Alcazaba
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Built between 1057 and 1063, this is probably the most important military fortification remaining from the Hispanic-Arabic period.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centro
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,972 within 3 miles
Attractions
304 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Carolyne3322 contributionsA peaceful and fascinating time at the AlcazabaI went on an hour's tour in the afternoon with Mohammed Naciri (tel: 0034628801198), a local tour guide. It was fascinating and his talk about Moorish culture made the Alcazaba come alive for me. I also spent a quiet morning alone at the Alcazaba in the morning and it was just what I needed, together with free entry as it was 'International Tourism Day'. I was able to wander round the Alcazaba, as it was 10am, it was pretty quiet and there was a lovely cafe with wonderful views serving rioja and coffee. The history of the Alcazaba is fascinating and I recommend Mohammed as a knowledgeable and educated guide who explained a lot about the significance of all the water features and gardens and the cultures of the people who had built and inhabited the fort. The building is in excellent condition and has obviously undergone a lot of refurbishment.Visited September 2020Written October 6, 2020
- Barry Leslie17 contributionsmust see in Malaga cityThis is a very impressive site that reminds you of the level of skill and the immense work that went into the building of cities in the past. The visit is not guided and people are free to roam the ins and outs of the fortress as they please. For those who have a particular interest in this period in history, the site evokes pictures of what it must have been like to live day to day, or to be under attack in this place. The views of Malaga port are fantastic. There are no amenities at the site, so you may want to take some water or a snack with you. I feel there could have been more interpretation; however, overall it is well worth the time and price of admission.Visited March 2020Written March 20, 2020
- Sadie12 contributionsGreat visitExcellent visit very enjoyable better we than expected Really enjoyed Alcazaba really recommend it .The cafe is a great spot to relax and enjoy the view. The castle is also great a very steep walk need good shoes a drink and a hat on a hot day. We stayed in the shopping area which was good but a bit short on places to eat but it was early season. We used public transport to get to the beach and harbour very good and cheap £1.80 euro pay on bus with coins . We also used the train from the airport lots of English speaking help to buy tickets so easy right across the concorse from the airport very cheap and convenient. Again a couple of Euro compared to 25 euro for a taxi. Shopping is good the store El Cortes de Ingles is like a big House of Frazer and the other shopping centre was next to our hotel Centro by Melia and had a massive supermarket and lots of recognisable shops Zara, H&M Primark. Hotel breakfast was very good there is a small outside terrace.All the staff were lovely and helpful.If we stayed again we would like to be nearer the beach. The Margareta beach was lovely sun beds and parasols available 15 euros for 2.The beach toilets are not recommended find a cafe!! We went the end of March the weather was much hotter than we had anticipated which was great 27/28 c in day 17/19 in evening. We would definitely return it was a perfect 5 day break.Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 15, 2023
- GraceeeeBrownBirmingham, United Kingdom214 contributionsA must see in MalagaThe Alcazaba is incredible affordable to visit, and if I’m correct actually offers free entry from time to time also. The grounds and buildings and fantastic to wander around although there is little information on them. The views of Malaga old town are lovely and well worth a trip if you would like to see the city from above.Visited January 2020Traveled with friendsWritten October 8, 2020
- Off their PManchester, United Kingdom4,117 contributionsVery beautiful indeedThis wonderful monument was right opposite our balcony so we got great views of it all the time. It is beautiful in the day but even better at night when it is lit up and it drips history from every angle. True, it is just a ruin but it is well kept and definitely worth a visit. You can buy a ticket for about €3 for it on its own or €5 if you want to visit the castle as well. My advice would be to get there early before the cruise ships arrive and you will have a much more relaxing experience.Visited September 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten September 13, 2022
