The 5 best viewpoints in Malaga

Málaga is best appreciated from above. These are the capital’s five viewpoints that are genuinely worth the climb, along with everything you need to know about each one: whether it’s free, how to get there and what time to go.

Finally, we add two in the province which are also well worth the trip.

1. The Gibralfaro viewpoint

This is a photo of Málaga. From above, you can see the Malagueta bullring nestled like a coin, the port, the cathedral and the whole bay.

The The castle dates from the 14th century, commissioned by Yusuf I. The outdoor viewing platform is free of charge; there is an admission charge to enter the castle.

Three ways to walk up, and it’s worth choosing carefully:

• Through La Coracha, the path that starts next to the Roman Theatre. It is the shortest and steepest.
• Because of the Dark Gate Gardens, gentler and with some shade.
• By Mundo Nuevo, the least-travelled route.

And if you don’t fancy the climb, the EMT’s number 35 bus goes up to the castle.

Find the letters that spell «MÁLAGA» On the way: there’s a gap for you to fill in and complete the word. Full details at the Gibralfaro viewpoint.

2. Mount San Antón

The best view of Málaga isn’t from Gibralfaro – it’s here. You can see it from above from Cala del Moral to Fuengirola, that is to say, both coastlines at once, with Pedregalejo and Gibralfaro itself at your feet.

The people of Málaga call it «the Tetas de Málaga», because of its twin peaks. It used to be called Buenavista Hill, which also suits him.

The actual figures, because they don’t circulate properly:

• Three peaks: east of 507 metres, the west of 491 —where is the Cross of Saint Anthony— and a third of 372.
• The route: a few 4 kilometres, 250 metres of elevation gain y one and a half hours. Low difficulty.
• Note: You often read that the hill «is 250 metres high». No: The route has an elevation gain of 250 metres, not the altitude.

How to get there – which is also poorly explained: You can’t climb up from Plaza de la Merced — it takes nearly three hours from there — and there’s no road to the summit. It can be reached via the Pinares de San Antón housing estate, north of El Palo: by car via the Ronda Este, taking the El Palo exit, or via the bus 11 as far as the Jaboneros stream. The tarmac ends at the housing estate and the road continues as a dirt track.

The San Antón chapel is not at the summit: It stands on the hillside, forming part of the Hacienda de San Antón. It was built by two hermits following the conquest and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.

And as a bonus: remain centenary pine trees that survived the 1993 fire, and this is where the common chameleon and the Gyrfalcon.

3. The Alcazaba

It’s a view different from that of Gibralfaro: lower-lying and more urban. From its towers and courtyards, the view looks straight out onto the Roman Theatre, Alcazabilla Street and the rooftops, with the cathedral in the background.

It helps you understand how the medieval town is laid out, which isn’t apparent when viewed from above.

It is a paid service, although there is a free entry slot each week. It’s well worth combining a visit with the castle: they share the same hillside and ramparts. In the Alcazaba in Málaga.

4. The Alcazaba’s viewing platform

Here’s a tip for anyone who doesn’t want to pay the entrance fee. The footbridge that runs alongside the Alcazaba is open access and offers a view of the Roman Theatre from above that you don’t get from the street.

It lies on the way between the Alcazaba and the path up to the castle, so it doesn’t involve a detour. It’s not very busy. In the Alcazaba’s viewing platform walkway.

5. Mount Victoria

The other hill in the city centre, next to Gibralfaro and considerably less visited. It offers a panoramic view of the city from the north, with the castle in front and the bay behind.

It’s the ideal choice for anyone who’s already familiar with Gibralfaro and is looking for somewhere peaceful. In Mount Victoria.

And two from the province

They are not in the capital, but they are always cited, and rightly so:

• The Balcón de Europa, in Nerja, about 50 km away. A headland jutting out into the sea between the beaches of Calahonda and La Caletilla. It’s the picture-postcard view of the Axarquía.
• The Benalmádena cable car, which goes up to the Mount Calamorro. On clear days, you can see Gibraltar and the African coast. It’s nearby the butterfly house.

Which one to choose

• If you only have one afternoon: Gibralfaro. This is the view you’d expect of Málaga.
• If you want the broadest overview: Mount San Antón, without a doubt.
• If you don’t want to pay anything: the Alcazaba walkway and the Gibralfaro outdoor viewing point.
• If you’re looking for peace and quiet: Mount Victoria.

The time: Late afternoon, for everyone. The heat subsides and the light streams in at an angle across the sea-facing façade. More places in the best sunsets in Málaga.

And don’t forget to bring some water and closed-toe shoes Whether you head up to San Antón or via La Coracha: they’re proper hills.

What to wear it with

The viewing points in the centre blend in with The 8 must-see monuments, and as you walk down the hill you come to the seafront promenade or to Pedregalejo.

Almost all of them are free: more free plans at free things to do in Málaga.

Excursions from Malaga

We are a local tour operator based in Málaga with over 50 years’ experience organising trips around Andalusia. If you’d like to explore the city with a guide or visit the province’s viewpoints without having to drive:

You’ve got the whole city in What to see in Málaga in three days and destiny in The Malaga Guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best viewpoint in Málaga?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Gibralfaro offers the classic view of the city, with the bullring, the harbour and the bay, and it’s the most photographed spot. But the most comprehensive panoramic view is from Monte San Antón, from where you can see both coastlines, from Cala del Moral to Fuengirola. If you don’t want to pay an entrance fee, the Alcazaba footbridge and viewing platform is free to access.

How high is Mount San Antón?

Its eastern peak reaches 507 metres and the western peak, where the Cross of San Antón stands, reaches 491 metres. There is a third, lower peak at 372 metres. There is a widespread misconception that the hill is 250 metres high: that figure represents the cumulative elevation gain of the ascent route, not the altitude.

How do you get up Mount San Antón?

Via the Pinares de San Antón housing estate, north of El Palo – not from Plaza de la Merced as is sometimes stated: that route takes nearly three hours. By car, take the Ronda Este, exiting at El Palo; by bus, take the number 11 to the Jaboneros stream. There is no road all the way to the summit either: the tarmac ends at the housing estate and is followed by a dirt track.

Are the viewpoints in Málaga free?

Most of them are. The outdoor viewing point at Gibralfaro, the walkway at the Alcazaba, Monte Victoria and Monte San Antón are all free to access. There is an admission charge to enter Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba, although the latter offers free entry on one day a week.

How do you get up to Gibralfaro?

There are three routes on foot: via La Coracha, next to the Roman Theatre, which is the shortest and steepest; via the Puerta Oscura gardens, which is gentler and shaded; and via Mundo Nuevo, which is the least busy. The EMT’s number 35 bus also goes up to the castle, which is the most comfortable option if it’s hot.

Why is Mount San Antón known as «the Tits of Málaga»?

Because of the silhouette of its two twin peaks, 507 and 491 metres high, which stand out against the city skyline with that instantly recognisable shape. This is the name by which the people of Málaga commonly refer to it. It used to be known as Cerro de Buenavista, because of the views it offers of the bay.