Coastal Gems from Málaga to Seville

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

Your cruise begins in Málaga, Andalusia's cultural capital and the gateway to the Costa del Sol. Visit Picasso's birthplace, stroll the palm-lined Muelle Uno promenade or wander the Moorish Alcazaba fortress before boarding your luxury Emerald yacht. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Malaga prior to 02:00 PM.

The Andalusian city of Almería has an enticing mix of relaxation and rich culture. The vast beaches are popular for swimming and sunbathing, and the palm-lined esplanade along the harbour is a lovely spot for a stroll. The surrounding landscape is striking and is recognised as the only desert in mainland Europe. Almeria is renowned for its lively tapas culture – start with tasty morsels and drinks at a local bar and watch flamenco bars come alive as evening unfolds. 

The autonomous city of Melilla is a Spanish enclave located on the Mediterranean Rif coast of North Africa, bordering Morocco. Its chequered past embraced periods of Phoenician, Punic, Roman and Byzantine rule before it was conquered by Spain in 1497. The latter part of the 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th century saw hostilities between Rif berbers and the Spanish, with the latter finally reinstating their control in 1927. The city was used by General Franco as one of the staging points for the rebellion of 1936. As part of the Spanish protectorate, Melilla developed the architectural style of 'Modernisme', the Catalan version of Art Nouveau, and boasts the second most important concentration of Modernist works in Spain, after Barcelona.

Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast, Melilla fuses Spanish plazas with Moroccan souks. Its population is a lively blend of Iberian and Berber, which can be seen in everything from the architecture to the cuisine. Explore the Modernist work of Gaudí disciple Francisco Hernández Robles, climb the fortress walls or taste Moroccan pastilla alongside tapas in duty-free harmony. 

Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400-feet-high limestone Rock. Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa. Ever popular with British holidaymakers, Gibraltar is very much a home from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops. Please note: Gibraltar’s small size and narrow winding roads mean that excursions are operated by 22-seater mini-buses, accompanied by a driver/guide. Local health and safety regulations prohibit the carriage of walking aids and collapsible wheelchairs on these vehicles. If you do wish to bring a mobility aid, we can arrange the Rock Tour by taxi, which has extra space. If this suits your requirements, please advise the Tours and Travel office when you join the ship, as numbers are limited.

The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is set at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula and guards the Mediterranean's entrance. Since the 18th century, Gibraltar has been a symbol of British naval strength and still retains a unique British atmosphere, with pubs, English shops and even a few classic red phone booths. Discover this fortified base and admire the famous Rock of Gibraltar. Climb to O'Hara's Battery for panoramic views of Africa across the Strait, meet the Barbary macaques and explore the 18th-century Great Siege Tunnels. St. Michael's Cave offers stunning stalactite formations. 

Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city.

Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to the North African coast and the city of Tangier, Morocco. This ancient port seduces with its exotic medina labyrinth, fragrant spice souks, and kasbah palace overlooking the Strait. Where Africa meets Europe, this port city blends Moorish riads, French colonial villas, and bustling cafés serving mint tea and fresh tagine. 

Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.

One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cádiz is a jewel on Spain’s Atlantic coast, where history and seaside charm blend effortlessly. Surrounded almost entirely by water, this vibrant Andalusian city enchants visitors with its golden beaches, lively plazas, and winding old-town streets. Climb the 18th-century Torre Tavira for panoramic views, explore centuries-old fortresses and savour fresh seafood in bustling local taverns. With its rich maritime heritage, festive spirit and warm coastal atmosphere, Cádiz offers an authentic taste of southern Spain. 

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

Seville is the passionate heart of Andalusia, where flamenco rhythms, Moorish architecture, and vibrant street life create an unforgettable atmosphere. Wander through the enchanting Alcázar palace, admire the grandeur of the Gothic Seville Cathedral and its iconic Giralda tower, and lose yourself in the charming lanes of the Santa Cruz quarter. Orange-scented courtyards, lively tapas bars, and horse-drawn carriages add to the city’s timeless romance. Rich in history and brimming with culture, Seville captures the true spirit of southern Spain. Your yacht will remain docked in the heart of the city overnight, so you can go ashore to discover Seville’s vibrant nightlife. 

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Seville, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Seville after 11:00 AM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.