- Ella HMalaga, Spain6 contributionsBeautiful evening activityIt's a really nice place to visit in the evening when the sun isn't so hot as there is little shade inside. If you go an hour or so before it closes there aren't many people there and you can really appreciate the architecture. You can visit for 30 mins or you could easily spend 3 hours there really looking at everything in detail. There are some nice places to look at views over Malaga (the port, the cathedral, etc.). I would say it is one of the most instagrammable places to visit in Malaga and it is relatively cheap to visit too.Visited August 2021Written August 30, 2021
- Dadof2inBRUBrussels, Belgium79 contributionsA must see!This ancient Moorish Castillo is a most impressive castle. The grounds are amazing and the architecture is stunning. Many historical artifacts are displayed as well as mosaics, and other items. A small cafe offers snacks and beverages at reasonable prices. This is truly an impressive place.Visited February 2020Written March 6, 2020
- Susan HLondon, United Kingdom53 contributionsMuch less crowded than Alhambra or Real AlcazarGranted it is smaller, this was still a great opportunity to walk round a sensitively kept Moorish gem without it being absolutely packed with tour groups. It has everything you would expect - traditional gardens with geometric design, lots of water features, classic Med and north African planting, geometric tiling and amazingly intricate plaster work. The combo ticket with Gibralfaro for E5.50 is a great price. Wear sensible shoes as it is steep in parts and there are lots of uneven surfacesVisited January 2020Written January 25, 2020
- Martin-nitraMStockholm, Sweden353 contributionsPeaceful and beautifulDo you like Moorish architecture, beautiful gardens, historical settings and a great view if Malaga? Then this is the place to go! You can buy tickets for both the palace Alcazaba and the castle ruin located higher up on the hill overlooking Malaga, but we settled for only Alcazaba. We spent about one hour there and took some nice pictures. I’m enclosing some samples, hope you like them!Visited February 2020Traveled with familyWritten February 17, 2020
- Kelleygirl2Sarasota, Florida6,483 contributionsWell worth the climbThe famous fortress, or literally citadel, Alcazaba de Malaga is comprised of two walled enclosures. It was originally connected to the city ramparts that formed a third defensive wall, now only two inner wall remain. The second inner area of the fortress was completely enclosed and punctuated with several defensive towers. The outer citadel is accessed through the “Puerta de la Boveda” or Vault Gate, then the gate doubles back, a design to make it nearly impossible for a surprise takeover of the fortress. We walked some of these dark stone returns imagining the an invader’s shock at what he would find around the next corner. There is a lot of climbing in these old ruins, which will warm you up even if the sun doesn’t. The pathway we were on wound up to the enclosed gardens and lovely fountains, where we all took turns posing for photos. We then passed through the Gate of the columns, later called the Tower of Christ, that also served as a chapel. Another inner enclosure is accessed through the Gate of the Granada Quarters that acts as the defense for the western side of the palace. This is one place you would not want to go to uninvited (or at a minimum without a tour guide!).Visited December 2019Written November 22, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,242 reviews
Excellent
5,787
Very good
4,430
Average
898
Poor
85
Terrible
42
GraceeeeBrown
Birmingham, UK214 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
The Alcazaba is incredible affordable to visit, and if I’m correct actually offers free entry from time to time also. The grounds and buildings and fantastic to wander around although there is little information on them.
The views of Malaga old town are lovely and well worth a trip if you would like to see the city from above.
The views of Malaga old town are lovely and well worth a trip if you would like to see the city from above.
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Off their P
Manchester, UK4,117 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
This wonderful monument was right opposite our balcony so we got great views of it all the time. It is beautiful in the day but even better at night when it is lit up and it drips history from every angle.
True, it is just a ruin but it is well kept and definitely worth a visit.
You can buy a ticket for about €3 for it on its own or €5 if you want to visit the castle as well.
My advice would be to get there early before the cruise ships arrive and you will have a much more relaxing experience.
True, it is just a ruin but it is well kept and definitely worth a visit.
You can buy a ticket for about €3 for it on its own or €5 if you want to visit the castle as well.
