | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 2027-01-08 | 12 | €778 |
| [Timeless Mediterranean Odyssey – Barcelona & Casablanca](https://cruisello.com/cruises/timeless-mediterranean-odyssey-barcelona-casablanca~MSC-MAGNIFICA-20261206-10.md) | MSC Magnifica | MSC Cruises | 🇮🇹 Genoa | 2026-12-06 | 10 | €779 |
| [Mediterranean Escape – Cádiz, Lisbon & Palma](https://cruisello.com/cruises/mediterranean-escape-cadiz-lisbon-palma~CCL-SUNSHINE-20270619-8.md) | Carnival Sunshine | Carnival Cruise Line | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 2027-06-19 | 8 | €672 |

[See all Málaga cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruises.md?stopoverPorts=malaga)

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