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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 03 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

This well-preserved Moorish city fortress, built 11th century on a hill in the city centre, was used as a military installation right up until the 18th century. The complex includes an outer enclosure, and an inner enclosure that housed the palaces.

It’s connected by a walled corridor to the higher Castle of Gibralfaro, and adjacent to the entrance are the remains of a Roman theatre, dating back to the 1st century AD.

Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Entry to the Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro are free, and you can wander at leisure between them. Allow around 1.5 hours for each.

For an extra fee (around €10), it’s well worth joining one of the daily guided tours of the Alcazaba. Book online before you go.

When to do it

The Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro and open all year round, seven days a week.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Palacio Solecio

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[0.2 miles]

In the lively heart of Malaga, peaceful, luxurious rooms and a superb restaurant in an elegant 18th-century palace.

Official star rating:

Hotel Posada del Patio

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[0.8 miles]

Sleek new five-star hotel in pole position for enjoying Old Malaga, with a delicious rooftop pool. Well-positioned for seeing the sights.

Official star rating:

Hotel Catalonia Ronda

Ronda, Andalusia, Spain[66.9 miles]

In the heart of Ronda, this four-star hotel has unbeatable views from its roof terrace and infinity pool. 

Official star rating:

Hotel Molino del Santo

Ronda, Andalusia, Spain[74.3 miles]

In gorgeous countryside near Ronda, this charming hotel in a former mill comes with a lovely pool and superb restaurant.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Malaga

Andalusia, Spain

A big, vibrant city with a fascinating old centre, lively contemporary art, sandy beaches, great restaurants and buzzy nightlife.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Malaga’s best food & drink

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[0.5 miles]

Our summary of the typical foods, ingredients and flavours, cooking styles, dining scene and best foodie experiences in Malaga.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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El Caminito del Rey

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[41.4 miles]

One of the world’s most terrifying walkways, over sheer gorges in Malaga’s mountains. Vertigo-inducing and spectacular in equal measure.

Best for ages: 18+ | £25 | 3-4 hours

Ronda

Ronda, Andalusia, Spain[66.8 miles]

Teetering on sheer cliffs, the spectacular Andalusian town of Ronda is best known for it’s extraordinary bridge straddling the 150m deep Tajo Gorge. It’s also the gateway to the so-called Pueblos Blancos (White Villages).

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Close up of the museum exterior and entrance, in golden stone, located in an old classic palace in the city
Experience

Picasso Museum

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[0.3 miles]

Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born in Malaga. The city’s Picasso Museum, set in a restored 16th-century Andalusian townhouse in Malaga’s historic centre, displays over 250 of his paintings, sculptures and ceramics spanning his entire career. Book an entrance ticket here and a private guided tour here.

Best for ages: 18+ | £7

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Centre Pompidou Malaga
Experience

Centre Pompidou Malaga

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[0.4 miles]

Malaga’s Pompidou striking museum outpost – housed beneath the colourful Cubo – holds a permanent exhibition of several dozens of works of the impressionist collection of the XX and XXI centuries. It also hosts 2 or 3 temporary exhibitions each year, sourced from the parent collection and designed by its curators.

Best for ages: 18+ | £8

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Malaga Fair

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[0.5 miles]

Every 3rd week in August, Malagans take to the streets for an exuberant week-long street party. Expect sevillanas street dancing, colourful flamenco-style dresses, castanet-clicking, an opening firework displays, concerts and plenty of sherry.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 1 week

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Interior of the dimly-lit hammam, showing candle-lit pool
Experience

Hammam at Hammam Al Andalus

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[0.6 miles]

A monumental, atmospheric complex of inviting pools that resembles a movie set, with a steam sauna and hot table, and 30-minute massages on offer. Client numbers are strictly limited so be sure to book online.

Best for ages: 10+ | £30 | 1-3 hours

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