Standing at 3,369 m (11,053 ft), it is the third highest mountain of the Sierra Nevada range and the fifth in the Iberian Peninsula.

Alcazaba can be accessed from any direction, but going through the north face is a technical climb.

From there, one can continue over the Mulhacen mountain and down to Siete Lagunas, before ascending the Alcazaba.

Some climbers also prefer the north east route, using a hut near El Real or natural caves at the Prado de la Mina.

During the summer months good hiking boots are needed, because of the walking distances involved and the nature of the terrain in this area.

One of the features of these mountains are that they have the longest climbing season in Europe due to their southern latitude.