Malaga City - Port

Boat trips and excursions from Malaga port. © Sophie Carefull
Boat trips and excursions from Muelle 2 in Malaga port.

Malaga city Port

The port of Málaga is in international seaport, and a popular fishing port. It is the oldest one of this kind operating in Spain. The port is in a natural bay, well protected by the shape of coastline; it is situated on the edge of the historic cultural centre, and has access to all of the city´s beaches via the Promenade Pablo Ruiz Picasso. It is the second most imp port in Spain for cruise passengers; and is currently undergoing huge renovations.

History

The port was founded by the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C. - under Roman rule, Málaga prospered as a trading port, with exports of iron, copper and lead from the mines in nearby Ronda, they also exported olive oil, wine and garum (a relish of pickled fish). The Garum storage vats of a Roman sea factory can be seen insitu in the University offices on Paseo del Parque.  In 711 A.D. the Moors invaded, and Málaga became a major Moorish city and port - it was the main port for Granada too, famed for exports of Figs and Wine. Under the Habsburg Empire it became one of Europe´s biggest manufacturing ports. The East Dock was added in 1720, along with the New Quay, and in 1814 the first lighthouse was built. In 1910 its first passenger terminal was built, and in 1920 the Málaga Puertollano pipeline was built, allowing olive oil to be exported directly from the port. It ceased However operation in 1990.  Under the Franco regime, the port fell into decline, Málaga (as an outwardly republican city) was the victim of mass execution and repression from the Nationalists. Franco felt that Spain´s true economic success lay in the manufacturing industry in the north, looking for eventual self sufficiency, thus he felt Málaga port was of no value. The city and port authority have been working to rebuild the port and its reputation to boost its economic value. It location, unusually close to the centre of a city is positive factor for cruise ship passsengers. In the last ten years the Port authority has ceded lant to the city and leisue complex are being opened. 

Boats moored near Malaga's trendy Muelle Uno. © Sophie Carefull
Boats moored near Malaga's trendy Muelle Uno.

Today's use: containers and cruises

The port has 10 quays that are currently in use, for cruise ships, ferries, cargo ships and recreational boats. The main use is for bulk liquid imports, and cruises; approximately 700,000 passengers pass through Málaga port each year, on 220 different cruise liners. Quay 2 and the Eastern Quay are both used for passenger cruise ships.

The area is still known as a popular fishing port; it also has recreational areas for sailing and surfing, and is used for firework displays on national holidays.

Future development

At present, there are two projects to develop Málaga port: the expansion plan, and the city-port plan. The expansion plan intends to double the port area, to allow the movement of an increased amount of large vessels, carrying both passengers and cargo. The city-port plan will see the port authorities hand over part of their control to the city, to develop urban areas for recreational commercial and cultural use. This will also create closer links between the port and the city, so that visiting cruise passengers can have better facilities within easy reach, such as shops and restaurants, as well as enjoying easier access to the centre, while encouraging Malageños to visit the new developments in the port.

The city-port plan

Malaga's contemporary port is perfect for weekend walks in the sun. © Sophie Carefull
Malaga's port is perfect for weekend strolls in the sun.

Quay 1  - Muelle Uno

The first part of the plan, Muelle Uno Sea Shopping on Quay 1 opened in December 2011. This 80-million-euro 14,000 sq m recreation and commerce centre, with underground parking for 1,000, has 70 shops, bars and restaurants, plus children's play areas; it also features a marina for mega-yachts - recreational vessels up to 30m long. More>

Quay 2 - Muelle Dos

Quay 2 was redesigned by architects Jerónimo Junquera and Liliana Obal, who won an international architectural competition to design the area. They converted the quay into El Palmeral de las Surpresas (The Palm Grove of Surprises) - a promenade lined on one side with palm trees, and a central overhead curved concrete subshade or pergola with views to the port. Small boats and smaller cruise ships can use Muele Dos as a dock and terminal. Sometimes this area is also called Muelle Uno.  Boat trips and sunset cruises depart from Muelle Dos.   

Quay 3 - Muelle Tres 

Muelle 3 is the less than glamorous dock for the regular car ferry service to Melilla and Morocco. There is an old concrete treminal with ticket office, departure lounge and overhead walkways for the foot pasengers to join the ferry.    

Quay 4 - Muelle cuatro

Heredia Quay (Quay 4), will be redeveloped, with new business centre featuring office buildings plus an additional 500 parking spaces. In addition, there will be a new passenger terminal, a port museum, and an environmental education centre. The Eastern Quay will double its passenger capacity to 560,000 passengers per year, all at an estimated cost of €80 million.

The San Andrés Platform behind the container port, which measures 100,000m2, is to be transformed to include a new marina with 6,000 mooring docks, an auditorium, and new headquarters for the Oceanographic Institute. This transformation will increase space for cultural, research and leisure facilities in the area.


Cruise liner Termnal

The cruise liner terminal is on the Muelle de Levante which is the modern extention to the eastern arm of the port. The lighthouse is located here and so is the large circular cruise liners terminal, which is designed to accomodate embarking and disenbarking passengers. The cruise liners docks at either the Atraque Norte or Atraque Sur nearby. There is also a smaller Atraque Adosado closer to the city. It is possible to walk from the terminal to the city via Muelle Uno and El Palmeral de las surpresas, however most passengers will save time by taking a taxi. There is a special bus service form the cruide terminals to the port entrance (Muelle 3) by the big wheel. The service runs every 20 minutes and costs 2€ each way. 

Málaga Boat Trip and Meal at the Port

Málaga Boat Trip and Meal at the Port Málaga Boat Trip and Meal at the Port

Would you like to enjoy a 1-hour boat trip near to the Málaga coastline? Aboard a sailing catamaran, that has a capacity for 100 people, you will share this experience with other sea lovers taking in views of the beautiful coastal scenery. Also you’ll savor a great meal in a nice restaurant at the port of Málaga. You'll take lunch or dinner depending on the boat schedule you choose.Book tour now

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