My advice would be to get there early before the cruise ships arrive and you will have a much more relaxing experience.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ella H
Malaga, Spain6 contributions
Aug 2021
It's a really nice place to visit in the evening when the sun isn't so hot as there is little shade inside. If you go an hour or so before it closes there aren't many people there and you can really appreciate the architecture. You can visit for 30 mins or you could easily spend 3 hours there really looking at everything in detail. There are some nice places to look at views over Malaga (the port, the cathedral, etc.). I would say it is one of the most instagrammable places to visit in Malaga and it is relatively cheap to visit too.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dadof2inBRU
Brussels, Belgium79 contributions
Feb 2020
This ancient Moorish Castillo is a most impressive castle. The grounds are amazing and the architecture is stunning. Many historical artifacts are displayed as well as mosaics, and other items. A small cafe offers snacks and beverages at reasonable prices. This is truly an impressive place.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan H
London, UK53 contributions
Jan 2020
Granted it is smaller, this was still a great opportunity to walk round a sensitively kept Moorish gem without it being absolutely packed with tour groups. It has everything you would expect - traditional gardens with geometric design, lots of water features, classic Med and north African planting, geometric tiling and amazingly intricate plaster work.
The combo ticket with Gibralfaro for E5.50 is a great price.
Wear sensible shoes as it is steep in parts and there are lots of uneven surfaces
The combo ticket with Gibralfaro for E5.50 is a great price.
Wear sensible shoes as it is steep in parts and there are lots of uneven surfaces
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin-nitraM
Stockholm, Sweden353 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Do you like Moorish architecture, beautiful gardens, historical settings and a great view if Malaga? Then this is the place to go! You can buy tickets for both the palace Alcazaba and the castle ruin located higher up on the hill overlooking Malaga, but we settled for only Alcazaba. We spent about one hour there and took some nice pictures. I’m enclosing some samples, hope you like them!
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelleygirl2
Sarasota, FL6,483 contributions
Dec 2019
The famous fortress, or literally citadel, Alcazaba de Malaga is comprised of two walled enclosures. It was originally connected to the city ramparts that formed a third defensive wall, now only two inner wall remain. The second inner area of the fortress was completely enclosed and punctuated with several defensive towers. The outer citadel is accessed through the “Puerta de la Boveda” or Vault Gate, then the gate doubles back, a design to make it nearly impossible for a surprise takeover of the fortress. We walked some of these dark stone returns imagining the an invader’s shock at what he would find around the next corner.
There is a lot of climbing in these old ruins, which will warm you up even if the sun doesn’t. The pathway we were on wound up to the enclosed gardens and lovely fountains, where we all took turns posing for photos. We then passed through the Gate of the columns, later called the Tower of Christ, that also served as a chapel. Another inner enclosure is accessed through the Gate of the Granada Quarters that acts as the defense for the western side of the palace. This is one place you would not want to go to uninvited (or at a minimum without a tour guide!).
There is a lot of climbing in these old ruins, which will warm you up even if the sun doesn’t. The pathway we were on wound up to the enclosed gardens and lovely fountains, where we all took turns posing for photos. We then passed through the Gate of the columns, later called the Tower of Christ, that also served as a chapel. Another inner enclosure is accessed through the Gate of the Granada Quarters that acts as the defense for the western side of the palace. This is one place you would not want to go to uninvited (or at a minimum without a tour guide!).
Written November 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland30,625 contributions
Dec 2019
The Arabic name means citadel. This fortress-palace located at the foot of the Gibralfaro hill dates from the Muslim period. It was built between 1057 and 1063.
The best-preserved Alcazaba in Spain combines defensive purposes with the beauty of an Arab palace.
The entrance is situated next to the Roman amphitheater, from where a path climbs to the fortification. Some of the Roman-era materials were reused in the Moorish construction of the Alcazaba.
The views are panoramic over the city and the bay.
The best-preserved Alcazaba in Spain combines defensive purposes with the beauty of an Arab palace.
The entrance is situated next to the Roman amphitheater, from where a path climbs to the fortification. Some of the Roman-era materials were reused in the Moorish construction of the Alcazaba.
The views are panoramic over the city and the bay.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramona
Auckland Central, New Zealand667 contributions
Aug 2021
Beautifully maintained and easy walking paths. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes (ie, not heels) as you'll be walking up/down hill on pebbles. It is so special to walk through historical grounds. Sunday's are free however, be careful as this means much bigger crowds.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria M.
