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Spain
Andalucia
Province of Malaga
Costa del Sol
Malaga
Places to visit in Malaga
Alcazaba
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Alcazaba

See all things to do
See all things to do
Alcazaba
4.5
#8 of 331 things to do in Malaga
Historic SitesHistory Museums
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
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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
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Restaurants
1,987 within 5 kms
Dynamit
288
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • International • European • Fusion
Brunchit - Alcazabilla
753
0.2 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Cafe • International • Healthy
Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar Málaga
1,193
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
La Ristobottega
1,269
0.3 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Italian • Mediterranean • Neapolitan
Spago's - Fresh Pasta
1,392
0.4 km₹ • Italian • Fast food • Mediterranean
El Rincón de Esmeralda
151
0.2 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Mediterranean • Spanish • Contemporary
Radici Osteria Italiana
299
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
Manana Bar Malaga
249
0.4 km₹ • Pub
Pizzeria Italiana Vittoria
827
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Sake Izakaya
257
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Japanese • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
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Attractions
304 within 10 kms
Museo de Malaga
893
0.2 kmArt Museums • History Museums
Parque de Malaga
2,453
0.1 kmParks
Teatro Romano
1,570
0.1 kmAncient Ruins
Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso
78
0.1 kmParks • Gardens
Escultura del Biznaguero
93
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Ayuntamiento de Málaga
68
0.2 kmArchitectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Revello de Toro Museum
315
0.2 kmSpeciality Museums
Universidad de Malaga
51
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Jardines del Castillo de Gibralfaro
34
0.1 kmGardens
Banco de España
66
0.1 kmArchitectural Buildings
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See what travellers are saying
  • Chris S
    Swansea County, United Kingdom146 contributions
    Great value and well worth the steep walk. A lift is available but the walk is informative
    Clean 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 rests
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 December 2022
  • JanHollands
    Playa Flamenca, Spain64 contributions
    Well 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 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 December 2022
  • laczkozsu
    Debrecen, Hungary1,618 contributions
    Moorish fortress with a wonderful view
    This 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 2022
    Written 11 January 2023
  • Drew
    Bordeaux, France11 contributions
    Meh
    Historic, 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 January 2023
  • SSikora86
    Edmonton, Canada40 contributions
    Wonderful Experience
    Truly 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 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 January 2023
  • redhead_roaming
    Seattle, Washington2,919 contributions
    Pleasant Alcazaba Visit
    I 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 2022
    Written 1 February 2023
  • Stephen H
    Whitley Bay, United Kingdom57 contributions
    A must see
    Very 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 money
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 February 2023
  • Clive D
    9 contributions
    Amazing building
    This 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 February 2023
  • Hist0man
    Cramlington, United Kingdom144 contributions
    You must visit
    What 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 February 2023
  • ACud
    Stroud, United Kingdom16 contributions
    Well worth a visit
    The 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 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 9 February 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
Excellent
5,802
Very good
4,443
Average
900
Poor
85
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43
B M
Arlon, Belgium133 contributions
A very nice spot while in Malaga with superb view on the city
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
See this attraction at sunset!
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
wonderful
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
Bargain cost to visit this gem
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.
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
splendid views
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
Nice enough
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.
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
An average experience but a pleasant way to spend an hour.
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.
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
Great little attraction and very interesting.
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
Walking
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
Wonderful visit
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.
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Alcazaba (Malaga) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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