MALAGA’S Costa del Sol may be famous for its beaches, but the province is also home to around 90 spectacular castles and fortresses, making for unforgettable day trips.
Property portal Idealista has revealed the 10 best castles for a summer day trip away from the crowds, and here’s why they deserve a place on your itinerary.
Alora Castle
Perched atop the Cerro de las Torres hill, Alora castle boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Guadalhorce valley.
With origins dating back to the Phoenician and Roman times, the castle was transformed into a Moorish fortress in the 9th century.
Just an hour’s drive from Marbella and Malaga, this hilltop stronghold offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Andalucia’s rich history.
Colomares Castle
While most of Malaga’s castles date back hundreds of years, Colomares, on the outskirts of expat hub Benalmadena, is a surprisingly recent construction.
It was built in the late 20th century as a tribute to Christopher Columbus for the 500 year anniversary of the conquest of the Americas.
Architecturally, the castle blends neo-Gothic, neo-Romanesque and neo-Mudejar styles, creating a unique and striking monument unlike any other in Malaga province.
The castle is also famous for housing the world’s smallest church, the Iglesia de Santa Isabel de Hungria, a tiny chapel measuring less than two square metres.
Marbella Castle
Today, Marbella is a magnet for influencers and luxury-seeking holidaymakers, but the city’s rich history is reflected in its 9th-century Moorish castle.
The castle dates back to the 9th century, when it was constructed by the Moors, before passing into Christian hands in 1485 during the Reconquista.
Marbella’s castle is the perfect place to start a day out in the city’s historic old town.
La Estrella Castle
Perched above the town of Teba, just over an hour from Malaga city, La Estrella Castle is one of the province’s largest hilltop fortresses.
Built by the Moors in the 10th century and standing 600 metres above sea level, it served as a key defensive fortress until it was besieged by Christian forces in 1227.
The castle was abandoned in the 17th century, with locals later repurposing its stone as building material. It was briefly occupied in 1811 by Napoleonic forces, contributing to further decline.
Today, it stands as an archaeological site and a testament to Malaga’s rich history.
Monda Castle
Overlooking the whitewashed village of Monda, just a short drive from Marbella, Monda castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Dating back to the 9th century and originally constructed by the Moors, the castle is now a boutique hotel offering overnight stays in a historic setting.
La Duquesa Castle
Located in Manilva, La Duquesa Castle was built in the 18th century to protect the Costa del Sol village from pirate raids.
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The castle is surrounded by the ruins of a Roman settlement, this castle offers a fascinating combination of Spain’s ancient and more recent history.
Archidona Castle
In Archidona, just an hour away from Malaga, this castle was built by the Moors in the 9th century.
Perched atop the Sierra de Gracia mountain range, this castle offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Sohail Castle
Located in the expat hub of Fuengirola, Sohail Castle’s history also dates back to the Moorish period.
Built in the 9th century to protect the coast, today it hosts cultural events and the popular Marenostrum Fuengirola music festival.
Antequera Alcazaba
Built atop Roman ruins, Antequera’s Alcazaba is one of Malaga’s most impressive Moorish fortresses.
Constructed by the Moors in the 11th century, its strategic hilltop position allowed it to control routes between Cordoba, Malaga and Seville.
It was eventually seized by Christian forces in 1410 and underwent significant modifications.
Only an hour from Marbella and Malaga, Antequera rewards visitors with panoramic views and a castle that’s well worth a day trip.
Gibralfaro Castle
In the heart of Malaga, Gibralfaro Castle is one of the city’s most spectacular attractions.
Built by the Moors in the 14th century, it served as a stronghold of their kingdom before falling in 1487 during the final stages of the Reconquista.
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