Hola! Welcome to Malaga Province, a diverse region in Southern Spain where history meets spectacular landscapes. Beyond the golden beaches, lively towns, and picturesque white villages, this region has some fascinating castles too. From ancient Moorish fortresses to fantasy-like creations, each offering a glimpse into Andalusia’s rich past. Whether you’re a history buff, a photo lover, or just looking for unique day trips, these castles will captivate you. Vamos, let us show you the most striking castles in Malaga Province!
Note. This is our subjective ranking of the TOP5 castles in Malaga Province. So far, we’ve lived in the area for 4 months and these are the ones that we remember the most.
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TOP5 Castles in Malaga Province
Gibralfaro Castle
Our number one castle in Malaga Province is Gibralfaro Castle (es. Castillo de Gibralfaro), located in Malaga’s old town. It’s a striking hilltop fortress built in the 14th century to protect Alcazaba. It features two lines of walls, eight towers, a courtyard, and a lower ground, which in the past was used to house troop barracks and stables.
The best part of the visit? Strolling around the castle walls and admiring panoramic views over the city, the coast, and the surroundings. It’s a truly wonderful experience!
The best way to reach Gibralfaro Castle is on foot, although we must warn you that the hike is quite exhausting. But the views along and at the end are definitely worth it. Alternatively, you can drive up or take bus number 35 from Avenida de Cervantes.
Entrance to Gibralfaro Castle costs €3.5 for a normal ticket and €1.5 for a reduced one (April 2025). You can also buy a combined ticket with the Alcazaba for €5.5/€2.5, which we recommend. If you want to save a buck, you can visit on Sunday after 2pm when the entrance is free. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu website.
Learn more: Things To Do In Malaga Old Town In One Day
Alcazaba of Antequera
Alcazaba of Antequera is one of the most picturesque castles in Andalusia, dominating the hill above the city. It was built in the 14th century during Moorish times to defend Antequera city from Christians attacks. Thanks to the strategic position and sturdy defensive towers, the Moors held off attacks until 1410.
Nowadays, inside the well-preserved Alcazaba, you stroll in the gardens, walk around the castle ramparts, and climb the bell tower. All of that among the sounds of atmospheric Islamic music and with magnificent views over the surroundings. Tour of the Alcazaba ends near the 16th-century Royal Collegiate Church (which is apparently the first built in the Renaissance style in Andalusia) and the Remains of Roman Baths.
Entrance to Alcazaba of Antequera costs 5€ for adults and 3€ for children (April 2025) and includes an audio guide available in different languages. You can also buy a combined ticket with the Royal Collegiate Church for €8/€4. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit spainheritagenetwork.com website.
Without a doubt, it’s one of the best castles in Malaga Province to explore. Oh, and if you want to take a good look at the Alcazaba from a distance, we recommend heading to the Iglesia de Santa María de Jesús, from where it looks the best, at least in our opinion.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Antequera, An Undiscovered Gem In Spain
Colomares Castle
Now get ready for one of the most stunning pieces of architecture you’ll see in your life! Colomares Castle (es. Castillo de Colomares) is the most unique attraction in Benalmadena Pueblo village. Even though it looks like a fairy-tale castle, in reality, it’s a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of America!
The most fascinating facts about Colomares Castle are that it was designed by a doctor (a “bit” obsessed with the life of Christopher Columbus) and then built only by 3 people – dr. Esteban Martin himself and his two friends. Mind blowing!
Today, while wandering around Colomares Castle, you’ll find elements like the three ships Columbus traveled in, gargoyles, or stone maps. It covers an area of 1500 m2, which makes it the largest monument in the world dedicated to the explorer! We think it’s a marvellous piece of architecture, and it quickly became one of our favourite castles in Malaga Province.
Entrance to Colomares Castle costs 3€ for adults and 2€ for children (April 2025). For current prices and opening hours, visit castillomonumentocolomares.com website.
Travel tip. While in Benalmadena Pueblo, you can also head to its coastal area, where Bil Bil Castle is waiting by the beach. It’s a red, Islamic-inspired building built only in the 1930s as a summer house for a rich local family. So yes, it’s rather a decorative modern creation than a ‘castle’ in the historical sense, but still nice to see!
Learn more: Remarkable Colomares Castle In Benalmadena, Spain
Discover more beautiful places in Malaga Province ❤️
Casares Castle
Casares Castle (es. Castillo de Casares) is another interesting position on our ranking of the best castles in Malaga Province. It’s located at the highest point of the Casares hilltop village, located not far from Estepona. It was built in the 13th century and was once an important Moorish stronghold and defensive watchpoint.
To be honest, nowadays not much is left of the castle. It’s mostly in ruins, and what remains are the outer walls and some parts of the walls and towers. So why on earth are we recommending it?!
You see, the main reason why Casares Castle is worth visiting is the magnificent panoramic views from various viewpoints. Views over the village, valleys, hills, mountains, coastal plains, and even Gibraltar or the African coast on a clear day.
From the Casares Castle grounds, you can also admire… birds of prey circling over the village! For the best views, head to a viewpoint called Mirador del Tajo de la Plana – it’s an excellent place for birdwatching. And sometimes the birds come surprisingly close, and even without binoculars, you can get a close look!
To get to Casares Castle, you’ll need to hike steep village streets. But it’s totally worth it as it’s the most picturesque part of the village. Entrance to Castillo de Casares is free, and the area is open 24 hours.
Learn more: 10 Things To Do In Casares, Spain
Alcazaba of Malaga
Our list of the best castles in Malaga Province wouldn’t be complete without the Alcazaba of Malaga, one of the most important landmarks of the region’s capital city. It’s a hilltop Moorish medieval palace-fortress built in the 11th century by King Badis of Granada.
Inside, you can admire defensive elements like watchtowers, crenels, and walls, as well as beautiful, lush gardens, courtyards, ponds, and horseshoe arches. And we can’t forget about the magnificent views over the sea, coast, and surroundings from the Alcazaba grounds!
Entrance to the Alcazaba of Malaga costs €3.5 for a normal ticket and €1.5 for a reduced one (April 2025). You can also buy a combined ticket with Gibralfaro Castle for €5.5/€2.5, which we recommend. If you want to save a buck, you can visit on Sunday after 2pm when entrance is free. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu website.
For a great view from a distance over Alcazaba, head to the Malaga seaside promenade located at the foot of Gibralfaro Castle.
If you want to learn more about the history and hear some intriguing legends of the Alcazaba of Malaga, we recommend taking part in this interesting guided tour with a certified guide.
Learn more: Things To Do In Malaga Old Town In One Day
Castles in Malaga Province – Summing up
As you can see now, there is no shortage of amazing castles in Malaga Province. And exploring them is like walking through the pages of history with breathtaking views at every turn. Whether you’re standing atop ancient walls or wandering through fairytale-like towers, each castle tells a story of the region’s rich and diverse past. We loved exploring those castles, and we hope you’ll too! So… Which one will you explore first?
Looking to explore even more castles? Discover a list of our favorite castles in Andalucia! More from Almeria and Cadiz provinces await you.
