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Alcazaba

Alcazaba

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
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See what travellers are saying
  • Sue P
    Burgess Hill, United Kingdom477 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful visit
    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!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 October 2023
  • William A
    230 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great little attraction and very interesting.
    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.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 October 2023
  • runhunt
    Trowbridge, United Kingdom129 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    splendid views
    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
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 31 October 2023
  • mrsbsouthend
    Rayleigh, United Kingdom789 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bargain cost to visit this gem
    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.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 5 November 2023
  • PaulB
    Maastricht, The Netherlands3,135 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must See.
    The Alcazaba was built as a defensive fortress on top of Roman ruins, construction goes back to the 9th century. From the 11th century on, the fortress, which was part of the fortress walls surrounding Málaga, was expanded. The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress and this is reflected in the rich decorations. The Arabic influences are reflected in the form of beautifully decorated arches, Arabic signs and Moorish figures. Patios and courtyards, ponds, amazing mosaics; they are all reviewed here. Alczaba MalagaIt is not only Arabic influences that are evident in the Alcazaba; you will also encounter Roman influences. The Moors used parts of the adjacent Teatro Romano in the fortress. Roman columns therefore go hand in hand with Arabic arches. A unique mix!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 January 2024
  • Chris Barr
    Darlington, United Kingdom812 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit
    I walked down from the castle above and I had already bought a combined ticket so entry was quick. I thought it was worth the visit,lots of walkways, courtyards, well restored and looked after. As with the castle this involves a great deal of walking and I would recommend strong walking shoes. You can scan a code on your phone and select an audio guide to give you more information as you wander around. This place was well worth the visit and good value for money.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 18 January 2024
  • Desislava Andreeva
    Portsmouth, United Kingdom436 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lot to see, allow at least an hour and so
    This place is really nice, we tried to explore everything there. Mostly the castle walls, gardens and a few rooms with ceramics. Not much information where you can read. I think there were audio guides available to pick, but we have must missed to collect. To see the beauty of this place, you need to go on a good weather as mostly is open area. The views are great.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 February 2024
  • Quinny306
    Cornwall, United Kingdom26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit
    We loved the Alcazaba - no it isn’t The Alhambra so don’t expect it but it was built a good few hundred years before it. Still a fantastic value for money (€5) site to visit. Great views across Malaga and a lovely little bar/refreshment place to sit and enjoy the views!
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 February 2024
  • Phyllis T
    Cuenca, Ecuador113 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful surprise in Malaga.
    We were surprised at how much there was to see once inside. When you look at it from the Roman Theater, you don’t realize how large the Alcazaba is. There are amazing views of the city and coastline, fountains, gardens, and lots of lovely intricately carved windows and arches. There are a lot of stairs to see the views, so not recommended for strollers or those with walking issues.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 February 2024
  • vicjt13
    Swindon, United Kingdom30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Alcazaba
    Put your good shoes/trainers on, the walk is long and steep in places but if you take your time and stop often take In the views its well worth it. There is a Wonderfull view of the bull ring and out to sea. There is a caffe/bar within the Alcazaba lovely spot and normal pricing. Entrance pricing very reasonable.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles11,430 reviews
Excellent
5,887
Very good
4,499
Average
912
Poor
88
Terrible
45

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GraceeeeBrown
Birmingham, UK319 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
The Alcazaba is incredible affordable to visit, and if I’m correct actually offers free entry from time to time also. The grounds and buildings and fantastic to wander around although there is little information on them.

The views of Malaga old town are lovely and well worth a trip if you would like to see the city from above.
Written 8 October 2020
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.

Off their P
Manchester, UK4,042 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 • Couples
This wonderful monument was right opposite our balcony so we got great views of it all the time. It is beautiful in the day but even better at night when it is lit up and it drips history from every angle.

True, it is just a ruin but it is well kept and definitely worth a visit.

You can buy a ticket for about €3 for it on its own or €5 if you want to visit the castle as well.

My advice would be to get there early before the cruise ships arrive and you will have a much more relaxing experience.
Written 14 September 2022
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.

Ella H
Malaga, Spain6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
It's a really nice place to visit in the evening when the sun isn't so hot as there is little shade inside. If you go an hour or so before it closes there aren't many people there and you can really appreciate the architecture. You can visit for 30 mins or you could easily spend 3 hours there really looking at everything in detail. There are some nice places to look at views over Malaga (the port, the cathedral, etc.). I would say it is one of the most instagrammable places to visit in Malaga and it is relatively cheap to visit too.
Written 30 August 2021
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.

