Alicante & Malagna - advice please

[jane02]

Hello,

We have a port stop in Alicante from 9am - 3pm and the next day in Malaga from 8am - 7pm. I am getting a bit lost with trying to decide what to do with the time we have available. I am realistic and do not expect to squeeze in everything.

What would your advice be? I am happy to hire a private driver - not keen on public transport.

Thanks;);)

[English_in_Spain]

Alicante, which is in the middle of the Costa Blanca (White Coast) is where I live.

You haven’t said what time of the year you will be here and whether it is a weekday or weekend. What ship are you on?

There are lots of things to see and do but I think you will be very limited by the amount of time you have.

What kind of things do you like to do? What are you interested in? We have some of the best beaches in Europe if that’s what you like.

Let me know what sort of thing you want information on and I will try to help.

[rebeccalouise]

Malaga is a very lovely place. When you get off the shuttle bus that runs you into town there are "handsome cabs" as they call them in NYC (horse draw carriages). We did one of those and it dropped us off at the Castle, which is centrally located in Malaga. This castle is absolutely lovely and I enjoyed seeing Moorish/ Spanish architecture- which rivals Italian architecture. It was a great place to explore and has rose gardens, fountains, etc.

 

Then we did a bit of shoppinng and got back on the ship. I was quite satisfied.

 

My son was in Alicante for six weeks last summer and enjoyed it. There is much that you can walk to.

[jane02]

Alicante, which is in the middle of the Costa Blanca (White Coast) is where I live.

 

You haven’t said what time of the year you will be here and whether it is a weekday or weekend. What ship are you on?

 

There are lots of things to see and do but I think you will be very limited by the amount of time you have.

 

What kind of things do you like to do? What are you interested in? We have some of the best beaches in Europe if that’s what you like.

 

Let me know what sort of thing you want information on and I will try to help.

Thank you so much. We are on the Silver Whisper and will be in Alicante in late August on a Sunday.

We are a fit, active couple, mid 40's. We like good food, wine, being outdoors, history, galleries, beaches, cycling.

Any suggestions that you have will be very welcome.

[jane02]

Malaga is a very lovely place. When you get off the shuttle bus that runs you into town there are "handsome cabs" as they call them in NYC (horse draw carriages). We did one of those and it dropped us off at the Castle, which is centrally located in Malaga. This castle is absolutely lovely and I enjoyed seeing Moorish/ Spanish architecture- which rivals Italian architecture. It was a great place to explore and has rose gardens, fountains, etc.

 

Then we did a bit of shoppinng and got back on the ship. I was quite satisfied.

 

My son was in Alicante for six weeks last summer and enjoyed it. There is much that you can walk to.

Thank you Rebecca Louise. What you have suggested sounds exactly what we would like to do. Did you buy anything fabulous:D. I am not sure what Malagna is known for. Did you eat at any restaurants?

[rebeccalouise]

No I didn't eat in any of the restaurants but there were plenty of little cafe type places if you wanted to do so. I have spent some time in Madrid and Barcelona and Spainish food isnt' my favorite. Probably why you don't see too many Spanish restaurants in the US.

 

I'm a cheapskate- I tend to get off the ship in the morning and then head back for lunch (since its paid for!) or vice versa. I wait until after lunch to get off the ship and explore.

 

I have a son that travels with me so I tend to always head to the nearest castle. This interests boys but the thing about Castles, Forts and Governor's Mansions, etc. is that they are always on prime real estate overlooking the town or ocean, etc.

 

So as a general rule- I would always recommend going to castles because there is a minimal charge to get in and they are filled with history. Much better than museums IMO.

[Parrot Mom]

If you can get together with another couple hire a cab and go up to the lovely village of Mijas..charming little place.. have gone there twice and still want to see it again. .Cobblestoned streets, the nutman, the shops that sell leather, pottery, murano glass, etc ..the donkey carts..so much to see. On our first trip the driver stopped off at the marina and this time in November we wil head there....unless..lol we go back to Mijas.. If you want to head towards a "castle".. the Alhambra is the only place that you must go to. Parrot Pop couldn't do all the walking there so we passed on it..Queen Isabella lived there and threw out the Jews from that place.. and the caves where the Gypsies lived.. I heard it was glossed over by the guide.. Another place is the Picasso Museum..

[rebeccalouise]

They did unspeakable things back then (and still do today worldwide) but that doesn't take away from exploring these ancient relics.

