travelingmomma

We are going to be in Malaga, Spain in November. It will be myself and my two boys (just turn 13 and almost 12 year old). They have some medical issues that cause fatigue so we have to use a wheelchair at times. I was interested in ideas. I am considering renting a car but not sure.

We have considered a day tripped to Morocco but am concerned about if it would be appropriate for the boys. This is their first time in Europe.
We also thought of Alhambra and Gibraltar.

Any ideas of allergy friendly restaurants would also be great.

Bedar

You didn't say how long you'd be in Spain. Yes, go to Granada (Alhambra), Cordoba (Mezquita), Seville, and Ronda. Forget Gibraltar and Morocco since the boys are sickly. Wherever you go, they'll have fun.

kimhe

Renting a car is a good idea. Plenty of great tour possibilities out of Málaga city, and a car will give you full flexibility.

Granada with the Alhambra and Ronda are of course great options. Here are some other:

Just east of Málaga is the Axarquia region with the beautiful landscapes and all the small towns and villages. http://www.rusticblue.com/andalucia_...a_axarquia.php

A 40 min drive to Nerja and the spectacular cave, lived people here more than 30 000 years ago: http://www.cuevadenerja.es/index.php?lenguaje=en
Nerja: http://www.nerjatoday.com/

A 30 min drive up on the Torcal limestone mountain just north of Málaga city. You can drive almost to the top, and from here you can see to Morocco on a clear day. http://www.andalucia.com/environment/protect/torcal.htm

Torcal is very close to Antequera, the so called heart of Andalucía, about 40 min drive from Málaga city:
http://wild-about-travel.com/2011/07...ing-antequera/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/antequera

And wonderful Córdoba, the most advanced city in Europe around 1000AD, is only 50 mins away with the high speed AVE train. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/cordoba
This will put you in the Córdoba mood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyfGdpF55Uk

Málaga city itself is spectacular with the Roman theater, the Moorish Alcazaba Palace/Fortress, the 16th Century "one armed" cathedral, the cafés, tapas bars, theaters, museums etc. etc. New York Times recently voted Málaga as one of three cities in Spain to visit in 2016, "Beauty, but now a cultural capital, too". http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...isit.html?_r=1

Perhaps a ride in the Noria Big Wheel Down in the harbour? Spectacular views of both the city and the sea, and close to magic at night: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/mala...heel-noria.htm

The Noria is close to the new Muelle Uno, (Quay One) with all the cafés, shopping etc. etc.: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/muelle-uno.htm
http://www.muelleuno.com/

And perhaps a splurge lunch or dinner in one of the five restaurants in the by then newly reopened luxcury Gran Hotel Miramar from 1926: http://www.granhotelmiramarmalaga.com/en/
Video presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s6t-9Rsl7s

Since 2014 all restaurants and tapas bars in Spain are obliged to inform all clients of all potential allergenes in their food. http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2321...-restaurantes/

Two of the ggreat food markets in Málaga city:
The old Atarazanas: https://eastofmalaga.net/2014/07/25/...ry-perception/
The new Mercado Merced: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...odie-traveller
http://www.mercadomerced.com/

Could go on and on about Málaga, and I wish you a great trip! (going back myself in a few weeks to my favourite city in Andalucía)

sparkchaser

<i>We have considered a day tripped to Morocco but am concerned about if it would be appropriate for the boys. </i>

Yeah, don't do that. Tangier would not be appropriate given the circumstances.

stevelyon

Good information from kimhe as always. You have enough to do following that advice - I would definitely skip Gibraltar and not all that sure about Morocco

sparkchaser

Aye. Definitely skip Gibraltar if mobility will be an issue.

travelingmomma

Thanks so much for the advice. We will be in Spain for about five days. We have about 4 full days and two part days. The boys can walk but not very far so I think the rental car would be great. I do like the idea of the high speed train since my youngest loves trains and is begging to ride the high sped trains.

Cowboy1968

I second kimhe's suggestion not to under-estimate Málaga itself.

Especially with the situation with your kids in mind, I think it is an upside that Málaga is not too big to tackle.
The Alcazaba in Málaga is obviously not as big and famous as the whole Alhambra in Granada - but also does not wear you out.
The historic city center of Málaga is so beautiful - stressless pedestrian streets - with so many beautiful buildings to discover. But still small enough to not feel overwhelmed.

Driving in Málaga proper can be a bit stressful. If you plan to rent a car for the whole duration of your stay, you should check if your hotel has parking options. And rent a small vehicle. Even our Ford Focus felt very BIG in some parking garages.. parking Granados sure was one experience (fortunately, they had "valet parking").

Nerja.. the caves were super-busy last week. Probably not in November. But if you are determined to visit, it does not hurt to reserve and print@home the tickets.
An easy drive from Málaga, and just two minutes from exit 295 of A-7.

Pegontheroad

Kimhe: Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll print this list so that I can consult it in April/May when I go to Semana Santa and also Nerja.

kimhe

Pegontheroad,

Nerja is home to my favourite tapas bar in all of Spain. Friendly and unpretentious El Pulguilla is super busy, bright, loud and crowded. They serve no fuss fabulous freshly grilled seafood and meat tapas free with every glass of whatever in the large bar area. Very popular with locals. http://mynerja.com/view/bars/cerveceria-el-pulguilla/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...Andalucia.html

Cowboy1968

Places we liked in Nerja

La Puntilla, C/ Bolivia 1
- tapas at the old-style bar, but also raciones/ regular dishes at the tables in the street. More fish/seafood oriented.
Nice location, off C/ Pintada, the main tourist trail. Already "discovered" by tourists, but still very much a neighborhood bar.


La Cabana del Canario
When you have a car -- it's on the main coastal road (N340) from Nerja to Torrox, at the Eastern edge of Torrox (not where Tripadvisor locates it).
You will probably not think about stopping at a roadside shack - and it's hardly more than a shack - for food. But this place is quite something. Famous for their variety of 60 tapas for €1 each (only) during lunchtime.
In the evening don't order full raciones but only 1/2 raciones if you want to be able to manage more than two. And despite the low prices and huge portions, the food tastes great.
Pricewise you can calculate €10-12 pP for food and wine/beer.

kimhe

Cowboy1968,

La Puntilla is excellent, it's the older brother of El Pulguilla, run by the same people. https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restauran...Andalucia.html

What's so striking about El Pulguilla is the fact that this fabulous tapas bar is right in one of the most touristy streets in Nerja and that it's so large and always full of locals.

And thanks for the La Cabano del Canario tip, sounds like my kind of place!

Cowboy1968

You're welcome.

The easiest way to find it is to look for Chiriguito El Barco on the sea side of N-340. The Cabana is more or less directly opposite to the chiriguito on the land side of N-340.

Did not know that Puntilla and Pulguilla are "related". Will try out Pulguilla next time. Thanks!

chapla

As mentioned Malaga itself is tricky to drive around so to get your bearings i always take the tour on the on/off bus.It'sa fun way to see the layout of the city and get on/off wherever you are up to it.The view from the top near the Parador is fabulous-the drive in a car a bit daunting but the bus stops and lets you get off to take photos or just stay until the next bus!