American in Malaga, Spain?

Question

I'll be travelling into Spain on my 2008 world tour in June. We'll be going to Ireland, Scotland and Spain.

I'm wondering, how comfortable an American who knows rudimentary spanish (travelling with someone who is fluent) would be in Malaga?

Are they tolerant of Americans? I'm a pretty easy-going type - the antithesis of the loud and arrogant touristy morons that most Americans seem to be when abroad.

Any suggestions for activities? We'll be there for only a few days (4).

Answer 1

They are racist

Answer 2

I echo the comments already posted and add these:  Unlike the French, the Spanish are most helpful if you try to speak their language.  Spaniards by and large are very warm and accepting.  Stay clear of politics and religion though. For activities, check out the nearby town of Nerja, just to the east along the coast.  It's very picturesque.  If you are really ambitious and can swing it logistically, a trip to La Alhambra in Granada is a must.

Answer 3

I've never met a Spaniard who balked at bad Spanish.  They are usually just so thrilled that you are trying. Manners still go a long way in Spain.  Shake hands, smile, look at people in the eye when you speak to them, etc.  

I have lived all over Spain, and I found the people of Málaga especially rude.  People will give you purposely incorrect street directions.  Always count your change carefully since they seem to be bold at short changing people.

Answer 4

I'm British but I've lived in Málaga for three years. I've been coming to this area for almost 30 years and I have never had a serious problem. Quite the contrary, I find the Spanish people to be warm and friendly. Don´t worry about your Spanish. The people will be only too pleased that you are making the effort to speak their language.

There will be plenty of things to see in the old quarter. The Cathedral, the Gibralfaro and the Alcazabar. Having said that, do take the time to explore Málaga Province. Get away from the coast and see the real Spain. El Torcal at Anteqera, or the El Chorro Gorge where the film Von Ryan's Express was made. Go to Puerto Banus, sit in a cafe and people watch. Best just to have a coffee or a beer as it is very pricy. Take a visit to the mountain town at Ronda. Take the road there via San Pedro de Alcantara. It is quite spectacular driving there and Ronda is delightful. I've just scratched the surfice so to speak. Andalucia is a beautiful wondrous place. I almost forgot Granada with the Alhambra Palace. To get there froom Málaga, take the A7 motorway to Motril (coast road) and then up through the sierra Nevada mountains, It is stunning and awesome........Enjoy

Answer 5

Don´t worry the people here in Spain and in Andalucia in general are very tolerant people. as long as u feel great about the place that u visit,  and at least know how to say hola and things like that you will be ok.. I love Spain, Always have and I am An American who currently lives in Barcelona, where Not only Spanish is Spoken but also Catalan and I love it here..

Where are you going in Malaga? the city itself or Torremolinos etc.  ?? let us know

Like i said u will have a wonderful time..

Take care..

A Chicagoan living in Barcelona,

Bcn_mimosa

Answer 6

The people of Spain are incredibly warm and friendly.  They love it when you try to learn Spanish, and will often help you to learn more.  If you are with someone who is fluent, even if you strike out alone, you should be fully comfortable.  My husband didn´t even have that much, and he did okay, even in Madrid and Seville, and Costa del Sol is sort of built for tourism, lots of people around who speak enough English (and German) for you to get by with a little sign language.  

You´ll have a blast!

It´s a beach town, activities include all the ordinary beach/resort activities, with the added advantage of all the cute, little white towns nearby.  I understand Nerja is gorgeous, and if you can spare a day for it, Ronda is definitely worth the trip!