[Parrot Mom]

They did unspeakable things back then (and still do today worldwide) but that doesn't take away from exploring these ancient relics.

 

Had re-read before our cruise The Last Jew by Noah Gordon..in someways was quite disappointed that we were not able to do that tour and they brushed over the Gypsies.. and you and I are on the same wave length..You can order the book through Amazon.. it is one of those books you cannot put down...

[jane02]

If you can get together with another couple hire a cab and go up to the lovely village of Mijas..charming little place.. have gone there twice and still want to see it again. .Cobblestoned streets, the nutman, the shops that sell leather, pottery, murano glass, etc ..the donkey carts..so much to see. On our first trip the driver stopped off at the marina and this time in November we wil head there....unless..lol we go back to Mijas.. If you want to head towards a "castle".. the Alhambra is the only place that you must go to. Parrot Pop couldn't do all the walking there so we passed on it..Queen Isabella lived there and threw out the Jews from that place.. and the caves where the Gypsies lived.. I heard it was glossed over by the guide.. Another place is the Picasso Museum..

Thanks for that. Is Mijas a long distance from port?? Are there plenty of cabs at port?

[Parrot Mom]

Thanks for that. Is Mijas a long distance from port?? Are there plenty of cabs at port?

 

There is a new terminal and you won't find a problem getting a taxi.. but Mijas is just beautiful...touristy village with shops, cafes the donkey cafes. if you want write me and i'll send you our latest pictures

 

parrotmom@verizon.net

[English_in_Spain]

As you will be here on a Sunday, most of the museums, the shops and the Tourist Information offices will be closed.

 

I would suggest going to the village of Guadalest, high up in the mountains north of Alicante but it is about one and half hours drive and although doable I think would be a bit of a rush. If you wanted this I would suggest using a ship’s excursion if offered.

 

What I would suggest for you is…

 

1. The town of Elche which is about 25 km (15 miles) from Alicante. It is known as “The Palm Forest of Europe”.

 

There you can visit the Huerto del Cura (Priest's Garden).The garden features a large variety of palm trees and cactuses as well as other typical Mediterranean species, such as lemon and orange trees, pomegranate trees, carob trees and jujube trees along with other subtropical species gathered throughout the years to create a stunning collection of plants from the most unexpected places. The garden’s focal point is the magnificent eight trunked ‘Imperial Palm’ .

 

The entrance fee to the garden is €5.

 

You can get a taxi at the port to go to Elche. I am not sure how much it would cost as I have never had to use the taxi. You can always ask the taxi driver.

 

2. You can then get a taxi back to Alicante and ask the driver to take you to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

 

If you are not arriving by taxi you can either walk up or there is a lift (elevator) which costs €2.40. Otherwise there is no entrance fee.

 

This is a 13th century castle on a hilltop over 500 feet above Alicante. There is not a great deal there to do but it is worth going if only for the magnificent views.

 

3. Back down to sea level (walking or by lift) you can then take a walk along the nearby Explanada de España.

 

This palm tree lined promenade is composed of 6.6 million colourful marble tiles and is a lovely walk. One point though, there will be repair works to the paving tiles this summer. I do not how much disruption this will cause.

 

4. If you want to eat or have a drink before returning to the ship there are lots of bars and restaurants around the Yacht Marina (behind the new casino).

 

If you do not want to do the above there is always the beach. There is a beach in the town a very short walk from the cruise terminal (behind the Melia Hotel). However, on a Sunday in August, this will be very crowded.

 

There are other (in my opinion better) beaches nearby. If you are interested in this let me know and I will let you have details.

 

Do bear in mind that August in Alicante is likely to be very hot. Also on a Sunday it is likely to be very crowded but this should not stop you enjoying my city which I love.

 

 

You can get more information on Alicante from this website

http://www.alicanteturismo.com

 

with a street map here

http://www.alicanteturismo.com/generales/callejero.asp

 

On this map underneath the copyright in the bottom right hand corner you will see a strip of land going out to sea. The cruise terminal is down there about 500 meters.

 

By the way the other city you are visiting is Málaga not Malagna.

[Chelly]

In Malaga, I would take the shore excursion to the Alhambra Palace in Granada.

[jane02]

As you will be here on a Sunday, most of the museums, the shops and the Tourist Information offices will be closed.

 

I would suggest going to the village of Guadalest, high up in the mountains north of Alicante but it is about one and half hours drive and although doable I think would be a bit of a rush. If you wanted this I would suggest using a ship’s excursion if offered.