Beatriz A.P
6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
The visit is nice (it is a curious and interesting place) although there are things that you must have a little imagination, but with the free audio guide it is fine.
However, my terrible opinion is for the organization (I understand the city council or the entity in charge of its management): knowing that they closed at 8:00 p.m., we bought the tickets at 6:50 p.m., asking if we would have time to visit it. The lady at the ticket office, very kindly, told us yes, but that the security guard begins to close at 7:50 p.m. so that people can leave the premises, so we agreed to visit her, knowing the time we had. Being already in the last part of the visit (in the highest area) and with only 2 patios left to see, at 7:35 p.m. we crossed paths with the security guard and found that he had already closed these patios, so we could not We were able to finish the visit (staying longer, as we had been warned when purchasing the ticket). Furthermore, a friend of ours (who had gone in to see those patios and was still inside) found the door closed, so we had to let them know so they could let him out.
It seems disastrous to me that if you pay an entrance fee and know what time the visit closes, the organization does not comply with these schedules.
I certainly do not recommend visiting this place in the afternoon (which is also when it is most beautiful, especially because of the sunset over the city and the colors of the evening).
Google
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.

Dadof2inBRU
Brussels, Belgium83 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This ancient Moorish Castillo is a most impressive castle. The grounds are amazing and the architecture is stunning. Many historical artifacts are displayed as well as mosaics, and other items. A small cafe offers snacks and beverages at reasonable prices. This is truly an impressive place.
Written 6 March 2020
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.

Susan H
London, UK54 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Granted it is smaller, this was still a great opportunity to walk round a sensitively kept Moorish gem without it being absolutely packed with tour groups. It has everything you would expect - traditional gardens with geometric design, lots of water features, classic Med and north African planting, geometric tiling and amazingly intricate plaster work.

The combo ticket with Gibralfaro for E5.50 is a great price.

Wear sensible shoes as it is steep in parts and there are lots of uneven surfaces
Written 25 January 2020
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.

Martin-nitraM
Stockholm, Sweden354 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
Do you like Moorish architecture, beautiful gardens, historical settings and a great view if Malaga? Then this is the place to go! You can buy tickets for both the palace Alcazaba and the castle ruin located higher up on the hill overlooking Malaga, but we settled for only Alcazaba. We spent about one hour there and took some nice pictures. I’m enclosing some samples, hope you like them!
Written 17 February 2020
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.

Kelleygirl2
Sarasota, FL6,291 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The famous fortress, or literally citadel, Alcazaba de Malaga is comprised of two walled enclosures. It was originally connected to the city ramparts that formed a third defensive wall, now only two inner wall remain. The second inner area of the fortress was completely enclosed and punctuated with several defensive towers. The outer citadel is accessed through the “Puerta de la Boveda” or Vault Gate, then the gate doubles back, a design to make it nearly impossible for a surprise takeover of the fortress. We walked some of these dark stone returns imagining the an invader’s shock at what he would find around the next corner.

There is a lot of climbing in these old ruins, which will warm you up even if the sun doesn’t. The pathway we were on wound up to the enclosed gardens and lovely fountains, where we all took turns posing for photos. We then passed through the Gate of the columns, later called the Tower of Christ, that also served as a chapel. Another inner enclosure is accessed through the Gate of the Granada Quarters that acts as the defense for the western side of the palace. This is one place you would not want to go to uninvited (or at a minimum without a tour guide!).
Written 22 November 2020
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.

Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland31,125 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The Arabic name means citadel. This fortress-palace located at the foot of the Gibralfaro hill dates from the Muslim period. It was built between 1057 and 1063.

The best-preserved Alcazaba in Spain combines defensive purposes with the beauty of an Arab palace.

The entrance is situated next to the Roman amphitheater, from where a path climbs to the fortification. Some of the Roman-era materials were reused in the Moorish construction of the Alcazaba.

The views are panoramic over the city and the bay.
Written 14 January 2020
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.

Ramona
Auckland Central, New Zealand640 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
Beautifully maintained and easy walking paths. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes (ie, not heels) as you'll be walking up/down hill on pebbles. It is so special to walk through historical grounds. Sunday's are free however, be careful as this means much bigger crowds.
Written 3 August 2021
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 - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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