Alcazaba
4.5
09:00 - 20:00
Monday
09:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 20:00
Thursday
09:00 - 20:00
Friday
09:00 - 20:00
Saturday
09:00 - 20:00
Sunday
09:00 - 20:00
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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1,934 within 5 kms
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297 within 10 kms
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4.5
11,190 reviews
Excellent
5,749
Very good
4,420
Average
894
Poor
85
Terrible
42
Garam
Alpharetta, GA314 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Beautiful old castle with great views overlooking the city and the harbor. Be prepared to do a bit of walking. Some stairs but not TOO many. Nice little outdoors cafe at the top where you can get an excellent sangria and a bite to eat.
Written 27 May 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.
janidd
Paradise, Canada8,215 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
So very old…at least to North American eyes! We took our time and explored all the nooks and crannies of this old palace and fortress. There are steps and some climbing, so good shoes and a hat for the warm sunny weather are necessary. There are some beautiful views of the city of Malaga and the port. It’s well worth a visit, plan a couple of hours.
Written 14 May 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.
Penfold0308191323
60 contributions
May 2023
We visited Alcazaba with a tour guide and as it was Sunday, entry was free. It was helpful to have a tour guide so you get the whole history of the palace/fortress and the history of Malaga through the ages. It took around 2 and a half hours to do the whole tour, take all the photos we wanted and sit and have a cooling drink at the cafe half way up. Would recommend solid shoes though.
Written 7 May 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.
Anand P
Ireland4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
It is a historical monument which transports you into the past. It was a perfect day to indulge in the history of the place. Visiting the place with two young kids, I was relieved to know that there is a lift that takes you straight up to the top and then you can explore and walk down the lanes. Ask for the lifts entrance and buy the tickets there for a quick access. As it was a lovely day we thoroughly enjoyed the clear views of the nearby marina and the city. There is also a cafe/bar on the premises to refresh yourself. We had a great time exploring the various alcoves and gardens.
Written 24 April 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.
dese2
Auburn, NY2,652 contributions
Apr 2023
There is an entryway near the Roman ruins. There was a line for tickets. Just around the corner - sorry, don't know the street name but towards the sea, is an entry way with an elevator. Look for the "ascensor" sign! It was very inexpensive to ride the elevator and maybe the same as the entry ticket alone.
Many beautiful rooms with some signage. We didn't know about the audio guide but had a great time just the same.
Many areas to get great views of the sea and town from the higher areas. Not too bad of a clime up and then down with the elevator. Cobbled and dirt walkways.
There are public restrooms on the grounds.
Many spots to sit and enjoy the day too!
Many beautiful rooms with some signage. We didn't know about the audio guide but had a great time just the same.
Many areas to get great views of the sea and town from the higher areas. Not too bad of a clime up and then down with the elevator. Cobbled and dirt walkways.
There are public restrooms on the grounds.
Many spots to sit and enjoy the day too!
Written 24 April 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.
Eaton_Out
Greenville, SC521 contributions
Apr 2023
Another old fortress of Malagna and built in perhaps the 11th century CE. Smaller and more elaborate than its cousin Gibralfaro up the hill. It is connected to the Gibralfaro Castle uphill by a walking path and you can purchase admission to both on one ticket. Moorish architecture.
Written 21 April 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.
Anne D
Wimborne Minster, UK4,375 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We bought a joint Alcazaba and Gibralfaro ticket which, for two seniors, worked out at incredibly good value for money.
Unfortunately we didn't realise until half-way around the Alcazaba that there was a free audio guide, so make sure you organise this before you enter. Even though we were lacking in information for the most part, this didn't deter from the wonderful views and sense of history evident during our walk which took approx one hour.
Noisy, colourful parrots everywhere were a pleasure to watch.
There a few inclines and steps, but easy enough for the majority of people to complete. We followed this visit with a climb to Castillo de Gibralfaro which was a long slog, but still relatively doable.
Unfortunately we didn't realise until half-way around the Alcazaba that there was a free audio guide, so make sure you organise this before you enter. Even though we were lacking in information for the most part, this didn't deter from the wonderful views and sense of history evident during our walk which took approx one hour.
Noisy, colourful parrots everywhere were a pleasure to watch.
There a few inclines and steps, but easy enough for the majority of people to complete. We followed this visit with a climb to Castillo de Gibralfaro which was a long slog, but still relatively doable.
