The Castle of Santa Bárbara sits high up on Mount Benacantil and looks out over the city of Alicante. This medieval fortification is one of the largest castles of its kind in Europe and is one of the city’s major attractions. The fort walls cover the entire top of the mountain. The castle dates back over a millennium to the ninth century when Muslims ruled the region. It has been preserved incredibly well and is almost completely intact. Visit the castle to take in some Spanish history and enjoy excellent views of the city.
The trip to the top of Mount Benacantil is almost as interesting as the castle itself. Simply drive up the summit road to enjoy the views or embark on the journey at a leisurely pace on foot. The walking trail winds through a pine forest and wide parkland. Spectacular views await you at the top. See a vista dotted with city rooftops on one side and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea on the other.
The castle grounds are full of interesting sights, such as the ruins of the original church, a moat and the cannons that were once the city’s first line of defence. The vast castle contains a lookout tower, dark dungeons and a magnificent palace. The lookout tower is perched on a bastion hanging out over the cliff and provides a breathtaking view for those willing to venture out to its edge.
The Museum of the City of Alicante is situated within the castle’s walls and contains a wealth of information about the city, its castle and the rulers who reigned over it.
The Castle of Santa Bárbara is just a 5-minute drive from the city centre. The walking trip may take an hour. An elevator from the mountain’s base to the top is available for free use by the elderly and disabled and for a small cost for everyone else. Entrance to the castle is free. It is open daily. Note that the castle may close at midday for a few hours.
