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Europe Spain Malaga Do & See Gibralfaro Castle

Overview

Gibralfaro Castle

The guide was updated: 2025-07-15

Built in the 1300s to protect the Alcazaba and house troops, Gibralfaro Castle still has walkable ramparts with some of the best views over Malaga, the port, and the coastline. Inside, there’s a small military museum. The name comes from Jabal-Faruk, meaning 'hill of the lighthouse' in Arabic. The castle was also the site of a long siege in 1487, when Catholic forces took the city from the Moors.

Useful Information

Address: Camino Gibralfaro, 11, Malaga
Opening hours: Daily 9am–8pm
Website: alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu/en/index.html

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Malaga's Old Town

Malaga's Old Town

Wandering through Malaga’s Old Town is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city. The maze of narrow streets still follows the original Moorish layout — winding paths that offer shade during the heat and open into small squares lined with cafés, churches, and tapas bars. It's an easy place to get a bit lost in the best way possible. At its heart is Plaza de la Constitución, the city’s main square since medieval times. Nearby, Calle Larios is the grand pedestrian street — good for shopping, people-watching, or just walking under the seasonal lights and decorations. The area’s full of small shops, old buildings, and hidden corners that tell Málaga’s layered story.

Alcazaba

Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is an 11th-century palatial fortification which stands as a testament to Malaga’s rich Moorish past. You can walk up if you’re feeling active, or take the bus if it’s too hot — it drops you near the top. Inside, it’s a mix of stone walls, arches, and quiet courtyards with views out over Malaga and the port.

Gibralfaro Castle

Gibralfaro Castle

Built in the 1300s to protect the Alcazaba and house troops, Gibralfaro Castle still has walkable ramparts with some of the best views over Malaga, the port, and the coastline. Inside, there’s a small military museum. The name comes from Jabal-Faruk, meaning 'hill of the lighthouse' in Arabic. The castle was also the site of a long siege in 1487, when Catholic forces took the city from the Moors.

Malaga's Beaches

Malaga's Beaches

Malaga’s coastline runs right along the city, so you don’t need to go far for a swim. The main stretch starts near the port along the Paseo de Pablo Ruiz Picasso. La Malagueta is the most central beach — about 10 minutes from the Old Town — with dark sand, showers, toilets, and sunbeds for hire. You’ll spot the big Malagueta sign where everyone stops for photos. The beach is lined with chiringuitos, casual seafood spots where you can try grilled sardines (espetos) cooked over open fire. La Caleta, just a bit further east, is quieter but has the same setup — clean, calm water, and easy access.

Malaga Cathedral (La Manquita)

Malaga Cathedral (La Manquita)

Locals call it La Manquita — 'the one-armed lady' — because only one of its towers was ever finished. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the cathedral mixes Renaissance design with a Baroque front. It actually sits on the site of a former mosque, and you can still spot a few traces of that. There's a long-running rumour that money meant for the second tower went to support the American War of Independence — not confirmed, but it’s part of the local lore.

Plaza de la Merced

Plaza de la Merced

One of Málaga’s liveliest squares, Plaza de la Merced is known for its statue of Picasso sitting on a bench — a nod to the artist who was born just a few steps away. The square has a long history as a public meeting spot, once home to a local market (hence the name Merced, tied to trade). These days, it’s a social hub with cafés, bars, and outdoor tables where people linger late into the evening.

Picasso Museum

Picasso Museum

Picasso was born in Malaga, so it makes sense there’s a museum dedicated to him here. It’s inside a 16th-century palace, and the collection comes straight from his family — over 200 works, covering a bit of everything: painting, sketching, ceramics, even sculpture. Just around the corner at Plaza de la Merced, you can also visit the house where he was born.

Centre Pompidou Malaga

Centre Pompidou Malaga

A colourful glass cube by the port marks the only Pompidou outside France. Inside, there’s a mix of modern and contemporary art from the main collection in Paris, with rotating exhibits and some permanent works. Expect big names like Frida Kahlo (The Frame is here), plus a few thematic sections covering identity, the body, politics, and more.

Port of Malaga

Port of Malaga

The Port of Malaga is still a working port, but these days you’re more likely to spot cruise ships and yachts than cargo. The waterfront’s been cleaned up nicely — Muelle Uno is the modern bit, with restaurants, shops, and an art museum (Pompidou Centre)—good spot for a walk, a coffee, or just watching ships come and go. You’re right by the Old Town too, so it's easy to swing by.

