We are delighted to be back in the Costa del Sol of Spain again for our 2nd year as Snowbirds, staying for 3 months here. We took the “free” train to the main city of Maliga to see Magellan’s Spanish Galleon from the 1500’s, and then climbed the steep trail to Gibralfaro Castle – Moorish Fortress from the same era.
The Nao Victoria (Victory) tall Ship is a replica of the one that Magellan sailed in his southern voyage around the world. Technically it is a “carrack” which existed before Galleon’s did. As we toured onboard, it was hard to imagine a crew of 42 onboard this small vessel in the open sea’s. Even the captains quarters at the rear were very basic. Sadly only a few returned from the long voyage. The replica ship actually offers 4 hour ocean excursions for those who want an authentic historic experience, backed up by a modern diesel engine.
The Castillo de Gibralfaro Castle is further up the hill from the other notable Alcazaba Moorish Palace and castle (See our other article here). It’s quite a steep hike up to the top of Gibralfaro Mountain – 130 meters (400 feet), which was well suited to the slightly cooler weather of the day. After our strenuous walk up, we discovered there is a public transport bus #14 which stops right at the entrance, so we took that back down when we were finished. The castle is well built in an impenetrable location, but the moors eventually succumbed to the Spanish after a 3 month siege, since there is not enough food inside its walls.
Conclusion:
Malaga has lots of sights to see and food to sample. The very old tall ship and castle from the same era were enlightening experiences.
See more at:
- Google maps
Please SUBSCRIBE to our NOTIFICATIONS
If you would like to be notified of more articles like this, please LIKE our Facebook page, which will then include us in your Facebook feed. Use this LINK to take you to our page, then click the LIKE button shown below. Or Like our twitter feed.
