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.