As with many stops on a cruise itinerary, what you really want to see is further inland than the port where you dock. The port of Malaga is a prime example. Despite beautiful beaches, a rich museum of modern art (Picasso was born in Malaga and Van Gogh was on exhibit as well), Arab Baths and a thriving market most folks pass up Malaga for the historical city of Granada. If you do decide to visit know that where the ship docks is some distance from the town centre and with no shuttles a taxi is your best bet.
An excursion, or transportation of some kind, is required to visit Granada. It is about an hour and a half to two hours drive with a comfort stop, but don’t despair as the drive is most scenic. Beautiful chiselled hillsides dotted with white washed villages, oceans of olive groves riding the waves, asparagus ready to harvest and almonds trees just past their bloom by mid-May. There was a running commentary accompanying our drive by a well spoke and informative guide. The trip was as much a draw for the excursion as was our final stop.
The most popular destination for tourists in Granada is Alhambra, the Moorish temple that was claimed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel in 1492 and renovated with Christian iconography. The gardens are as breathtaking as the temple and well worth the time to visit. Only 8000 entry tickets are available daily and it sells out quickly. If you are booking an excursion be sure that it includes the interior of the temple or you will be disappointed. Cost is a good indicator. This is a full day tour so you will not have time to see anything else.
Alternately there are also tours to Granada that incorporate other sites. You still get the same scenic drive and a brief stop in the public areas of Alhambra. Some of the grounds are open to the public and can be toured without actually entering the temple. Of particular interest is the Palace of Charles V or Charles I of Spain. From the exterior it is a square building but a round amphitheatre inside. The building has exceptional acoustics and is still used for concerts today.
From the Palace it is an easy, shaded downhill walk into the historic centre of the city. The Moorish influence is still evident everywhere. The original Spice Market was destroyed but rebuilt to maintain the charm of its narrow cobblestone streets with overhanging balconies. The area now houses small shops, mostly souvenirs, and lots of restaurants that will entice you with a cold drink and tapas.
The Royal Chapel where Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand are buried is a highlight of the old town. Be sure to check out the art that decorates the chapel, including an original Botticelli. From there spend time in the cathedral next door. Nearby is an iconic statute celebrating Queen Isabel’s signature of the decree sending Christopher Columbus in search of the west passage to the Orient. Lucky for us he was unsuccessful.
Granada is one of the best known cities on any Spanish itinerary and worth any time you can spend there. Alhambra is the must see but take advantage of a return visit to see more of the historic city centre. Alternately stay in Malaga. I have heard the Arab Baths are relaxation defined.