Castillo de Gibralfaro

The Castillo de Gibralfaro crowns the hill of the same name — from the Arabic Jabal Faruk, "mount of the lighthouse" — high above Málaga. Built in the 14th century by the Nasrid ruler Yusuf I to garrison troops and protect the Alcazaba below, it was once reckoned the most impregnable fortress in all Al-Andalus. A double line of walls ties it to the Alcazaba, and its enclosure is ringed by some 733 m of rampart with eight towers — the stage of the Catholic Monarchs' 1487 siege of Málaga. From its walkable ramparts and viewpoints you look out over the city, the port, the bay and the Montes de Málaga beyond. Good to know: General entry is €7 · a combined Alcazaba + Gibralfaro ticket is €10 · reduced €3 · free for everyone on Sundays from 14:00. Open winter (1 Nov–31 Mar) 9:00–18:00 and summer (1 Apr–31 Oct) 9:00–20:00, last entry an hour before closing. Reach it on foot up a steep path, by bus line 35, or by car.

WHAT HAPPENS

The shape of it

A 14th-century hilltop castle

Built in the 14th century under the Nasrid ruler Yusuf I to garrison troops and shield the Alcazaba below, it was reputed the most impregnable fortress in all Al-Andalus.

The best view over the bay

From its walkable ramparts and viewpoints you look down over the city, the port, the bullring, the bay and the Montes de Málaga beyond.

Ramparts linked to the Alcazaba

A double line of walls ties the castle to the Alcazaba below; the enclosure is ringed by some 733 m of rampart with eight towers, the stage of the Catholic Monarchs' 1487 siege of Málaga.

FROM THE FLOOR

What you're walking into

SCHEDULE

When to go

Year-round

GOOD TO KNOW

Before you go

Winter (1 Nov–31 Mar): 9:00–18:00, last entry 17:00. Summer (1 Apr–31 Oct): 9:00–20:00, last entry 19:00.

General entry €7; combined Alcazaba + Gibralfaro ticket €10; reduced €3. Free for everyone on Sundays from 14:00 until closing.

It sits atop Mount Gibralfaro — reach it on foot up a steep path, by city bus line 35, or by car; wear comfortable shoes for the climb and the ramparts.

GETTING THERE

Where it is

Open in Maps

Castillo de Gibralfaro