July 2024
Why did we visit Malaga and Almeria Spain
I decided to combine Malaga and Almeria Spain, into one post that mainly includes photos because we stayed in these places for a relatively short time, and I don't feel like I experienced them enough to justify a separate post for each.
In Málaga itself, we stayed for about two non-consecutive days, and in Almería for one day. Visiting these two cities was the closing chapter of our journey in Andalusia. In my opinion, Málaga is more interesting as a city, but the entire region, which includes nature reserves, villages, and unique beaches, is a must-see when traveling in Andalusia.
Málaga, Spain
Why did we come to Málaga
Málaga wasn't a destination on its own but rather a hub for day trips in the area.
We rented a car and used it for trips to Ronda and Caminito del Rey.
I thought, since we're already here, it’s worth checking out what the city has to offer.
We arrived here by train from Córdoba, directly to a lovely apartment on the edge of the historic city, located on Hinestrosa Street 12.
The apartment is situated in an impressive patio on a narrow, car-free street. You can find the apartment here.
We quickly got organized and walked to the Picasso Museum, as it's well known that he was born here in the city. The museum is housed in a beautiful building with an inner courtyard and showcases works from different periods of the artist. The museum's website is here.
Below is a street poster pasted on a wall on the way to the museum:
For more posts about Andalusia:
Today, the Euro semi- final is also being played between Spain and France. The streets have started to fill with fans from both sides, crowding into bars and restaurants that are screening the game on television.
The atmosphere heats up as the game begins, and every goal is met with cheers from one of the supporting crowds. In the end, Spain won... Viva España!
The historic city in Málaga is beautiful and somewhat resembles the old city in Seville, although the streets here are somewhat wider and the weather is more pleasant due to its proximity to the sea.
It seems that the city appeals to young people, probably because of its beaches, clubs, and bars.
It's worth wandering the streets outside the boundaries of the historic city; you'll find charming cafes, great bars, and restaurants, as well as architectural gems, neighborhood gardens, and community spaces.
We also visited the urban beach of Málaga (Playa de la Malagueta), and honestly, it didn't impress us. It’s a long, ordinary beach with dark sand. The water is still quite cold and doesn’t look very inviting.
In short, if you’re looking for special beaches in Málaga, you won’t find them in the city center but rather a drive away by car or bus. We drove to one such beach called Playa del Peñón del Cuervo.
This beach is more inviting and beautiful than the urban beaches in the city, but I still wouldn’t say it’s amazing.
I’ll detail some prettier beaches a short drive east of Málaga at the bottom of the post.
Oh, and there was also Dorit's birthday while we were in Málaga, so at a wonderful bakery café, they made her a cake. You can see it here below (the café is La Flor Negra) located at: C. Sta. Lucía, 10.
Where else is worth visiting in Málaga
Alcazaba (Alcazaba Málaga) - Built in the 10th century by the Muslim rulers. It includes a fortress, gardens, and residences for the local rulers (don’t expect the Alhambra or the Alcázar).
The harbor and promenade - A leisure area with a museum, markets, and shops (Muelle Uno, Centre Pompidou Málaga).
Castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro) - Also built in the 10th century and connected to the Alcazaba. It’s a beautiful spot for views of the harbor and the city.
Some of the beautiful beaches outside Málaga (Costa del Sol)
Playa del Peñón del Cuervo - a twenty-minute drive (14 km) east of the city.
Playa del Cenicero - a fifty-minute drive (45 km) east of the city.
The beaches in the town of Nerja: (Burriana, Carabeillo, Calahonda, Carabeo) A forty-five-minute drive (60 km) east of the city.
Beach Cantarriján - a one-hour drive (70 km) east of the city. (Nudists, clothing optional)
What to do around Málaga besides lounging on the beach
You can combine day visits from the list here:
Nerja Caves (Fundación Cueva de Nerja) - fifty minutes' drive (60 km) east of the city.
The town of Frigiliana - a charming "white village," fifty minutes (60 km) east of the city.
The town of Ronda - see the post about the white villages. It's a one-hour and twenty-minute drive (100 km) west of the city.
Hiking in Caminito del Rey - see the post about the Caminito. It’s a one-hour drive (60 km) northwest of the city.
The town of Nerja - viewpoint (Balcón de Europa) and beaches, forty-five minutes' drive (60 km).
Wet hike in the Los Cahorros del Río Chillar. Part of the natural reserve (Parque Natural de Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama).
Almería, Spain
Why did we come to Almería
Why did we come to Almería? In my original plan, I had intended to spend two and a half days in Almería. I was excited about this desert region in Spain, which is said to be the only desert in Europe and has beautiful beaches.
We arrived here by car from Málaga so that we could visit the beaches and also have time to see a few other places in the area.
In reality, it turned out a bit differently, also because the apartment we booked wasn't satisfactory: not in terms of location and timing (loud renovations started in the building next door).
The location was in the gypsy neighborhood of Almería, which, how shall I put it gently, no longer suits us.
So we actually spent one night in the apartment, and the next day we moved to the Cabogata Beach Hotel, located on the beach in a suburb about a 20-minute drive from the city. The hotel is part of a hotel complex with large pools (similar to the big resorts in Greece).
We really enjoyed adding a nice treat to our vacation, and we even got to watch the Euro final between Spain and England, which ended with a Spanish victory, to the cheers of the hotel guests.
In Almería itself, there isn't a lot to do. Of course, there’s the fortress (La Alcazaba), the cathedral (Catedral de Almería), and a few pleasant streets, but in general, most attractions are located outside the city.
Almería Fortress (La Alcazaba de Almería)
The fortress of Almería, built in the 10th century, is situated high above and overlooks the city and the port (similar to the fortress in Málaga). When we visited, the fortress and the walls surrounding it were partially undergoing renovations and restorations.
The view from there resembles the landscape in our area (truly desert-like). The fortress is impressive and includes several areas: the residential area, storage facilities, and barns. The second area features the governor's residence, gardens, water pools, and a mosque that has, of course, been converted into a church. The third area was built by the Christians and includes the Torre del Homenaje.
What to do around Almería
You can visit the Tabernas Desert - known as a "movie town," primarily for westerns, with the most famous being "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," which was filmed here. The place is also excellent for stargazing.
Natural reserve where you can see birds and even flamingos (Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar).
Some of the beautiful beaches outside of Almería
A drive from Almería will take you to some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Spain, some of which are located in the natural reserve (Cabo de Gata-Níjar). The beaches are partially rocky. There are often strong winds, especially in the afternoons.
Playa Del Perdigal - about 17 km from the city. A long beach (there's room for everyone).
Playa de Cabo de Gata - the beach near the lighthouse and radar tower (Faro de Cabo de Gata). 35 km from the city. Suitable for snorkeling as well.
The beaches of the natural reserve (Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar), such as Playa de los Genoveses, are about 50 km from the city.
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