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Day 32 of 35: Malaga, Spain

Our port today was Malaga, Spain, which is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. We took a morning excursion to see & learn about the city. Malaga has been continuously occupied for over 2800 years, making it one of the oldest European cities which can make that claim.

Our tour guide said that the city has been investing in infrastructure, upgrades, & expansion for a few decades; and it shows. The ancient Roman ruins are evident, as is one of the original Moorish temples, but the boulevards near the public beaches are new & sparkling, with statues, fountains, & plantings everywhere. It’s one of Spain’s closest sizable cities to Gibraltar, so the waters are cooler than much of the Mediterranean. It’s only 74 km from N. Africa & ferries commute daily between the two countries.

Unlike many ancient cities, Malaga has many modern streets
Statue of 3 flamenco dancers in a traffic circle
Hunky statue in a traffic circle with historic dude
The ancient fortress over-looks the bullfighting ring
The Costa del Sol
Views of the sea from the fortress
Views toward the mountains
The ancient ramparts have been restored
Sir / Bill at the fortress
Unlike many ancient cities, Malaga has many modern streets
Obelisk near Picasso’s birthplace
2nd story shutters are where Picasso was born
Statue of Picasso in the public squares
The Moorish temple where sailors gave thanks for safe arrival; beautiful trompe-l’oeil
Reconstruction of the ancient town wall
Statue denoting the city’s Jewish heritage
The Roman forum
Their “One-armed Cathedral”: the second spire was never built
Front of the Cathedral
Their main shopping street, cooled by hanging canopies

After a few hours on the tour, we took a shuttle back to the ship for lunch & shade. After days of 90-degree temperatures in Croatia, we’re not taking risks of more heat exposure at this point.

We ended the day by watching the ship disembark (always exciting), admiring the Mediterranean waters, and having dinner with our fellow ‘Pied Piper’ travelers.

Water & private yacht as we left the port
Sea between ships at port
From our balcony
Our travel group