The San Miguel Castle in Almuñecar

The San Miguel Castle is Almuñécar's best known and perhaps best overall attraction other than its beaches. It is situated on the San Miguel Cerro, the large hill on which the Old Quarter is built. The San Miguel Castle is perfectly situated with stunning views of the sea, the Old Town of Almuñécar, the surrounding vegas, and the surrounding mountains.

The History of the San Miguel Castle

The Almuñécar castle occupies the fort originally established by the Phoenicians in the 7th Century B.C. The fort was expanded and modified in future periods, including the Roman, Arab, and Christian epochs. Most of the current castle structure dates from the Arab era of the 8th through 15th Century A.D. It was used as a recreational site during the Nasrid dynasty of the 13th Century.

Read more about the History of Almuñecar & The San Miguel Castle Museum...

Towards the end of the reign of King Fernando, the Catholic King in the 16th Century, a trench was dug around the castle, a drawbridge was installed and the impressive front entrance with its four imposing circular turrets was installed.

During Spain's war of independence from France in the 19th Century, English warships at sea heavily bombarded Almuñécar and the Castle, toppling one of its turrets. This leaning turret is still seen today, to the left of the main entrance.

The Almuñécar Castle was later used as a Christian cemetery, until the middle of the 19th Century.

The San Miguel Castle... What's Inside?

A pavilion housing a museum of Almuñécar's history stands in the middle of the castle grounds. The pavilion is built in an attractive Neo-classical style and was likely built in the 18th Century.

There you can read about the castle's progression through the years and how each of the four cultures that once lived here (Phoenician, Roman, Moorish and Christian) impacted it. You can also watch a video re-enactment of what times were like during these periods.

The Almuñécar castle has other interesting attractions such as tunnels, large rooms built into the towers, and even dungeons used during the Spanish Inquisition where human skeletons can still be seen.

The San Miguel Castle & Its Gorgeous Views!

If you decide to visit the castle you will be rewarded with some of the best views of Almuñecar. Clear, unobstructed views can be seen down the coast to the east and west as well as of the Marina del Este in the distance.

Another aspect that you can only see from the top of the castle, is the ancient aqueduct that used to connect the castle walls to the great rock underneath it during Phoenician and Roman times...

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Tours Available of the Old Town and San Miguel Castle

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For More Information About the San Miguel Castle:

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San Miguel Castle Entrance Fees:

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Admission to the Musuem and San Miguel Castle:

If you purchase a ticket to the San Miguel Castle you will automatically be able to use that ticket at the nearby Archaeological Museum, Cueva de Siete Palacios. It's just a quick 5-minute walk through the Almuñécar old town but be sure to time it so that you can do both.

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Getting to the San Miguel Castle

The easiest way to find the castle is by coming down the main coastal road (from either direction) until you reach the Peñon (great rocks that jut out into the sea).

From the Peñon go towards the Loro Sexi bird park that sits right behind it. Follow that road very briefly and take a right onto Calle Geraneos. Continue on this road up the hill, past the Majeulo Gardens until you reach the top. The castle will be on your right.

Parking can be a bit tricky, so go early or try walking up...