Tickets to the Alcazaba of Malaga: How to Buy, Schedules, and What to See

The Alcazaba of Malaga is one of the architectural jewels of the Muslim period in the Iberian Peninsula and is located at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro. Built as a fortification that served both for military defense and for the residence of the rulers, with its walls and its labyrinthine structure protected the inhabitants of the city and now serves to reflect the greatness of Andalusian Islamic architecture.

Inside the Alcazaba, you can tour courtyards, gardens and towers, and contemplate the ingenious use the Muslims made of water and vegetation. In addition, from the top of this site you will also find sweeping views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, making this fortification one of the best things to do in Malaga.

The most complete option

Malaga Roman Theater and Alcazaba Guided Tour

A guided tour of the Alcazaba of Malaga, including a visit to the Roman Theater.

You will visit one of the traditional fortresses of Andalusia and you will have the opportunity to discover the Muslim architecture, but you can also see the remains of the Roman Theater of Malaga.

From $18 at Hellotickets

On this guided tour of the Alcazaba you will see the gardens and surrounding buildings, as well as visit the permanent exhibitions inside the fortress, which show archaeological objects found in the foundations of the building and which house everything from ceramics to ancient tools from the Islamic period. You will also be permanently accompanied by an expert local guide.

This guided experience also includes a tour of the Roman Theater, which is located next to the Alcazaba and with its more than 2000 years of history is part of the historical circuit of Malaga. From both buildings you will have the opportunity to contemplate the wide views of the city and learn about the past of the city, which was one of the most important in the Iberian Peninsula during the Arab domination.

Recommended if... You want to take a complete guided tour of the historical foundations of the city in an experience that includes the iconic building of Malaga: the Alcazaba.

Ticket prices for the Alcazaba of Malaga, which is one of the most popular attractions in the city, depend on the option you choose. The general ticket for the complex has an initial cost of approximately 3.50 euros, although if you decide to also buy the ticket for the Gibralfaro Castle, which is the main building of the fortress, you can buy a joint ticket that costs approximately 5.50 euros.

However, please note that you can also opt for tickets that include the guided tour. The general rate is 10 euros per person, while students and senior citizens pay approximately 8 euros and children between the ages of 6 and 12 pay a rate of 6 euros. Children under 6 years of age accompanied by a responsible adult may enter free of charge.

Please note that the guided tour tickets only apply to the Alcazaba and do not include a tour of the Castle. Also, if you are looking for an economical option, remember that on Sunday afternoons from 14.00 hours access is free, allowing local visitors and tourists to enjoy the Alcazaba at no cost.

If you want to opt for a complete alternative, you can buy a guided tour of the Alcazaba of Malaga that also includes a tour of the Roman Theater, another of the popular historical buildings of the city, which is located in the old town area.

Useful information

• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm.
• Address: C/ Alcazabilla, 2, Distrito Centro, Málaga.
• How to get there: by bus lines N1 and A to Parque de Málaga and by Metro line L1 to Atarazanas station.

There are several types of tickets for the Alcazaba of Malaga, suitable for different types of visitors. The general admission ticket allows full access to the fortress for 3.50 euros. In addition, for those who want to make the most of their visit, there is a joint ticket that includes both the Alcazaba and the nearby Gibralfaro Castle, at a price of 5.50 euros.

La Alcazaba, in turn, offers reduced tickets for certain groups of people, such as students, retirees and minors, who will pay 1.50 euros. On the other hand, on Sundays from 2 p.m., access is free for all visitors.

As for the possibility of avoiding queues, there are options to purchase tickets without waiting. Purchasing advance tickets online is one of the best ways to avoid long lines at the ticket office, especially in high season. These queue-free tickets provide faster access to the monument and will allow you to make the most of your stay in the city, especially if you plan to visit Malaga in summer, when the influx of tourists is higher.

When you buy tickets for the Alcazaba of Malaga you will immerse yourself in a journey through the history of the city, exploring one of the most important monuments of the Muslim period in the Iberian Peninsula. The Alcazaba, built in the 11th century by the Muslim rulers of Andalusia, will allow you to discover a walled fortress, popular for its defensive architecture and surrounding gardens.

Also, one of the main attractions you will see inside the Alcazaba is the set of courtyards and interior gardens. These spaces, decorated with fountains and typical Arab vegetation are designed to offer tranquility, replicating the Andalusian style of the time. From the top of the Alcazaba you will also have the opportunity to contemplate the defense towers and the wide views of the Mediterranean coast.

If you choose to book the guided tour of the Alcazaba of Malaga and other nearby attractions, such as the Cathedral and the Roman Theater, you can discover in the same tour other historic buildings of this destination and the remains of the ancient citadel, which still remain standing Roman columns of some structures.

In addition, if you opt for the combined ticket that includes the Gibralfaro Castle, you can climb to this other monument located on the upper hill. From there, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the monumental complex of the Alcazaba, better understanding the strategic role of both buildings in the defense of the city.

The tickets for the Alcazaba are included in the Malaga Pass, which is one of the most popular tourist cards of the city and which includes access to the fortress and also to the Gibralfaro Castle, plus you will also have at your disposal to book tickets for the Picasso Museum and the Pompidou Center. This pass is ideal for those who want to discover the most emblematic places of the city in a comfortable and money-saving way.

