DIY from Malaga to Marbella or Mijas

[gam888]

We are stopping in Malaga in April. Given the fact that we have a whole day in port, and we have seen Malaga before, we would like to visit either Marbella or Majas DIY. Could you take a bus or train to these place? How do you get to the train or bus station from the port? How long is the journey and do you remember what the fare is ? Or, would there be other small towns nearby that are easy to visit DIY? Thanks in advance!

[campolady]

We are stopping in Malaga in April. Given the fact that we have a whole day in port, and we have seen Malaga before, we would like to visit either Marbella or Majas DIY. Could you take a bus or train to these place? How do you get to the train or bus station from the port? How long is the journey and do you remember what the fare is ? Or, would there be other small towns nearby that are easy to visit DIY? Thanks in advance!

 

See this thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2305246

[sail7seas]

We vacationed at gorgeous resorts in Marbella and taxied from Malaga to Marbella. It is a longish, rather costly ride. Depending how many hours you have in Port, you may wish to only stray as far as perhaps Torremolinos. Have a wonderful barbequed swordfish or salmon lunch on the beach. :)

[LondonTowner]

I would also choose Ronda over Marbella or Mijas. Ronda is quite spectacular. It has the oldest bullring in Spain and was supposed to be the town in Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls.

[sail7seas]

I agree Ronda is fabulous but takes time and depending upon how long it take to travel from ship and back, how much time will they have?

[Hlitner]

If you just want to go to Marbella you can use the local buses. But once you start tossing places like Mijas into the mix, you might want to consider a rental car...which is one of the least expensive and most flexible ways to tour. For example, the last time we were in Malaga it was a long port day (our ship did not leave until 10pm. We rented a car and first drove to Mijas to just walk around, enjoy the view, and have our morning coffee fix. Then we made the long trek to Ronda (a place we stayed at many years ago) where we did the usual sightseeing of the Gorge and then enjoyed some great Paella at a local restaurant. Then back to the coast where we stopped at Marbella and then parked over at Puerto Banus to stroll along the walkway and take a wine break. Finally it was back to Malaga where we dropped the car and headed back to the port. Total cost for the car and gas was less then $100 (or $50 per person). Was a wonderful day....although driving to Ronda would be a stretch for many folks and not a great idea if your ship is leaving by 5.

 

Hank