Liam Cheasty

Great fortress and palace to visit but go in the afternoon when the cruise ship tourist are gone as it is very crowded in the mornings. The entry cost is only €1.50 but free in the afternoon. You will need at least three hours to soak it all up as some of the Nasrid architecture and gardens are beautiful and more so if you can just ponder. The Alcazaba, whose name al-Qasba means urban fortress, is located on the slope of Mount Gibralfaro, in the small bay where the city of Malaga is located. Its strategic position has led to it having been inhabited by ancient civilizations such as the Phoenicians, who settled on the mountain around 600 BC. The Romans settled in its surroundings, on the southern slope, where remains of a Roman villa and also industrial facilities for salting fish were found, and on the western slope of Mount Gibralfaro, where they built a theater in the 1st century. During the Islamic period, the Alcazaba was initially built as a fortification and later became a palace-fortress, the seat of the city government.

+32

Paul Vivas

Fantastic Alcazaba This is a great moorish castle that is easy to visit as it sits more or less in the Malaga town centre. The views are fantastic and so is the architecture of the building. We really enjoyed wandering around here, plus it is surrounded by gardens, so in summer when it get really hot it is a nice place to cool off a bit.

+8

Mavis Beresford

Loved this piece of history. Walking around and feeling people lived here so many years ago. So much has been preserved and very grateful for this. Also an amazing view over the Bullring, the harbour and coastline. These semi ruins are precious and worth a visit. A must seen in Malaga.

+7

Jannat Khan

The Alcazaba is a a beautiful place to explore, there is a lot of architectural history and beautiful gardens. It does require you to walk uphill at times, there are narrow stairs and some tight spaces but it can easily be navigated even at peak times. We went on a Sunday when admission was free, however we booked on the website to have an English speaking tour which was led by Salvador. He provided a lot of interesting context and historical information - he was also very knowledgeable about the structures and materials used in the fort. We viewed all parts of the Alcazaba and there was time to browse by ourselves later. The views are magnificent and we really enjoyed the experience.

+8

Bashar Zidan

One of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. The Alcazaba truly takes you into a different world and time, filled with history and charm. Walking through its walls, arches, and gardens gives you a deep understanding of the city’s heritage and culture. It explains so much about the civilization that once thrived here, and you can really feel the history all around you. The atmosphere is peaceful and inspiring, and from the top you get stunning views over Málaga, the port, and the mountains. It’s a must-visit in Málaga, not only to learn about the city’s history but also to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

John Worrall-McBride

Short queue to enter on a hot Sunday. Was €7 each to go in. The ruins are immense, spread out over multiple layers and over a wide area. The views are incredible. There are so many features to see - gardens, walls, water features, galleries, etc. absolutely worth a visit. Seeing the uncovered Roman amphitheatre was a bonus too. Amazing place to visit.

+14

Shoumma Shams

Nice, relatively small museum with some lovely bits of architecture and good views of the port and city. There's a decent free audio guide which is necessary, since there's no placards besides one in the site itself.

Irina

We visited the Alcazaba in December on a sunny day, and it was a wonderful experience. At that time of year, it wasn’t too crowded, which allowed us to explore the site at a relaxed pace. The atmosphere was very calm, and the views over the city and the harbor are absolutely breathtaking. Especially in the sunshine, the Alcazaba has a very special charm. Definitely worth a visit!

Catrinel Fratean

Great spot for a sunny day, but quite old and a bit underwhelming in the sense of the guiding and the information available. The interiors that can be busier are minimal, and the views are the same as from the other castle higher up the hill so you can pick and visit only one of these two . You can also combined and buy a ticket for both of 10 euros

Adriana Valentina

The Alcazaba of Málaga is a well-preserved Moorish fortress-palace located in Málaga, Spain, overlooking the port and city. It dates primarily from the 11th century and features Islamic military architecture combined with palatial elements. Highlights & Things to Love Its strategic location affords excellent panoramic views of Málaga, the bay and the surrounding hills. The architecture: double-walled fortifications, Moorish arches, gardens and courtyards – beautiful and evocative. Historical layering: Built over older Roman / Phoenician remains, with a Roman theatre at its foot. Reasonable access: It’s in the city centre of Málaga, making it convenient to combine with other sightseeing. Practical Info & Tips Opening hours (2025): Summer (April 1 – Oct 31): 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Winter (Nov 1 – Mar 31): 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Ticketing: As of 2025, adult tickets for Alcazaba alone (or combined with the nearby Castle of Gibralfaro) cost around €7.00 for adults per the official source. Free entry: On Sundays after 14:00 entry is free. (Useful if budget-conscious) Terrain & access: Some climbs and staircases are involved — parts may be less accessible if mobility is an issue. Timing for visit: Try to go early in the day (to avoid heat) or late afternoon (for better light and fewer crowds). Also combine with visiting neighbouring sites like the Roman theatre and the Castle of Gibralfaro for a full experience. Things to Consider / Minor Drawbacks Because of its elevated position, some walking and steps are required — if you have mobility concerns, this might be a bit challenging. During peak season it can be busy; allowing around 1.5-2 hours for the visit is wise. Some parts may be under restoration or have limited access (as with many historic sites), so check ahead. My Verdict Yes — the Alcazaba of Málaga is well worth a visit. It offers a combination of stunning views, historic architecture, and a central location that makes it easy to slot into a day in Málaga. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture or simply a beautiful vantage point over the city, it ticks a lot of boxes.

+3