Bendbabe:

There are no car rental companies at the port. I think it is better if you take the ship's Granada excursion because they will probably already have tickets to the Alhambra, which are difficult to get by yourself. Since the excursion is well organized, you will not lose any time and will see the maximum, rather than going by yourself.

Thanks Benny....You saved me a ton of time! OK...do you know of a good private guide in Malaga??? There are 5 of us, so it would pay to take a private tour. Thanks for all your help!

As far as I am aware, CostAfrica (see link) can arrange to pick you up at the port with a private guide and take you to the Alhambra, then return you later.

www.costafrica.com/web/index.php…

Bendbabe:

For Malaga itself, most people do not need a private guide because everyone does a walking tour and the sites are close to each other. The ship will give you a street map when you reach Malaga.

Things to see:

1. Cathedral

2. Alcazaba-the best Moorish fortress in Spain.

3. Picasso Museum

4. Calle Larios-main shopping street.

All you have to do is to read on the internet about the Cathedral and the Alcazaba and you will be ready for Malaga.

Slightly confused by you request for private guide in Malaga. If you go to the Alhambra on the cruise tour you are unlikely to have any time for tour - guided or otherwise of Malaga.

Coach is going to take about 1 1/2 hours to Granada. Assuming 2 2 1/2 hours at the Alhambra that is a minimum of 5 from your 9 hours. Trip probably won't leave until at least an hour after you dock and you generally have to be back an hour before departure. There's another 2 hours gone. That leaves 2 hours and you've had nothing to eat yet!!