The Romans and the Arabs both left their mark on the Costa del Sol, in the form of amazing castles and forts. Many of the archaeological sites can be visited in various Málaga towns and villages. Here are five castles that have stood the test of time and welcome visitors all year round.
Gibralfaro Castle
The Gibralfaro Castle, in the capital of the Costa del Sol, was built in the fourteenth century. It affords some of the best panoramic views of the city. Most likely it was built to protect the Arab Fortress, to which it is connected.
The name, Gibralfaro, is derived from the Arabic word yabal, meaning 'mount', and Greek faruh, 'lighthouse'. This gives us the hint that, back in Phoenician-Punic times, the hillock was used to watch the ships sailing to town.
The Gibralfaro Castle is open to visitors all year round, Monday to Sunday. Next to it there is the Málaga Parador (national network of hotels in heritage buildings).
Sohail Castle
The Sohail Castle, dating back to the twelfth century, is Fuengirola's most iconic building. Torn down and rebuilt several times, it is now an open-air auditorium hosting a variety of concerts and other events. Moreover, the Sohail Music Festival is one of the largest summer festivals held on the Costa del Sol. The Castle houses a small history museum showing a series of scale models.
Álora Castle
The Arab Castle in Álora was actually built by the Phoenicians. Since then, it has been rehabilitated several times and converted to multiple uses. It has been designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. Parts of the original ramparts have come down to us, and so have the watchtower, the keep and an Islamic horseshoe arch that is unique in the Western world. The viewpoint affords marvellous views of the Guadalhorce Valley. The Álora Castle adjoins Caminito del Rey, a vertigo-inducing footpath along a scenic route.
The Castle is open all year round.
Graveyard Castle
The Castle in Benadalid houses the town graveyard. It is perched on one of the most charming natural areas in Málaga Province, Serranía de Ronda. According to some historians, it could have been built by the Romans, while other scholars place it squarely within the Islamic period.
Castle of La Duquesa or Sabinillas Fort
The Castle of La Duquesa stands on La Duquesa Beach in Manilva. It was built in 1767 to protect the village from pirate attacks, on a site affording fine panoramic views of the Costa del Sol.
The Castle stands next to a Roman archaeological site that has been designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest, comprising a fish salting factory, a villa, a necropolis and public baths.
The castle route delivers quite a different experience of the Costa del Sol: spectacular panoramic views and an interesting cultural heritage.
