Hotels near Castillo de Gibralfaro

The Castillo de Gibralfaro crowns the highest point of the Malaga hillside, 130 metres above sea level, connected to the Alcazaba below by a double-walled corridor called the coracha. Built by Yusuf I of Granada in the 14th century on an earlier Phoenician lighthouse site, the castle was never successfully taken by force - it fell to Ferdinand and Isabella in 1487 only after a three-month siege that starved out the garrison. The views from the rampart walk are the best in the city: the entire bay of Malaga, the port, the historic centre, and the mountains of the Axarquia coast to the east.

Entry is 3.50 EUR standalone or 5.50 EUR combined with the Alcazaba. The EMT bus route 35 from the city centre passes the Gibralfaro entrance (stop Castillo de Gibralfaro), removing the need to walk up the steep access road in summer heat.

Pro Tip: Take EMT bus 35 up to the Gibralfaro and walk down via the coracha connection to the Alcazaba - this is easier on your knees than the reverse route and gives you the best views on the descent. The bar at the Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro hotel (adjacent to the castle, Camino de Gibralfaro 2) has a terrace with the same views and is open to non-guests.