Malaga, Spain13 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
I recommend it if you like to take a walk outdoors and discover all its corners and gardens with incredible views of the city and the port. The truth is that it is incredible but you have to buy tickets. An almost symbolic price to discover a part of the history of this beautiful city.
Written January 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
silviapppppppp
Rome, Italy2 contributions
Sono al sesto mese di gravidanza e stiamo valutando con il mio compagno di andare qualche giorno a Malaga. Il percorso per la Fortezza alcazaba è troppo impegnativo o è una salita tranquilla?
Grazie
Camelot C
Sicily, Italy655 contributions
Ci sono alcuni punti scomodi. Io non ricordo ascensore o percorsi facilitati, ricordo invece scale ripide e sentieri con pietre scivolose.
Io ho problemi di vista e alcune discese le ho fatte con le mani sulle spalle dii mio marito per avere stabilità.
kisabella🌞
Dalkey, Ireland70 contributions
Some recommendations please for outdoor, nice tapas restaurants near the Picasso museum, Málaga. Muchas graçias
kisabella🌞
Dalkey, Ireland70 contributions
Hola, I want to bring someone to the Alcazaba, Teatro Romano and Picasso Museum, possibly more, in early July. Can you do all these without a guide? Is there a combination ticket for the Gibralfaro/Teatro/Alcazaba? Muchos graçias
Lisa C
17 contributions
Accessibility for people with mobility problems? Specifically, arthritic knee problems. Thanks!
gillsnips
Liverpool, UK106 contributions
It was steep in places .. I have an issue with uphill and I managed it with lots of stops .. there are plenty of places to stop and rest and seats
Bellareena28
Colchester, UK7 contributions
Hi,
We will soon (next week) be visiting Malaga for sightseeing with our 4 year old son. I really want to go to the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and Gibralfaro but I realise that the long trek or uphill walk may not be child-friendly. Can you please advise on the best (easiest) way to see these lovely places without this turning into an exhausting experience? We want to see these historic buildings and see the views over the city from above if we can get there. Can we take a stroller or are there too many steps? How do you recommend we tackle these places? Please let me know. Thanks
Palma_malaga
Malaga, Spain113 contributions
Hello: I believe it’s very nice visit for her too. I do not know where are you staying but Malaga is a very easy walking place. You can visit the theatre and alcazaba one after the other because there are easily walks. Go first to alcazaba using the lift to go up at the top (entrance behind the town hall) and walk down all the way, easy to walk with the girl if she likes exploring. Or use a stroller but with stones path is not so nice. But at least she can sit to relax. My kids have gone there a few times since they were little and never complained walking down hill. Right at the door of alcazaba is the theatre to the right to visit at least from outside is enough.
The Gibralfaro is further up the city but you can go to the entrance with local bus (1,30 euros each adult) or from the city center with a taxi will cost you at most 7 euros probably. There are a few stairs but at least you can enjoy a lovely view or if the cafe is open also a te there.
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Claim your listingAlcazaba - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Alcazaba
- Alcazaba is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- We recommend booking Alcazaba tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 61 Alcazaba tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Alcazaba:
- Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour (From $10.91)
- Best of Málaga tour (From $34.93)
- Rent a City Bike: Full Day 24 hours (From $19.65)
- Malaga Private Tour with Alcazaba, Picasso Museum & Cathedral (From $327.43)
- Go local for a day! (From $32.74)
- Hotels near Alcazaba:
- (0.00 mi) Alcazaba Lagoon Apartments
- (0.08 mi) Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano
- (0.13 mi) Palacio Solecio
- (0.10 mi) Alcazaba Premium Hotel
- (0.10 mi) Apartamentos Soho Boutique Museo
- Restaurants near Alcazaba:
- (0.02 mi) Alcazaba
- (0.12 mi) Brunchit - Alcazabilla
- (0.12 mi) El Rincón de Esmeralda
- (0.08 mi) Uvedoble
- (0.09 mi) Alcasabar
Alcazaba Information
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