Alicante’s biggest attraction is also its oldest. The Castle of Santa Bárbara is over a millennium old, dating back to Muslim rule of the region in the ninth century. Despite its age, the building is almost completely intact. Crowning Mount Benacantil in the northeast part of the city, the Castle of Santa Bárbara sits 166 metres (545 feet) above sea level and overlooks Alicante. It is among the largest medieval castles in Europe today, covering the whole summit of the mountain.
Drive or make the trek on foot to get to the top. If you feel like some exercise, take the walking trail through the woods to reach the summit. Some of the best views in the area await you there. In one direction, gaze over Alicante’s rooftops. In the other, look out over the Mediterranean Sea.
On the castle grounds, discover cannons, a moat and the ruins of a church that once stood here. A lookout tower, dungeons and many lavish rooms fill the castle. Climb up into the tower for the best views of the landscape. You might want to avoid the lookout if you have a fear of heights, as the balcony hangs over a cliff.
The Museum of the City of Alicante is also contained within the castle walls. Learn about the castle’s history, the rulers who lived in it and the development of the city it overlooks.
Drive 5 minutes northeast of the city centre to reach the castle or take the hour-long walk. The mountain is visible from all parts of the city, so you should have no trouble finding your way there. An elevator operates from the base of the mountain to the top. It costs a small fee to everyone except the elderly and the disabled, who can ride for free.
Entry to the Castle of Santa Bárbara is free. It is open daily and can close during the middle of the day when the temperature is particularly hot.
