Castle of Santa Bárbara

One of the most emblematic points of Alicante. Located on a hill, the fortress offers a panoramic view of the city, the port and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Castle of Santa Bárbara (Castillo de Santa Bárbara) is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, towering over Alicante at the top of Benacantil Hill. Its origins date back to the ninth century, when the first defensive structures were built on the hill during the Muslim rule.

There are three different levels within the castle, each of which dates back to a different era. The oldest part is La Torreta, where you have the best view of the entire city and the surrounding area. Below is the medieval palace, and the lowest part is the fortifications from the eighteenth century.

The castle can be reached on foot (approx. 30 minutes walk from the center), by car or by elevator – Lift Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which enters directly into the interior of the fortress through a tunnel carved into the rock. Admission to the castle is free, and the opening hours change depending on the season.

This is an absolute must-see when visiting Alicante – the views from above are breathtaking, especially at sunset.