Malaga’s botanical gardens, Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción, are a little way out of town and required a bus: number 2 from the city centre to the end of the line, San Jose.
Having got off with another couple of likely tourists, the guy pointed us in the right direction. This was just as well as the 15-minute walk involved a long way round to cross two busy motorways.
Having arrived early, and paid €5.20 each, we stopped for coffee at a small café with outdoor seating whilst browsing the map which showed the various walkways and 40 points of interest.
We set off and had a wonderful treasure hunt, managing to spot all of them, but not necessarily in the right order as Eric Morecambe would have said. For example, at number 7 The Little Theatre, we spotted a pool and greenhouses, which we later found were number 36. However, it all added to the enjoyment.
The route was relatively easy to follow, and it was great discovering all the different facets and making our way up past the cactus gardens to the historical gazebo which had fabulous views across to Malaga. It made us appreciate how big Malaga actually is, as we’d focused on the historic centre.
The magnificent Loring House wasn’t open, there in an outbuilding there was a small exhibition of photos and paintings of the gardens.
Eventually after going through palms, hibiscus and bamboo walkways, seeing statues and waterfalls we arrived back at the café where we sat in the picnic area and had a late lunch of a jamon and queso sandwich and beer.
There was a small shop which we had a look around, before we ticked off the final few numbers, finishing with a large lake.
We both agreed it had been a stupendous outing and well worth the bus trip.