 

What I would suggest for you is…

 

1. The town of Elche which is about 25 km (15 miles) from Alicante. It is known as “The Palm Forest of Europe”.

 

There you can visit the Huerto del Cura (Priest's Garden).The garden features a large variety of palm trees and cactuses as well as other typical Mediterranean species, such as lemon and orange trees, pomegranate trees, carob trees and jujube trees along with other subtropical species gathered throughout the years to create a stunning collection of plants from the most unexpected places. The garden’s focal point is the magnificent eight trunked ‘Imperial Palm’ .

 

The entrance fee to the garden is €5.

 

You can get a taxi at the port to go to Elche. I am not sure how much it would cost as I have never had to use the taxi. You can always ask the taxi driver.

 

2. You can then get a taxi back to Alicante and ask the driver to take you to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

 

If you are not arriving by taxi you can either walk up or there is a lift (elevator) which costs €2.40. Otherwise there is no entrance fee.

 

This is a 13th century castle on a hilltop over 500 feet above Alicante. There is not a great deal there to do but it is worth going if only for the magnificent views.

 

3. Back down to sea level (walking or by lift) you can then take a walk along the nearby Explanada de España.

 

This palm tree lined promenade is composed of 6.6 million colourful marble tiles and is a lovely walk. One point though, there will be repair works to the paving tiles this summer. I do not how much disruption this will cause.

 

4. If you want to eat or have a drink before returning to the ship there are lots of bars and restaurants around the Yacht Marina (behind the new casino).

 

If you do not want to do the above there is always the beach. There is a beach in the town a very short walk from the cruise terminal (behind the Melia Hotel). However, on a Sunday in August, this will be very crowded.

 

There are other (in my opinion better) beaches nearby. If you are interested in this let me know and I will let you have details.

 

Do bear in mind that August in Alicante is likely to be very hot. Also on a Sunday it is likely to be very crowded but this should not stop you enjoying my city which I love.

 

 

You can get more information on Alicante from this website

http://www.alicanteturismo.com

 

with a street map here

http://www.alicanteturismo.com/generales/callejero.asp

 

On this map underneath the copyright in the bottom right hand corner you will see a strip of land going out to sea. The cruise terminal is down there about 500 meters.

 

By the way the other city you are visiting is Málaga not Malagna.

Thank you so much for all of that valuable information. I really appreciate hearing from a local.:D It sounds as though you live in a beautiful place.

[jane02]

There is a new terminal and you won't find a problem getting a taxi.. but Mijas is just beautiful...touristy village with shops, cafes the donkey cafes. if you want write me and i'll send you our latest pictures

 

parrotmom@verizon.net

Thanks Parrot Mom - I have sent you an email.:D

[English_in_Spain]

Jane02, let me know if you need any more information on Alicante.

 

Also, be sure to let me know what you thought of your visit when you get home. I would like an honest opinion from someone visiting for just one day.

 

Enjoy!!

[dutchess43]

English in Spain being that you live in Spain I am looking for information regarding Cadiz, we are in port 4/27/09 & are thinking about going to Seville. We are looking for a taxi company to give us(4) a tour. Any recommendations? Thx.

[English_in_Spain]

English in Spain being that you live in Spain I am looking for information regarding Cadiz, we are in port 4/27/09 & are thinking about going to Seville. We are looking for a taxi company to give us(4) a tour. Any recommendations? Thx.

 

Sorry, I can't really help you on that. We live in Alicante which is on the other side of the country.

 

I have visited Cadiz and Seville but used our own car not taxis.

[jane02]

Jane02, let me know if you need any more information on Alicante.

 

Also, be sure to let me know what you thought of your visit when you get home. I would like an honest opinion from someone visiting for just one day.

 

Enjoy!!

No problem - I will definately let you know.

Thanks again

Kellie;)

[idcruisers]

English in Spain,

 

thanks so much for all the wonderful information. We will also be in Alicante this summer. We will be in port from 9-6 on a Tuesday so I am hoping everything will be open. In a previous response you mentioned the village of Guadalest. We have looked into Guadalest and it looks like somewhere we may want to go. We would also like a bit of time in the afternoon to see Alicante. Do you think it is doable with our port times? There are six of us in our group, including my MIL & FIL in their 70s, and would be interested in taking a private tour to Guadalest instead of the ship's tour. Do you have any recommendations and estimates of what we would expect for a reasonable price? Also can you please give us a bit of information on the do not miss spots in Alicante? Thanks in advance.