Álvaro de Bazán, called the Elder (1506–1558), was a Spanish admiral and shipbuilder, General-Captain of the Galleys of Spain for Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.

He was the father of Álvaro de Bazán, 1st Marquis of Santa Cruz, who surpassed him in fame.

At the age of eight his son was appointed "Military Governor and captain of the fortress and city of Gibraltar".

It has been speculated that this unusual appointment was intended to show Charles V's confidence but Bazán the Elder did not share that confidence and he suggested to no effect that Gibraltar's Line Wall Curtain be extended to the southern tip of the rock.

In 1549 Bazán received from Charles V the villages of Viso del Marqués and Santa Cruz de Mudela.