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
Neighbourhood: Centro
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,987 within 5 kms
Attractions
304 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Chris SSwansea County, United Kingdom146 contributionsGreat value and well worth the steep walk. A lift is available but the walk is informativeClean and tidy. Well labelled and a free audio guide via QR code. Open it the browser for it to work. Quite a steep climb but paved. Nice cafe and friendly staff. Probably the best thing to visit in Malaga. Go early before the crowds and the heat of the day. Allow 2 hours and more for restsVisited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 December 2022
- JanHollandsPlaya Flamenca, Spain64 contributionsWell worth a visit.Thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. Its right in the centre so easy to get to. There is a small charge to enter but really worth it. Lots to see here. We spent a good couple of hours wandering round inside.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 December 2022
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary1,618 contributionsMoorish fortress with a wonderful viewThis medieval Moorish fortress is a must-see attraction in Malaga. We took an elevator to go there but you can walk if you are fit enough. The entrance fee is 5.5 euros. It’s really great, well preserved and it’s worth to walk around and see everything. The view is magnificent.Visited December 2022Written 11 January 2023
- DrewBordeaux, France11 contributionsMehHistoric, so great if you're into looking at old castles. Well looked after. One gripe but quite crucial: I was asked not to drink from my bottle, but the guide was aware of, and chose to ignore, the local pissheads and beggars loudly greeting tourists inside the entry gates. Bit of double standards there but I get it. They probably see her every day. Know where she works, blah blah blah.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 January 2023
- SSikora86Edmonton, Canada40 contributionsWonderful ExperienceTruly a wonderful experience. So much to see, a great combination of historical significance. I highly recommend making the stoop here if you’re in Malaga. If you’re choosing between this or the Castillo, choose the Alcabaz. Every time. It’s far more beautiful and there so way more to see than the Castillo which is a very difficult hike up the mountain.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 January 2023
- redhead_roamingSeattle, Washington2,919 contributionsPleasant Alcazaba VisitI could be incorrect but I feel like the main draw to Malaga is the Alcazaba. When we came on March 31st, we hadn't traveled much around Spain so we were pretty impressed (although 1936582 castles later, they've kinda lost their shine). Still, we really enjoyed our time. There weren't many people so we were able to move about very easily. I don't remember if we bought tickets ahead of time (I tend to but don't see any record of it) but we got there when they opened at 9am. Because of stairs here and there, it's not really suitable for stroller (though you can still bring it). Once we got to the main garden area where there are a lot of stairs, we set it to the side and let the kids walk around until we were ready to leave the Alcazaba. I had read online to budget about an hour and I think from beginning to end, we were there about that long.Visited March 2022Written 1 February 2023
- Stephen HWhitley Bay, United Kingdom57 contributionsA must seeVery interesting place to vist with good views over malaga. Paths a little uneven so take care when walking around. A must see if you are visiting malaga and good value for moneyVisited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 February 2023
- Clive D9 contributionsAmazing buildingThis is a stunning fortress and well worth a visit and the only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is it is ridiculously difficult to find the entrance. We met several other tourists like us trying to find a way in. Just one sign pointing vaguely in a direction. Just needs better signage. Once you find your way in you are treated to stunning views and an amazing structure. Sadly you can’t go inside any rooms.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 February 2023
- Hist0manCramlington, United Kingdom144 contributionsYou must visitWhat a fantastic place! Excellent free QR code audio guide. Full of interest. Beautiful architecture. A new reveal around each corner. Moorish patterns and arches. A match for Alhambra imho. Just lovely.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 February 2023
- ACudStroud, United Kingdom16 contributionsWell worth a visitThe entrance process and signage process was good an easy to navigate. The site was beautiful and interesting. Loads to see, and very impressive. The architecture was amazing. The views over Malaga were incredible. I loved this place. Well worth a visit. Close to central Malaga and the port too. A brilliant location in terms of getting to other sites and the centre.Visited February 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 9 February 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,273 reviews
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43
B M
Arlon, Belgium133 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Very interesting visit and you will discover so many facettes of what the Ottoman were capable building in south of Spain. Pretty much well preserved. Be ready, this is a hill climbing exercice.
Written 3 December 2023
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.
Louise Masin Sattler
Los Angeles, CA1,085 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We stumbled upon this historical site at the beginning of the holiday festivities in Old Town, Malaga. The sunset and early evening sky was the perfect setting for photography.
Written 30 November 2023
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.