Roman Theatre

Roman Theatre

Right at the base of the Alcazaba, this is Malaga’s oldest surviving structure — built in the 1st century BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was in use for a few hundred years, then mostly forgotten. When the Moors arrived, they used stones from the theatre to help build the Alcazaba above it. For centuries, it was completely buried. It wasn’t rediscovered until the 1950s, when construction workers stumbled on it by accident. These days, it’s been partly restored and open to the public. You can walk around the site and even catch the occasional open-air performance in summer.

El Caminito del Rey Hike

El Caminito del Rey Hike

Around an hour outside Málaga, this cliffside path takes you through narrow walkways, deep gorges, and a high suspension bridge at the end. It’s about 8 km one-way and takes a few hours, depending on your pace. It used to be known as dangerous, but it’s now rebuilt and safe, with handrails and a clear path the whole way. You’ll need to book ahead, and there’s a shuttle at the end that takes you back to where you started. The views are what people come for — steep rock faces, bright blue water, and huge open skies.

Cueva del Tesoro

Cueva del Tesoro

A few kilometres outside Málaga in Rincón de la Victoria, this marine cave is one of the few in the world formed by water erosion. It’s small but interesting, with narrow tunnels, odd rock shapes, and some ancient cave paintings. People lived here as far back as the Palaeolithic, and there’s a local legend about hidden treasure — hence the name.

Malaga Park

Malaga Park

Running alongside the port, Malaga Park (also called Parque de la Alameda) is a long, shaded stretch filled with exotic plants, fountains, and old sculptures. It was built on reclaimed land in the late 1800s and has a bit of that faded old-world charm. Not huge, but a good spot to cool off, take a slow walk, or just sit under the palm trees for a break from the sun.

Montes de Malaga Natural Park

Montes de Malaga Natural Park

Just 20 minutes from the city, the Montes de Malaga Natural Park is a good escape if you want fresh air and quiet. It’s all hills, pine forests, and winding dirt trails — great for walking, cycling, or just taking a break from the coast. If you're lucky, you might spot eagles, owls, or even a wild boar. There’s also a small museum that offers a glimpse into the region's traditional winemaking and olive oil practices. Best accessed by car, though there are also hiking routes that start just outside the city.

Feria de Agosto

Feria de Agosto

Malaga’s biggest party of the year happens every August. It kicks off with fireworks and runs for about a week, with two main zones: one in the city centre during the day, and the official fairgrounds (a bit outside town) at night. Expect dancing in the streets, horses, live music, plenty of flamenco dresses, and locals handing you a glass of sweet wine. There are food stalls, rides, and casetas (tent bars) blasting everything from traditional Sevillanas to reggaeton.

Playa de las Acacias

Playa de las Acacias

This small beach sits between Pedregalejo and El Palo, in a quieter part of town east of the centre. It’s popular with locals, with calm water, a relaxed vibe, and a wide promenade behind it. There are a few chiringuitos nearby if you want seafood or a cold drink, and it’s a good spot for a more laid-back beach day away from La Malagueta.

Hammam Al Ándalus

Hammam Al Ándalus

Recharge your batteries with a traditional Arab bath experience — rotating between hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and optional massages. The space is calm and atmospheric, with arches, mosaics, and soft lighting that make it feel miles away from the city, even though you’re right in the centre. Good spot for a proper reset after a long day of sightseeing.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Just outside the city, this 19th-century garden was once the private estate of the Loring-Heredia family. Today it’s open to the public, with winding paths, tropical and subtropical plants, a huge collection of palms, and even a Roman aqueduct tucked between the trees.

Wine Museum

Wine Museum

Set in an old 18th-century palace, this small museum provides visitorws with a decent overview of Malaga’s wine history — especially the sweet fortified wines the region is known for. You’ll see old labels, tools, and learn a bit about traditional production methods. There’s also a tasting at the end, which is probably the main reason to go.

Church of the Holy Martyrs Ciriaco and Paula

Church of the Holy Martyrs Ciriaco and Paula

If you enjoy the history and splendour of old churches, Iglesia de los Santos Mártires Ciriaco y Paula will certainly impress you. Built in the 15th century in Gothic style, the church's exterior boasts intricate detailing and a majestic bell tower, while the interior features beautiful stained glass windows and ornate altars.

Museum of Glass and Crystal

Museum of Glass and Crystal

Tucked inside a restored 18th-century house, this small museum holds a surprisingly broad collection of decorative glass — everything from ancient pieces to Art Deco. Each room is set up with period furniture, so it feels more like walking through someone’s home than a typical museum.

Colección del Museo Ruso

Colección del Museo Ruso

This compact museum brings a slice of Russian art and culture to Malaga, with pieces borrowed from the Leningrad State Museum. The collection covers everything from grand, classical works to more modern, postmodern stuff. They also run events like talks, music performances, and readings. Audio guides and tours are available.

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