Malaga · Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
Alcazaba
A Moorish palace-fortress on the hill above the old town, with three lines of walls, gates, courtyards and gardens. It takes a steady uphill walk, with views of the port at every turn.
- 3 h
- €7
- Booking advised
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
Data checked on November 2, 2026
The Alcazaba was built by the Muslim rulers of Málaga in the 11th century and is linked by a walled path to the castle of Gibralfaro on the hilltop. You enter through the lower gates beside the Roman Theatre and climb through gardens and fountains to the palace courtyards at the top. The rooms there hold a small archaeological display, and the towers look over the Cathedral, the bullring and the harbour.
What to look for
- Gates and zigzag ramps of the outer walls
- Palace courtyards with pools and arcades
- Garden terraces and fountains on the climb
- View of the port and the Cathedral from the upper towers
Opening hours
| Monday | 9:00 am–6:00 pm | last entry 5:00 pm |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 am–6:00 pm | last entry 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am–6:00 pm | last entry 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am–6:00 pm | last entry 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am–6:00 pm | last entry 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 9:00 am–6:00 pm | last entry 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | 9:00 am–6:00 pm | last entry 5:00 pm |
From 1 November to 31 March it is open 09:00 to 18:00, with the last entry at 17:00. From 1 April to 31 October the hours are 09:00 to 20:00, with the last entry at 19:00. Entry is free every Sunday from 14:00.
Source: Ayuntamiento de Málaga, Alcazaba y Castillo de Gibralfaro, checked November 2, 2026
Tickets and booking
Adult ticket €7. The general ticket costs 7 EUR. A combined ticket for the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro costs 10 EUR. Reduced tickets cost 3 EUR, and children under 6 enter free.
Tickets can be bought online and at the gate. A guided visit with entry included lets you skip the ticket queue, which can be long in busy periods and on Sunday afternoons, when entry is free.
Getting there
The lower entrance is beside the Roman Theatre on Calle Alcazabilla, about five minutes on foot from the Cathedral.
Tip
Go at opening. The paths are steep and shaded only in patches, and the light on the port is best in the morning.