Clau B
10 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Malaga is a wonderful city with so many places to visit the rich history they have had. I highly suggest to visit Alcazaba and see a very well maintain site of malaga's history
Written 17 November 2023
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.
mrsbsouthend
Rayleigh, UK783 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I'm going to be honest, I've always been a bit snobby when I hear of people going to the Costa del Sol. That's until I had to spend an overnight in Malaga, which really is a charming city! I went along to the Alcazaba. Firstly I couldn't actually believe how cheap it was to get in. Being a UK resident we are used to pay big amounts of cash to get into historical places, so that was a really lovely surprise.
Secondly it was a genuinely lovely and interesting place to wander around. You will struggle with a pushchair or wheelchair as it's hilly with stairs. However if your mobility is decent it's well worth a wander. Nice gardens, water features, a lovely cafe with a view. Yes, the views. Again worth paying for, what a spectacular panorama looking out over the harbour! Gorgeous!
I'm sure the castle on top of the hill had even better views but having seen the walk up, and it being pretty hot in October, I declined and just enjoyed myself here instead! There are toilets in the complex as well.
Secondly it was a genuinely lovely and interesting place to wander around. You will struggle with a pushchair or wheelchair as it's hilly with stairs. However if your mobility is decent it's well worth a wander. Nice gardens, water features, a lovely cafe with a view. Yes, the views. Again worth paying for, what a spectacular panorama looking out over the harbour! Gorgeous!
I'm sure the castle on top of the hill had even better views but having seen the walk up, and it being pretty hot in October, I declined and just enjoyed myself here instead! There are toilets in the complex as well.
Written 5 November 2023
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.
runhunt
Trowbridge, UK139 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
worth the walk, great view at top of the building although signs pointing the way would have been useful. nice relaxed feel to walking around, although we went off season. might be different when crowded. good value, worth doing
Written 31 October 2023
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.
Tom-Kenny
Cardiff, Wales537 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This place is fine, it's lovely, it's underwhelming, it's nice enough.
It's not expensive (combined ticket with castle 5,5 euros), so you get your money worth. We had a sunny day, and a lovely walk around. Some pretty arches, tiny gardens, nice fountains.
Enjoy, just don't expect to be blown away.
It's not expensive (combined ticket with castle 5,5 euros), so you get your money worth. We had a sunny day, and a lovely walk around. Some pretty arches, tiny gardens, nice fountains.
Enjoy, just don't expect to be blown away.
Written 30 October 2023
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.
Gerry U
Glastonbury, UK100 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Not a patch on the Alhambra in Granada or the many others in Spain. It's pleasant enough and there are nice views out over the port area. without having to scale the heights of the mirador. Use the lift for that. Nice coffee & cake area with aforementioned views .Very much a poor man's Alhambra. Worth an hour of your time. You can also visit the Roman theatre next door but you can see this from the road anyhow, it's very cheap to see both.
Frankly, I couldn't get overly excited about it.
Frankly, I couldn't get overly excited about it.
Written 28 October 2023
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.
William A
213 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We took the lift up which was a good move. Very interesting and inexpensive attraction which had great views over the harbour and city. Quite small but we still managed to spend over 2 hours there. If you don't take the lift the walk can be a bit of a climb on a hot day, so beware.
Written 27 October 2023
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.
Tatiana C
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Super good place,super good views ,super good pics ,a lot of lot of lot of walking a lot of stairs ,bring water
Written 26 October 2023
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.
Sue P
Burgess Hill, UK487 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We stopped in Malaga on our coach tour and had some free time so headed straight here. As it was a Sunday it was free (after 2pm). Lots of steep climbs but so worth it with great views. Very crowded as expected. Afterwards we found out there was lift which is good to know. Take water!
Written 18 October 2023
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, Italy670 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, Ireland71 contributions
Some recommendations please for outdoor, nice tapas restaurants near the Picasso museum, Málaga. Muchas graçias
kisabella🌞
Dalkey, Ireland71 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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Frequently Asked Questions about Alcazaba
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Alcazaba:
- Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour (From ₹ 926.51)
- Malaga Tour with Cathedral, Alcazaba and Roman Theatre (From ₹ 2,964.51)
- Rent a City Bike: Full Day 24 hours (From ₹ 1,668.06)
- Malaga Private Tour with Alcazaba, Picasso Museum & Cathedral (From ₹ 22,236.29)
- Go local for a day! (From ₹ 2,779.54)
- Hotels near Alcazaba:
- (0.00 km) Alcazaba Lagoon Apartments
- (0.13 km) Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano
- (0.21 km) Palacio Solecio
- (0.16 km) Alcazaba Premium Hotel
- (0.16 km) Apartamentos Soho Boutique Museo
- Restaurants near Alcazaba:
- (0.03 km) Alcazaba
- (0.19 km) Brunchit - Alcazabilla
- (0.14 km) Alcasabar
- (0.15 km) El Vegetariano de la Alcazabilla
- (0.13 km) Uvedoble