Spain – Malaga, Almerimar ( July 2017)

Spain

This is our third time in Spain on this trip, in Oct 2016 we were in Madrid and in May 2017 we were in Barcelona. This time we will visit Malaga and Almerimar.

Malaga
Malaga historic centre is a delight with its Gothic cathedral surrounded by narrow pedestrian streets filled with traditional and modern bars, shops that range from urban-chic to contemporary. The skyline reflects the city’s  character; lots of church spires with russet-red tiled roofs and lofty apartments the 11th-century Gibralfaro castle sits grandly aloft and provides the best views.

Gibralfaro castle

Malaga

The former rundown port has been rebuilt and is lovely to stroll along. They have a lot of cruise ships pull in here.

The city beach in Malaga (La Malagueta) is okay but I have seen much nicer, the colour of the sand is grey which does not seem as appealing as others. There is a strong current so be careful if you go for a swim.

La Malagueta beach

We took a day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory it has an area of 6.7 km² and shares its northern border with Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region. At its foot is a densely populated city area, home to over 30,000 Gibraltarians and other nationalities.

The Rock of Gibraltar

It is like a mini England with lots of English pubs that serve a large English breakfast that my husband was very happy with. The police dress the same as they do in England and the Phone boxes and mail boxes are red.

A very happy husband with his big English Breakfast.

We got a cable car to the top of the rock, the views are great from the top. The Barbary apes that roam freely at the top of the rock are nasty little buggers, they tried to rob my husband back pack and when they could not get that they tried to take his wallet from his pocket. They got quite angry when they got nothing from us. So be careful if you visit and keep an eye on your children. It was a lovely walk back down the rock to the village.

View from the top of the rock.

Barbary apes

This one looks like my husband when he is grumpy and has not shaved for 2 days. Ha Ha

The lack of flat space on Gibraltar means the peninsula’s only runway is bisected by its busiest road, the Winston Churchill Avenue that heads towards the land border with Spain. A pair of flimsy-looking barriers closes vehicular traffic every time a plane lands or departs. Fortunately, it’s not a busy airport. It handles only about 30 flights a week, all flying to and from the United Kingdom.

Overall a lovely time in Malaga

Almerimar

 We needed a holiday from the holiday so we spent a week with great friends in Almerimar southern Spain. Almerimar is located 40km west of Almeria city and 160km east of Malaga. It has a beautiful marina with 1,100 berths. You can take boat trips go diving, sailing, windsurf, jet skiing and fishing. It has over 13km of wide sandy beaches with everything you need within walking distance. It is an ideal destination for relaxed, spending time on the beach, eating, drinking, playing golf and catching up with friends.

We did visit Castillo (castle) Guardias Viejas, built in 1769 it houses a permanent exhibition of clothes uniforms and weapons some really nice muskets of the Napoleonic era. It has English explanations of all the exhibition and amazing costal views from the top section. It was restored in 1980. The town also use it as a venue for musical events, it would also be a great place for a wedding venue.

We had a wonderful week here and hope to visit again with our friends. We felt refreshed and ready to hit the road again. Next stop Florence.