The first time I climbed the zigzagging ramp towards the Alcazaba of Almería‘s entrance, slightly breathless and wondering if I’d taken the wrong path, I understood why medieval attackers never breached these walls. The fortress sprawls across 25,000 square metres atop a solitary hill, its honey-coloured ramparts visible from virtually anywhere in Almería. It’s the largest Muslim fortress in Spain after the Alhambra, yet receives a fraction of Granada‘s crowds.
Quick overview
Entry to the Alcazaba costs €1.50 for non-EU citizens, whilst EU citizens enter free. The fortress opens Tuesday to Saturday from 9am, with closing times varying seasonally between 6pm and 9pm. It’s closed Mondays except public holidays. No advance booking is required for general admission.
At a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free for EU citizens; €1.50 for non-EU citizens |
| Opening hours | Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm/9pm (seasonal); Sunday/holidays 9am-3pm; Monday closed |
| Address | Calle Almanzor s/n, 04002 Almería |
| Free for | EU citizens with valid ID |
| Last entry | 30 minutes before closing |
How much does the Alcazaba of Almería cost?
The pricing at this intimidating European castle is refreshingly straightforward. EU citizens enter free upon showing valid identification. Everyone else pays €1.50.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| EU citizens | Free | Valid EU passport or ID card required |
| Non-EU citizens | €1.50 | All other visitors |
| Guided tours | Free (seasonal) | Saturdays at 9am, advance booking required |
The €1.50 fee is nominal—in practice, many visitors report staff don’t always collect it. Still, have change ready or your ID if you’re from the EU.
Is the Alcazaba of Almería free to enter?
Yes, for EU citizens. If you’re from any European Union member state and can produce valid identification, admission is free. This policy extends to most public monuments managed by the Junta de Andalucía. Non-EU visitors pay €1.50, which feels almost absurdly cheap for a fortress of this significance.
What time does the Alcazaba of Almería open?
The fortress opens at 9am Tuesday through Sunday, but closing times shift dramatically by season. From January 1 to March 31 and September 16 to December 31, it closes at 6pm on weekdays and 3pm on Sundays. From April 1 to June 30, weekday closing extends to 9pm. The summer schedule (July 1 to September 15) splits opening hours: 9am to 2pm, then reopening 7pm to 10pm Tuesday through Saturday. It’s closed Mondays year-round, except public holidays.
These prices and opening hours were checked and verified against the Junta de Andalucia website in January 2026.
5 great Almeria experiences to book
- 🎬 Explore the classic Western film sets at Fort Bravo.
- 🛶 Go kayaking and snorkelling at Cabo de Gata.
- ✨ Enjoy the clear night skies of the Tabernas Desert on a stargazing tour.
- 🐎 Saddle up for a horse-riding tour in the Tabernas Desert.
- 🪨 Go inside the Caves of Sorbas to see the sparkling gypsum crystals.
Do I need to book Alcazaba of Almería tickets in advance?
No. Simply turn up during opening hours and walk in. There’s no ticketing system, no queues, no capacity limits. Free guided tours on Saturday mornings do require advance booking—ring 950 801 008 to reserve.
History
Abd al-Rahman III, the first Caliph of Córdoba, ordered construction of the Alcazaba in 955 CE after Almería achieved “medina” status. Under al-Rahman III and his successors, Almería flourished as Al-Andalus’s major Mediterranean port.
The fortress expanded during the 11th century under Khayran as-Saqlabi. A popular saying from this golden age claimed: “When Almería was Almería, Granada was but its farmhouse.”
The three-compound structure evolved over centuries. The first two enclosures are Muslim in design — defensive walls, residential quarters, cisterns, baths, and the king’s palace. The third enclosure, built after the Catholic Monarchs conquered the city in 1489, is unmistakably Christian: a triangular castle designed to withstand gunpowder artillery. The fortress saw military use into the 20th century and was declared a National Monument in 1933.
