Gibralfaro Castle crowns the hill above Málaga and offers the finest views in the city. It was built in the 14th century by Yusuf I, the Nasrid king of Granada, to protect the Alcazaba below. Its name comes from the Arabic for “mountain of the lighthouse”: a lighthouse is said to have stood here long before.
What to see
The walls
The best part of the visit is the walk along the ramparts, with the city at your feet: the port, the cathedral, the bullring and the Malagueta beach, and on clear days the mountains behind.
The small museum
An exhibition in the old powder store shows the castle’s military history, with uniforms, weapons and models.
Getting there
- On foot: a steep but beautiful path climbs from the Alcazaba area in about 20–30 minutes.
- By bus: city buses go up the hill – handy in summer.
Tips
- Go up by bus and walk down to save energy.
- Sunset is spectacular from the viewpoint just below the castle.
- Bring water and a hat: there is little shade on the walls.
