Alcazaba of Málaga

The Alcazaba was built by the Hammudid rulers of Málaga from 1057 on a hill above the port, and it survives as a sequence of walled gardens, horseshoe arches and fountains that feels like a smaller, quieter Alhambra. Allow about 90 minutes and combine it with the Gibralfaro castle on the ridge above via the combined ticket (€10, or €7 each); a lift from Calle Guillén Sotelo avoids the climb. Hours are 09:00 to 20:00 from April to October and 09:00 to 18:00 in winter, with free entry on Sundays after 14:00.