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Castillo de Gibralfaro

11 Camino Gibralfaro, Málaga, Andalucía

Description

The castle of Gibralfaro was a fortress built by the Phoenicians (7th century BC) and then enlarged and converted into an alcazar in the 14th century to house troops and protect the Alcazaba. Architecturally, there are two lines of defensive walls and eight towers. Sitting 130m above sea levels, it was considered one of the most impregnable fortresses of all al-Andalus. It was successfully besieged, though, by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487, the siege ending when hunger forced the Arabs to surrender. Trivia: the Phoenician enclosure contained a lighthouse and the hill is named Gibralforo after it ('Jbel-Faro' etymology refers to hilltop and lighthouse)

Access & Transport

Address: 11 Camino de Gibralfaro, Málaga. The easiest is to skirt past the Alcazaba, walking 20mins along Paseo de Don Juan Temboury. Alternatively, bus 35 goes directly to the Castle and runs approx. every 30'. For those with a car, onsite parking is available

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this activity with a stroll through Málaga Park and/or some time at Malagueta Beach.

Meta review

Online comments consistently describe the views as the highlight of a visit. The walk up can be tiresome under hot weather but is rewarding. The complex itself is only mildly interesting and there isn't any explanation in English so you should download the audio-tour on your mobile phone.

Environmental & Social

Green activity except for some electricity consumption (lighting). Helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritage

Conclusion

The Castillo de Gibralfaro probably has the best views in town and, though it might be underwhelming in terms of visit, it does have an interesting history, impressive fortifications and a very affordable entrance fee.

Key positive

Excellent views from the top

Photogenic defensive walls

Key negative

Not much to visit

Lack of written explanations

Suitability

Only a few sections are accessible for wheelchair users - not the walls so not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility, in our opinion

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY09:00 - 20:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 20:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 20:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 20:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 20:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 20:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 20:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY09:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Group price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€1.5
2.5
Adult
18 - 64
€3.5
2.5
Teen & Young
12 - 17
€1.5
2.5
Child
3 - 11
€0
0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
0
Website does not state the child cut-off age for entrance fee, so we have assumed 12 years old

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