Overview
The fortress is double-walled with a zigzag approach designed so that attackers never have a straight run at a gate — the walk up is the defence, experienced from the wrong side. Inside are Nasrid-style courtyards and pools on the upper level, and a Roman theatre of the first century BCE sits directly below the entrance, excavated in 1951. A corridor of walls links it to the Gibralfaro castle on the ridge above.
Highlights
Buy the combined ticket with Gibralfaro and walk the connecting wall up; going the other way is a steep climb for no gain. The Roman theatre at the foot is free. Early morning gives you the courtyards to yourself and the coast light before the haze.