If you are in the area, this is a must see. You are welcome to be adventurous and walk up the road or take an elevator. This 16th century castle overlooks all of Alicante. Great architecture, history and fantastic picture opportunities. Enjoy! read more

Castillo de Santa Bárbara - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Alicante, A

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9th century Muslim castle atop a 170m high hill accessible by walking, lift (closed during pandemic) or car (no parking during pandemic). The approach and descent from the hill is gorgeous with hilltop residences lining one side, and stairs/ramps on another. There is a restaurant up there with spectacular views at sunset but is currently closed due to the pandemic. The bar closer to the top is open serving ice creams and beer. Free admission. There are trees atop this fortress. read more

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Put your walking shoes on. We visited here on our first port stop on our cruise. The line to take the elevator up can get lengthy fast, but moves at an okay pace. The views are phenomenal. I'm glad a I was able to get a quick workout in as well as take some amazing photos. read more

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This was definitely one of my favorite castles (fortresses) in Spain. Probably the view and the color of water in a contrast made it look very romantic. The castle is just a short drive from the center of town. Half way uphill there is a parking to the left, and if you go early in the morning, right at the curve there is another parking for a restaurant that wasn't in use when we were there, so it was a perfect overflow parking. We visited in late June 2021, midweek, around 9 am and there was already cca 15 cars parked on the both parking lots. If you have difficulty walking they might let you in thru the main gate with the car, to unload passengers, but they didn't let anybody park there, just a quick stop and go. Due to Covid, we had to pre-book the tickets online, without any fee since it's a free entrance, but I guess they are limiting amount of visitors per time slot. The views from the top are something else, it just took me by surprise. The castle seats on the top of Mount Benacantil, at almost 200m above sea level overlooking the Bay of Alicante which is a symbol of the city. The origins of the Santa Barbara's castle date back to the 9th century when the castle was in full Muslim domination. In 13th century Alfonso de Castilla, future King Alfonso X, took over the castle and than it became a Christian fortress. read more

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If you love history, hiking, beautiful view, and are in good shape, Castillo de Santa Barbara is your place to discover. Built around this castle is the main coastal city of Alicante. The spectacular views of the castle provide a 360° view you truly get the sense of how high up you are. The walk-ability of the venue is a great hike and most of all this historical site is free to the public. There are few kiosks selling local souvenirs that commemorate the history of the castle. read more

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" Breathtaking Views of Alicante, Spain " My wife and I took a bus tour to the Castle of Santa Barbara in Alicante , Spain a few months ago, and could not believe how beautiful the Castle and views of the entire city were. First of al,l the narrow drive up the hill to the Castle is very dangerous and it is almost impossible for the buses to make all the turns. once you get to the top, the views of the ocean side and the city side of the city are breathtaking. All you want to do is stand there and look out forever, except it is very windy so make sure and take your hat off. We even had someone get there sun glasses blown off and over the wall. The educational and historical information that your guides tell you, really help to give you the history behind this famous Alicante treasure. If you are going to Alicante Spain, you have to take the tour up the hill to the Castle of Santa Barbara. It is well worth it ! read more

I had s great hike and a great time looking at all the sites. Tons of history and everything is Accessible and clean. I am so excited for the next 14 mos. read more

The centrepiece of Alicante is a gentle but wonderful tourist attraction for a day you're feeling just a little adventurous. I've been to the top twice and on the occasion we had the car, I remember there being slightly more walking from the car park. This time we took the elevator from street level which really made this a lazy climb. The view from the top is just incredible, a perfectly clear 360 degrees, and you can see all the way out to the mountains. There were a couple of market stalls with crafts, food and jewellery but most were closed as it was late evening. There is also a kiosk with food, snacks, ice-cream and drinks so you don't get peckish on the peak. Even if you're only here for a couple of days, it can be taken in less than an hour and it's really worth it-- and it makes you feel like you've actually done something with your lazy self! read more

this was a lovely walk from the town centre and only took us about 40 minutes from start to finish. the view of the city is absolutely fantastic. there is a bar at the top where you can sit out and see the whole city and there is a lift in the centre of the castle that will take you right back down through the mountain and you come out just on the beach. read more

Cool place. Can get great poctures with a good camera. It can be very windy. Be careful with your children up there. I took the elevator up. read more