This pass, in addition to allowing queue-free entry to several monuments, often includes additional services such as sightseeing bus tours, discounts at restaurants and stores, and entrance to museums and exhibitions. It is an attractive option for those who wish to maximize their experience in the city without compromising their budget and making the most of their visiting time.

In addition to general passes, there are other types of sightseeing combinations that can include the Alcazaba as part of specific cultural or historical tours. Some of these tours include expert guided tours of the Roman Theater, the Cathedral and other buildings in the old town.

The answer as to whether the tourist pass is appropriate will depend on the tour plan you have for your itinerary through the city. If you are someone who wants to visit several places when you visit a site, then the tourist cards could help you save money and time with skip-the-line tickets. It will also be useful if you plan to visit Malaga in 4 days or even less and need to get away from delays and crowded ticket offices.

You can book tickets that include a guided tour of the Alcazaba of Malaga, allowing you to explore this monument accompanied by an expert guide. These tickets can be purchased through tourist platforms or local agencies, and usually combine access to the Alcazaba with detailed explanations about the history, architecture and the main curiosities of the site.

Guided tours of the Alcanzaba usually last between an hour and an hour and a half, offering a deeper and contextualized view of the fortress. In addition, opting for this modality will prevent you from missing details about this site, which is one of the most popular and most visited in Andalusia.

Another advantage of guided tours is the possibility of knowing in depth details about the construction of the monument, from the use of reused materials from previous eras, such as Roman columns, to the defensive innovations that made the Alcazaba a virtually impregnable fortress in its time. In addition, the guide will be able to answer your questions and personalize the visit.

Yes, the Alcazaba of Malaga offers discounted tickets for various groups of visitors. Students, senior citizens and minors can benefit from reduced rates or free access. For these groups, the entrance fee to the Alcazaba is 1.50 euros, instead of the general price of 3.50 euros that applies to all other visitors.

It is also one of the best plans to do with children in Malaga, because children under 6 years old get in for free. In turn, consider that in the case of family groups it is usually beneficial to opt for guided tours of the Alcazaba, because you can have a private expert local guide who will summarize the history of the site.

To access these discounted tickets it is necessary to present documentation proving the corresponding condition. For example, students must prove their student status , while retirees over 60 years of age must present a document certifying their age.

In addition to discounts for specific groups, the fortress also offers free access on Sundays from 2 p.m., an excellent option for those who wish to visit the monument free of charge. However, I advise you to check the opening hours of the Alcazaba of Malaga, which may change if you plan to visit the city during the winter.

Children under 6 years old who are accompanied by a responsible adult can enter for free, so the answer is yes, the Alcazaba offers special tickets for the little ones. Also, if you plan to visit Malaga in December, this site is usually illuminated with Christmas motifs, as well as its surroundings, which adds a festive touch to the experience.

For children over 6 years old, however, there is no specific reduced price, but the general rates are still quite affordable. The general admission cost for adults is €3.50, and the reduced price, which could apply to certain cases such as organized school visits, is €1.50 per visitor. Note that in the case of the joint ticket children aged 6 and 12 pay only €6, instead of the €10 general rate.

While there are no specific guided tours for children, many guides gear their explanations towards families and can be adapted to keep the interest of the little ones. In addition, the interior of the Alcazaba offers a display of archaeological material that is considered one of the best museums in Malaga and that children will love for its didactic and interactive displays.

Buying tickets in advance online for the Alcazaba of Malaga instead of at the box office offers several advantages that make this option worthwhile. As a first step, this method will avoid the queues that usually form at the entrance, especially in high season or on weekends. This will not only save you time, but will also improve the overall experience of the visit.

Also, if you buy your tickets in advance online you will be able to plan your visit with more peace of mind. You will ensure your ticket for the day and time of your choice, avoiding the possibility of tickets selling out, something that can happen on busy days. In addition, many online platforms allow you to choose between different types of tickets, such as those combined with other monuments or those that include guided tours.

Also consider that organizing your own travel itinerary in an organized way will allow you to participate in other experiences, such as the best boat tours in Malaga or the gastronomic tours offered by the city.

Finally, don't forget that rates are dynamic and if you wait until you arrive in the city to buy your tickets you may have to pay significantly higher prices than you will find in advance on the internet.

• Organize an organized itinerary. The Alcazaba is one of the most popular attractions in the city, but it is located in a rather large complex. If you choose the joint option, you will have to go all the way to the top of the hill to visit the Gibralfaro Castle, so you won't be able to do it in a hurry and you will need at least 3 to 4 hours to enjoy an enjoyable tour .
• Opt for a guided tour. Although you can tour the site on your own because it is well signposted and with many explanatory signs, the Alcazaba has more than 1000 years of history and an expert local guide could help you to make sure you don't miss a detail. In addition, these professionals will also be able to recommend other nearby attractions, such as where to book the wine and tapas tour in Malaga.
• Hurry up to book and save money. If you are determined to visit the Alcazaba, do not wait until you arrive in the city to buy tickets or guided tours. This will result in you paying higher prices and having to wait at the ticket office. In addition, you may not be able to find a place on the chosen date and time, so buy in advance!