Hotels near Alcazaba Malaga

The Alcazaba (Calle Alcazabilla 2) is an 11th-century Moorish fortress-palace built on a Roman foundation, rising in terraced walls and towers from the edge of the historic centre to a commanding position above the harbour. It was built between 1057 and 1063 under the Hammudid dynasty and later expanded under the Nasrids of Granada. The route through the complex passes through double-walled entrance gates, gardens with fountains, and rooms with original Moorish plasterwork, reaching a palace section at the summit with views over the port and the Mediterranean.

Entry is 3.50 EUR; combined tickets with the Castillo de Gibralfaro (reachable by path from the top of the Alcazaba) cost 5.50 EUR. Opening hours are 9 AM to 8 PM in summer. The views from the upper terraces over the Roman Theatre immediately below and the harbour beyond are among the best urban viewpoints in Andalusia.

Pro Tip: Visit at 9 AM when it opens, before the tour groups arrive and before the hilltop gardens become hot. Buy the combined Alcazaba + Castillo de Gibralfaro ticket at the entrance - the Gibralfaro is accessible by a 30-minute uphill path from the Alcazaba top, giving even better harbour views.