If you’re looking for things to do in Alicante, you’ll definitely want to visit the huge medieval fortress that sits atop Mount Benacantil called Castillo de Santa Barbara, otherwise known as Alicante Castle.
It’s an amazing thing to do in Alicante and best of all – it’s free to visit the castle!
A bit of history about Alicante Castle
The Santa Bárbara Castle rises 166 metres above the city, making it one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses.
The castle’s story goes back to the 9th century when the Moors built the first fortress. But it wasn’t until the 13th century that it got its name – after Christian forces took the castle on Saint Barbara’s Day in 1248.
Getting to Alicante castle
You’ve got three ways to reach the top:
- Take the lift from Postiguet Beach (€3.00 return ticket)
- Drive up and park near the entrance
- Hike up through Alicante old town
The lift is the quickest way – it takes about 2-3 minutes and runs through a tunnel in the mountain. Lift tickets cost €2.70 and can be booked online. Tickets are free for pensioners and children under 5.
You’ll find it at Avinguda Juan Bautista Lafora, right opposite Postiguet Beach.
If you fancy walking, it’ll take about 1 hour from the old town.
The path starts near the Santa Cruz area, and while it’s steep in parts, there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the views.
I’d suggest going early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun.
The views
Once you’re at the top, you’ll see why this spot was so perfect for a fortress. The views stretch across the entire bay of Alicante, the port, and on clear days, you can spot the Tabarca island!
The best viewing point is from the upper castle area – La Torreta. From here, you can look down at the marina filled with boats, and watch planes taking off from Alicante airport in the distance.
Tours and experiences
Wine tasting tour
Inside the Torre de Santa Catalina, you can join a unique wine tasting experience. You’ll try three different Alicante wines while learning about the region’s wine-making traditions.
They pair the wines with local cured meats, and you get to enjoy it all with those amazing views of the Mediterranean.
Book your ticket here:
Free walking tour
There’s a free walking tour that runs daily where local guides share stories about:
- The castle’s military architecture
- Secret tunnels and hidden rooms
- Tales of sieges and battles
- The significance of different castle sections
While the tour is technically free, it’s nice to leave a tip for your guide at the end. You’ll need to book from the official site
Alicante Castle opening times and prices
The castle is open every day:
- April to September: 10:00 to 22:00
- October to March: 10:00 to 20:00
Entry to the castle itself is free!
You only need to pay if you’re taking the lift (€2.70 return) or joining specific tours.
The wine tasting tour costs €22 per person and needs booking in advance.
I’d suggest spending at least 2 hours here to properly see everything and soak in those views. It’s worth bringing a water bottle and wearing comfortable shoes – there’s quite a bit of walking involved once you’re up there!
