You might be surprised to discover that Malaga province is dotted with dozens of defensive and decorative castles. Some date back centuries to the times of the Moors, while others are more recent. Some have strategic positions, a key to defending the surroundings, others are more palace-like. We’ve rounded up the best castles on the Costa del Sol, all well worth a visit when you’re next in the area.
Best castle for a glimpse into palatial life – the Alcazaba in Malaga
The fortress was built in the 11th century and, although heavily restored, it still gives you a good idea of what life in a Moorish palace would have been like. Stroll through patios, gardens and terraces before you reach the palace proper at the top. Its intricate carving, stucco and ceilings are reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada but on a much smaller scale.
The views of Malaga Port are particularly beautiful. Plus, you have good vantage points of the city from the Alcazaba walls and you can walk along several stretches.
Need to know
Open daily. €3.50 (€5.50 combined with Gibralfaro Castle), free after 2pm on Sunday. Allow 1-2 hours. More information here.
While you’re there
Discover the other amazing monuments in the centre of Malaga – all our Road Trips take you on a guided tour.
Best castle for a family visit – the Alcazaba in Antequera
We like this castle for several reasons, but mostly for its fabulous views over the Antequera plain and its towers and battlements. They make perfect exploring territory if you’re visiting with younger sightseers.
The castle dates back to Roman times and the main tower to the 13th century. It was mainly residential rather than defensive, and much of it lies in ruins except a few restored areas.
Need to know
Open daily, €4
While you’re there
Don’t miss Antequera’s dolmens, dating back to 2,500BC and among the most important in Spain. Cueva de Menga is the largest (don’t miss the perfect view of the Antequera plain and Peña de los Enamorados rock from its entrance), while Cueva de Viera is smaller. The third, El Romeral, is 2km away from the others and has unusual domed ceilings in its two burial chambers. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Free entry.
Did you know?
Our History and Heritage Road Trip comes packed with historic monuments up and down the Costa del Sol, including castles. Get your copy for just €4.95.
Best castle near the Caminito del Rey – Álora Castle
Perched on a hilltop (it’s a steep climb up), Álora Castle has some of the most commanding views in the area. It’s one of the oldest castles on the Costa del Sol – Phoenician remains have been found here – and is now mostly ruined. Climb (further) up the main tower for even better views.
Need to know
Open daily. Free entry
While you’re there
Don’t miss the Caminito del Rey, one of the top attractions on the Costa del Sol and one of the must-dos on all our Road Trips. For more information, read this guide to the Caminito del Rey.
Best castle for a concert – Sohail Castle in Fuengirola
If you enjoy a music festival, Sohail Castle in Fuengirola hosts some of the best on the Costa del Sol in the summer. But it also has lovely sea views and makes the perfect place for a picnic.
Its origins are Moorish from the 12th century and there isn’t much left of the original fortress nowadays. You can walk along part of the battlements and visit the inside of a couple of the original towers.
Need to know
Open Tuesday to Friday mornings only; weekends mornings and afternoons. Free entry.
While you’re there
Take a stroll along the riverside walkway or follow the Sendero Litoral (coastal path) west as far as you like (it runs beyond Estepona!).
Read our guide to music festivals on the Costa del Sol
Best castle for Mediterranean and Atlantic views – Casares Castle
Just the ruins remain of this castle, perched at the very top of one of the Costa del Sol’s signature white villages. But while the stones give you no more than a vague idea of what this 13th-century castle once looked like, the views are something else. We think these vistas rank as some of the best in the western Costa del Sol because you can literally see for miles in every direction. And yes, those are the Rif Mountains in Morocco to the south.
Need to know
Open daily. Free entry.
While you’re there
Check out the local foodie scene where goat’s cheese and white wine from nearby Manilva take centre stage.
Did you know?
Our Foodie Experience Road Trip takes you on a gourmet feast for six nights around the Costa del Sol. Tempted? Download yours for just €4.95.
Best castle for Crusaders history – Teba Castle
Known as the Castle of the Star, Teba Castle paints a forbidding picture and appears an impenetrable fortress. Teba Castle was a key part of the Christian conquest of Andalusia, and the Scot, Sir James Douglas, was one of the heroes in gaining the castle from the Moors in 1330. It once had 18 towers, now mostly in ruins but you can visit the inside of the four-storey residential tower, where there’s an interesting visitor’s centre.
Need to know
Open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 3pm. €2
While you’re there
Continue your journey to Ronda, one of the most beautiful towns in Andalusia and an overnight stop on all our road trips. When in Ronda, check these out.
Best castle to stay in – Monda Castle
Unlike other castles on the Costa del Sol, this one is a boutique hotel. It has 12th-century Moorish origins but soon fell into disrepair. This series of photos shows the castle’s history.
Monda Castle took its present form in 1996 when the 28-year conversion process ended. Today, the 4-star hotel offers quality accommodation, a restaurant and wellness services.
Need to know
The hotel and restaurant are open all year round.
While you’re there
Use Monda as your gateway to Sierra de las Nieves National Park, one of Andalusia’s prime scenic spots and a great place for hiking, biking and riding.
Read our guide to national parks on the Costa del Sol
Best castle within an old quarter – Marbella Castle
Little remains of Marbella Castle except for its walls and a couple of towers. They date back to the 10th century, making it one of the oldest castles on the Costa del Sol. Today, they form part of the backdrop to the charming old town – look out for them as you wander around – and be sure to walk up to the top, where you can see several houses at the heart of the old castle.
Need to know
You can see a large chunk of the castle walls from the north side of the old town.
While you’re there
Don’t miss the rest of the old town with its pretty alleyways and squares, where it’s surprisingly easy to get away from the crowds.
Best modern castle – Colomares Castle in Benalmádena
As ornate as they come, this castle is also the newest on the Costa del Sol. Built between 1987 and 1994, its design mixes Romanic, Gothic and Mudejar art in its decorative façade and features. It’s also home to the smallest chapel in the world.
Need to know
Open Monday to Sunday, but you can only visit the outside. €3
While you’re there
Check out the great family activities in Benalmádena and nearby Fuengirola. Our Family Fun Road Trip lists them and many more.
Best castle for views of the eastern Costa del Sol – Vélez-Málaga Castle
With a lofty position above the town and great views of the sea and countryside, Vélez-Málaga castle was built in the 10th century and played a vital strategic role in the 14th and 15th centuries. It has a ring of walls, some of which you can see as you walk up to the castle.
Need to know
Open daily, but visits to the inside of the keep are at weekends only, 11am to 2pm. Free entry.
While you’re there
Vélez-Málaga is the capital of the Axarquia mountain region, packed with stunning scenery and beautiful white villages. It’s also home to excellent Malaga wines.
Did you know?
Our collection of road trip e-guides takes you round the Costa del Sol to discover the best it has to offer, whatever your interests. Check out our ‘library’ and remember that discounts apply as soon as you buy more than one e-guide.