Visit Gibralfaro Castle in Malaga
Perched high above the city, Gibralfaro Castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro) is one of Málaga’s most famous landmarks — and one of the best places to admire the city from above. The fortress overlooks the Alcazaba, the harbour, and the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, making it a favourite for travellers, photographers, and history lovers alike.
Whether you’re interested in its medieval past, want to capture incredible sunset views, or simply enjoy a quiet walk through ancient walls, Gibralfaro Castle offers a memorable experience during your stay in this southern coastal city on mainland Spain.
Walking the Scenic Path to Gibralfaro Castle
If you enjoy a good walk, the zig-zag path up Mount Gibralfaro is one of the most rewarding short hikes in Málaga. The trail begins right next to the Alcazaba Fortress, making it a perfect route for visitors exploring both sites in one morning or afternoon.
The cobbled pathway winds gently up the hillside through pine trees and Mediterranean shrubs, with plenty of shady spots where you can take a break. Along the way, you’ll notice a low stone wall running beside the track — many walkers use it as a natural bench to rest and enjoy the breeze.
As you climb higher, the views open up beautifully over the old town, bullring, and the port of Málaga. Several viewpoints line the route — including the well-known Mirador de la Costa, one of the most popular stops for photos. You really can’t miss them, as each terrace offers a new angle of the city and coastline below.
The hike typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you pause for photos. Apart from a steep incline It’s a fairly easy walk, but in summer the heat can be strong, so it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the light is softer and the air cooler.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views — a perfect introduction to the castle’s history and the landscape it was built to defend.
What to See at Gibralfaro Castle
Exploring Gibralfaro Castle is like stepping into another time. As you pass through the ancient gateway and follow the stone paths, you can almost imagine the soldiers who once guarded the walls. The first thing that captures your attention is the panoramic view — from the castle ramparts you can see all of the city's laid out below: the cathedral’s bell tower, the circular bullring, the busy harbour, and the blue curve of the Mediterranean. It’s one of those rare places where you can truly take in the whole city at once.
Inside the castle grounds, you’ll find a sense of calm that contrasts beautifully with the buzz of the city below. The courtyards are peaceful, shaded by trees and surrounded by the soft sound of wind through the pines. It’s an ideal spot to pause, take a breath, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of history.
There’s also a small museum inside the former guardhouse. It displays military uniforms, maps, and models that help you picture how Gibralfaro once functioned as a stronghold above the Alcazaba. The exhibits are simple but give you a good glimpse into the castle’s role in Malaga’s Moorish and later Spanish past.
As you wander along the ramparts, every turn reveals a new angle of the city — the coastline to the east, the mountains to the north, and the glittering sea stretching endlessly south.
More reason to visit:
- Historic Significance: Walk through centuries of history, from Phoenician roots to Moorish innovation and Spanish conquest.
- Architecture & Defense: Explore ancient watchtowers, fortified walls, and the Interpretation Center, which displays artifacts and models explaining the castle’s history and defenses.
- Photography Spot: A popular location for travel photography and sunset lovers.
History of Gibralfaro Castle
The site originally housed a Phoenician lighthouse, which gave the hill its name — “Gibralfaro” means Mountain of the Lighthouse. In the 14th century, Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada, built the fortress to strengthen the it’s defences.
The castle became famous for the siege of 1487, when the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, surrounded it during their conquest of Málaga. After a long battle, the castle fell — and the city’s coat of arms still includes an image of Gibralfaro to this day.
How to Get There
You can reach the castle in several ways:
- On foot: From the Alcazaba or city centre, follow the Camino de Gibralfaro trail. It’s a steep but scenic 20–30-minute walk with excellent viewpoints along the way.
- By bus: Local bus No. 35 stops right near the entrance, departing from the city centre (near Parque de Málaga).
- By taxi: A convenient option if you prefer to skip the climb.
- By car: There’s limited parking at the top of the hill.
🗺️ Address: Camino Gibralfaro, s/n, 29016 Málaga, Spain
📍 GPS Coordinates: 36.7264° N, 4.4130° W
Insider Tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and softer light.
- Wear comfortable shoes, especially if walking up the hill. Sunset is magical — the city lights slowly appear as the sun sinks behind the mountains.
- Bring water and sunscreen, especially in summer.
- Plan to visit both Gibralfaro and Alcazaba is cost effectives and adding to your what to do in Malaga trip.
Opening Times
Summer Hours (April 1 to October 31) Opening at 9:00a.m. and closes at 08:00p.m. Last admission is at 07:15p.m. Open everyday.
Winter opening hours (November 1 – March 31) : Opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. (Last admission at 5:15 p.m.). Opens everyday.
Where to Buy Tickets
You can purchase tickets online, at the ticket offices located at the entrance of the Castle, or through third-party tour operators like GetYourGuide or Viator.
Ticket Prices
3.50 euros when you are visiting either Alcazaba Castle or Gibralfaro Fortress. However, if you decides to visit both monuments you pay 5.50 euros as a combination ticket. (recommended)
Reduced Ticket Prices -
Group entries for 10 or more people prices are 2.50 euros for one of the two historic sites or 4.00 euros to visit both castles.
For:
- Students
- Over 65´s
- Retirees
- Unemployed
prices are 1.50 euros to enter one of the two historic sites or 2.50 euros for visiting both.
Free Admission -
- on Sundays after 2p.m. you pay nada. Nothing
- children under 6
- on public holidays including - Andalucia Day, International Museum Day, World Tourism Day and European Heritage Days, again, you pay nada.