6-day cruise along Andalusia, Gibraltar and northern Morocco

Day 1: Embarkation in Málaga

Your cruise starts in Málaga, on the Costa del Sol. You board between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, after which the ship departs at 7:00 pm. Do you still have some time in the city beforehand? Walk to the harbour promenade La Farola or head into the historic centre. Above the city lie the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, two places that recall Málaga’s Moorish past. Art lovers will also find Pablo Picasso’s birthplace in the city, along with the museum in the Palacio de Buenavista.

Day 2: Gibraltar and the famous rock

In the early morning, you arrive in Gibraltar, at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. The limestone Rock of Gibraltar is visible from afar. Those who go up enjoy views over the Strait of Gibraltar and, on a clear day, even as far as the Moroccan coast. The rock is also a nature reserve where Barbary macaques live, the only wild monkeys in Europe. In the centre, you walk past British shops, pubs and street names, with Moorish traces here and there that reveal its position between Europe and Africa. In the late afternoon, you continue sailing.

Day 3: Cádiz on the Costa de la Luz

Today you arrive early in Cádiz, one of the oldest port cities in Spain. The city is almost completely surrounded by the sea and is perfect for exploring on foot. In the El Pópulo district, you walk through narrow streets and beneath old archways, while La Viña is known for its tapas bars and seafood restaurants. Cádiz Cathedral stands out with its golden-yellow dome, overlooking the city and the ocean. Those in the mood for the beach can walk towards Playa de la Caleta or the longer sandy stretches outside the centre. In the evening, the ship departs again.

Day 4: Tangier between medina and kasbah

In the early morning, you reach Tangier, at the northwestern tip of Morocco. The city looks out over the Strait of Gibraltar and carries influences from Europe, Africa and the Arab world in its streets. In the medina, you walk past small shops, tea houses and steep lanes leading up to the kasbah. There, you find the former sultan’s palace and peaceful gardens behind thick walls.

Those who prefer the coast will find wide sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean just outside the city. In the middle of the afternoon, you continue sailing towards Melilla.

Day 5: Melilla and its modernist façades

Today you arrive early in Melilla, a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast. The old citadel lies by the sea and looks out over the Mediterranean. Within the fortress walls, you walk along cobbled streets, bastions and historic buildings such as the Baluarte de la Concepción and the Hospital del Rey.

Outside the old town, the Art Nouveau architecture is especially striking. Buildings such as the Palacio de la Asamblea and Casa Melul show the influence of Enrique Nieto, a pupil of Gaudí who lived in Melilla for many years. After Barcelona, this is one of the largest collections of modernist buildings in Spain.

Day 6: Disembarkation in Málaga

In the early morning, the ship sails back into Málaga. You disembark at 8:00 am. Those who still have some time before travelling home can stay in the city a little longer for a coffee on a square, a visit to the cathedral or one last walk along the harbour. Málaga is a pleasant finale to this short cruise along Spain, Gibraltar and northern Morocco.

What budget should you expect?

For this cruise, you can expect a guide price from 3,700 euros per person. This amount includes international flights in economy class with checked luggage, the stay on board, full board, drinks during meals and all port taxes. The final price depends on the chosen cabin, availability, travel period and any extras such as transfers, excursions or an extra night in Málaga.

Frequently asked questions about this cruise

Do I need different currencies or documents for this trip?

Although you’ll be visiting Spain, Gibraltar, and Morocco in just a few days, traveling is very straightforward. In the ports, you can use your standard debit or credit card almost everywhere—even for a British pint in Gibraltar or a mint tea in Tanger. Because you are also traveling outside the EU (Gibraltar and Morocco), you will need to bring a passport that is valid for the duration of the trip.

What makes this cruise different from a classic tour through Andalusia?

You discover several cities and regions without changing hotels every day. Your cabin remains your fixed place throughout the journey, while the ship takes you from southern Spain to Gibraltar and northern Morocco.

Is there enough time to visit the cities?

Yes, in most ports you arrive early and only depart later in the day. This gives you time for a walk through the old town, a museum visit, lunch by the sea or an excursion.