What to see and do
The fortress divides into three distinct enclosures. The First Enclosure now contains gardens, ponds, and mature palms. The Saliente Bastion provides sweeping views across the Bay of Almería.
The Second Enclosure housed the royal palace of King Almotacín during the 11th century. The Caliphate cisterns remain remarkably intact. Two reconstructed Muslim houses demonstrate domestic life, complete with courtyard layouts and decorative tilework. The military baths show sophisticated hydraulic engineering.
The Third Enclosure is the Christian castle, built by Ferdinand and Isabella. It centres on the Patio de Armas, surrounded by towers including the impressive Torre del Homenaje. From these ramparts, panoramic views extend across modern Almería to the Mediterranean.
The climb through all three enclosures involves significant elevation gain. Budget 90 minutes to two hours.
What’s included with your ticket?
- Access to all three fortress enclosures and connecting walls
- Self-guided exploration of the royal palace remains and cisterns
- Entry to the reconstructed Muslim houses and baths
- Access to the Christian castle and its towers
- Panoramic viewpoints across Almería and the Mediterranean
- Interpretive signage throughout (Spanish and some English)
Things to do near the Alcazaba of Almería
Almería Cathedral (Catedral de la Encarnación) (600m, 8-minute walk) – This 16th-century fortress-cathedral was built to defend against Berber pirate raids with thick walls and defensive towers. The Gothic and Renaissance interior contrasts dramatically with the martial exterior.
Civil War Shelters (Refugios de la Guerra Civil) (750m, 10-minute walk) – These underground tunnels, 4.5 kilometres in total, sheltered up to 40,000 civilians during Spanish Civil War bombing raids. The preserved section includes a hospital, food stores, and living quarters.
Archaeological Museum of Almería (Museo de Almería) (1.2km, 15-minute walk) – An excellent modern museum focusing on Los Millares and other prehistoric Iberian cultures. The collection spans from 3200 BC through the Roman period. Entry free for EU citizens.
Andalusian Centre of Photography (Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía) (500m, 7-minute walk) – Located just below the Cathedral, this centre hosts rotating exhibitions by Spanish and international photographers. Entry typically free.
Cable Inglés (2.5km, 8-minute drive or 30-minute walk) – This striking 1904 iron loading pier once transported mineral ore from inland mines to waiting ships. The elegant industrial architecture extends dramatically over the beach. Free to view externally. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Other Almería attractions include the Guitar Museum, which traces the history of the Spanish guitar.
Practical tips
- The climb is genuinely steep—wear proper walking shoes, not sandals
- Bring water; there are no refreshment facilities inside the fortress
- Little natural shade exists, particularly in the First and Third Enclosures
- Summer visits work best before 10am or after 7pm during the split schedule
- Photography is unrestricted and spectacular from the upper ramparts
- Partial accessibility exists via a moat entrance to the Third Enclosure—ring ahead on 950 801 008
- Bus lines 2 and 3 stop near the entrance on Calle Almanzor
- Allow 90-120 minutes for a thorough visit
Frequently asked questions
Was the Alcazaba used for filming?
Yes, extensively. Films shot here include Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Conan the Barbarian, Never Say Never Again, and Wonder Woman 1984. Game of Thrones Season 6 used the fortress as the capital of Dorne.
Can I bring children?
Absolutely, though supervise them carefully near walls and steep drops. The fortress layout resembles a massive adventure playground.
Are guided tours available?
Free Spanish-language tours run on Saturday mornings during peak season—book ahead on 950 801 008. Audio guides are not available.
What’s the best time to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon for photography and comfortable temperatures. Avoid midday June through September. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer ideal conditions.
More Andalucia travel
Other Andalucia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to Granada for first time visitors – including the Spanish Inquisition Museum and Royal Chapel.
- Does the Almeria to Granada train make for a viable day trip?
- Five things to do in Cordoba once you’ve seen the Mezquita.
- Visitor guide to the Alcazaba in Malaga.
- A first-time visitor’s guide to Seville Cathedral.
