Castle of Santa Barbara

Castle of Santa Barbara
Castle of Santa Barbara
Castle of Santa Barbara showing views, château or palace and heritage architecture
Castle of Santa Barbara showing a sunset, views and a marina
Castle of Santa Barbara featuring heritage elements, general coastal views and views

Looming over the city center, this hilltop castle is the main attraction in Alicante and one of the largest castles in Europe.

Perched 545 feet (166 metres) above sea level, upon the top of Mount Benacantil, this monumental fortification overlooks the city of Alicante and is one of the city’s major attractions. The Castle of Santa Bárbara is one of the largest castles from the medieval period remaining in Europe. It covers the entire summit of the mountain. Despite dating back more than a millennium to a period of Muslim rule in the ninth century, the castle has been expertly cared for and is almost entirely intact. Whether you have a passion for history or just make the trip for the panoramic views, no visitor to Alicante should miss the Castle of Santa Bárbara.

The journey to the top of Mount Benacantil can be half the fun. Simply drive to the top or, if you’re feeling adventurous, make the trek on foot. Follow the walking trail through pine woods and vast parks on your way to the summit. Here you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the region. Look across the rooftops of the historic city in one direction and out across the Mediterranean Sea in the other. 

Explore the castle grounds to find the ruins of the original church, a great moat and a series of cannons that once protected the city. Inside the huge castle you’ll see a lookout tower, dungeons and a lavish palace. The tower hangs over a cliff and, while not for the faint of heart, provides a breathtaking experience. Visit the Museum of the City of Alicante, housed within the castle walls, to learn about the history of the castle, the city it protected and the various rulers who called it home.

The drive to the Castle of Santa Bárbara takes approximately five minutes from the city centre, while walking may take an hour. An elevator, free of charge for the elderly and disabled, also operates from the base of the mountain to the top there is a small fee for everybody else. Castle entrance is free. The castle is open daily, but it may close at midday.

Reviews of Castle of Santa Barbara

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
104
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
54
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great views of Alicante

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Be ready for a long hike to reach the castle

4/5 - Good

Amanda

Check opening times . We walked there but it is a walk but we loved it . If you struggle walking then taxi is the way to go .

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Things to do near Castle of Santa Barbara

Near the Castle of Santa Barbara, visitors can enjoy various activities, including shopping and local festivals. For a day of fun, consider visiting an aqua park or indulging in activities around Alicante. You can also build sandcastles on the beautiful beaches or play a round of golf at one of the area's scenic courses. There's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant region.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Central Market, a vibrant public market located 805m from Castle of Santa Barbara, perfect for local gifts. Additionally, Plaza Mar 2 Shopping Centre and Panoramis Shopping Center, both within 1.4km, offer family-friendly entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

The Alicante Sports Technification Center offers an invigorating environment for sports enthusiasts, located a mile from the castle, while ADDA Alicante, just 966m away, provides delightful musical experiences. Additionally, the Jose Rico Perez Stadium, also 1.6km away, enhances the sports atmosphere in the area.

Adventure

Take a scenic ride on the Lift to Castillo de Santa Barbara, located 322m from the castle, offering stunning views. For thrill-seekers, Paintball Tactics Alicante, 11.3km away, promises an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, while Skate Park Monte Tossal, 1.3km away, is perfect for outdoor skateboarding fun.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Castle of Santa Barbara by visiting the Alicante Principal Theatre, just 805m away, for captivating performances. Alternatively, the Arniches Theatre, located 1.6km away, offers a charming atmosphere, while the Benidorm Palace, 38.6km away, promises a spectacular show for all.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Castle of Santa Barbara

When visiting the Castle of Santa Barbara in Alicante, you can enjoy a variety of attractions including beautiful beaches, modern civic buildings, and even a nudist beach. These points of interest cater to travellers seeking a blend of beach relaxation, cultural experiences, and vibrant city life, making it an ideal destination for a comprehensive holiday experience.

  • Postiguet Beach: A charming beach located 322m from the Castle, Postiguet Beach offers a delightful sunbathing and swimming experience with its golden sands and inviting waters, perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun.
  • Explanada de España: Just 644m away, this beautiful esplanade is lined with palm trees and mosaic tiles, creating a romantic atmosphere ideal for leisurely strolls with family or friends, while enjoying local street performances.
  • Alicante Town Hall: Situated 644m from the Castle, the modern Alicante Town Hall showcases impressive architecture and serves as a hub for local governance, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s civic life and business activities.

Best time to go to Castle of Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Castle of Santa Barbara is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.7°F (11.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February53.4°F (11.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
March56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.6°F (15.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May66.9°F (19.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.5°F (26.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August80.1°F (26.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October68.7°F (20.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.1°F (15.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December54.7°F (12.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castle of Santa Barbara

To save money on your visit to the Castle of Santa Barbara in Alicante, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and aim for a Tuesday stay, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by price and combine your hotel with flights for additional savings. Look out for last-minute deals and promotions to maximise your budget while exploring this historic site and its surroundings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Castle of Santa Barbara are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Castle of Santa Barbara about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Castle of Santa Barbara is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Castle of Santa Barbara is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Castle of Santa Barbara with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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