The Alcazaba of Málaga

The Alcazaba is a fortified palace complex built during the Muslim rule of southern Spain. It combined an active military base with defensive towers and residential quarters for city governors, functioning as an independent walled town on the slopes of Mount Gibralfaro.

No, filming did not happen here. Many travel blogs confuse this site with the Real Alcázar of Seville, which served as the Water Gardens of Dorne, or the Castle of Zafra. Málaga's fortress has a very similar Mudéjar and Moorish visual style, which causes the mix-up.

Most people spend between an hour and an hour and a half wandering the ramparts, gardens, and palace rooms. If you plan to hike the steep path up to Gibralfaro afterward, budget at least three hours in total.

The walled corridor connecting the two, known as the Coracha, is closed off internally for preservation reasons. You must exit the Alcazaba and walk along the scenic outdoor pine trail that runs alongside the outer walls to reach Gibralfaro.

If you have half a day and comfortable walking shoes, the combined €5.50 ticket is worth every cent. You get wide views over the port from the top castle and can split the visits across two days.

No lockers or left-luggage facilities exist inside the monument. You will need to use private luggage drop shops near Plaza de la Marina or Calle Cortina del Muelle before you start the climb.

There are vending machines near the palace restrooms and a drinking fountain by the Puerta del Cristo, but no sit-down café. Bring a water bottle, especially during warm summer afternoons.