Written 19 April 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.
G6189JQkevino
Ypsilanti, MI126 contributions
Apr 2023
The Alcazaba is bit on a hillside, with the bottom being defensive fortifications, but the top being an Arab palace. The site has great antiquity, with a Roman theater excavated below. It is physically demanding with a lot of steps, but well worth a couple of hours to visit.
Written 19 April 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.
Vinay Kariwala
Bangalore District, India177 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
The fort is a remnant of Islamic rule in Malaga. It's a good place to visit and takes about 1-1.5 hours. The climb is not very strenuous. The views of the port are nice making them ideal background for pictures.
Written 16 April 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.
Sadie1
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Excellent visit very enjoyable better we than expected
Really enjoyed Alcazaba really recommend it .The cafe is a great spot to relax and enjoy the view.
The castle is also great a very steep walk need good shoes a drink and a hat on a hot day.
We stayed in the shopping area which was good but a bit short on places to eat but it was early season.
We used public transport to get to the beach and harbour very good and cheap £1.80 euro pay on bus with coins .
We also used the train from the airport lots of English speaking help to buy tickets so easy right across the concorse from the airport very cheap and convenient.
Again a couple of Euro compared to 25 euro for a taxi.
Shopping is good the store El Cortes de Ingles is like a big House of Frazer and the other shopping centre was next to our hotel Centro by Melia and had a massive supermarket and lots of recognisable shops Zara, H&M Primark.
Hotel breakfast was very good there is a small outside terrace.All the staff were lovely and helpful.If we stayed again we would like to be nearer the beach.
The Margareta beach was lovely sun beds and parasols available 15 euros for 2.The beach toilets are not recommended find a cafe!!
We went the end of March the weather was much hotter than we had anticipated which was great 27/28 c in day 17/19 in evening.
We would definitely return it was a perfect 5 day break.
Really enjoyed Alcazaba really recommend it .The cafe is a great spot to relax and enjoy the view.
The castle is also great a very steep walk need good shoes a drink and a hat on a hot day.
We stayed in the shopping area which was good but a bit short on places to eat but it was early season.
We used public transport to get to the beach and harbour very good and cheap £1.80 euro pay on bus with coins .
We also used the train from the airport lots of English speaking help to buy tickets so easy right across the concorse from the airport very cheap and convenient.
Again a couple of Euro compared to 25 euro for a taxi.
Shopping is good the store El Cortes de Ingles is like a big House of Frazer and the other shopping centre was next to our hotel Centro by Melia and had a massive supermarket and lots of recognisable shops Zara, H&M Primark.
Hotel breakfast was very good there is a small outside terrace.All the staff were lovely and helpful.If we stayed again we would like to be nearer the beach.
The Margareta beach was lovely sun beds and parasols available 15 euros for 2.The beach toilets are not recommended find a cafe!!
We went the end of March the weather was much hotter than we had anticipated which was great 27/28 c in day 17/19 in evening.
We would definitely return it was a perfect 5 day break.
Written 15 April 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, Italy619 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, Ireland69 contributions
Some recommendations please for outdoor, nice tapas restaurants near the Picasso museum, Málaga. Muchas graçias
kisabella🌞
Dalkey, Ireland69 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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ALCAZABA (Malaga) - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Alcazaba
- Alcazaba is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 20:00
- We recommend booking Alcazaba tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 58 Alcazaba tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Alcazaba:
- Visit to the Alcazaba (From €13.30)
- Best of Málaga tour (From €32.74)
- Rent a City Bike: Full Day 24 hours (From €18.42)
- Malaga Private Tour with Alcazaba, Picasso Museum & Cathedral (From €307.00)
- Go local for a day! (From €30.70)
- Hotels near Alcazaba:
- (0.00 km) Alcazaba Lagoon Apartments
- (0.13 km) Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano
- (0.16 km) Alcazaba Premium Hotel
- (0.21 km) Palacio Solecio
- (0.22 km) Hotel Carlos V
- Restaurants near Alcazaba:
- (0.03 km) Alcazaba
- (0.19 km) Brunchit - Alcazabilla
- (0.13 km) Uvedoble
- (0.14 km) Alcasabar
- (0.15 km) El Vegetariano de la Alcazabilla