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.
The best bit? Entry to the castle itself is completely free! You’ll get incredible views across the entire city and bay, and I’m going to show you the best spots plus the insider tips that’ll help you avoid the crowds.
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. It absolutely dominates the skyline – you can spot it from pretty much anywhere in Alicante.
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. Over the centuries, different rulers added their own sections. You can see the Moorish origins in the lower parts, while the upper sections show later Spanish military architecture. The fortress played a massive role in defending the city from attacks by sea and land throughout the Middle Ages.
During the Spanish Civil War, it was used as a prison, and parts of it fell into disrepair. Major restoration work in the 1960s brought it back to life, and now it’s one of Alicante’s top attractions.
How to get to Alicante Castle
You’ve got three ways to reach the top, and each has its pros and cons:
Take the lift from Postiguet Beach
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 the lift entrance at Avinguda Juan Bautista Lafora, right opposite Postiguet Beach. It’s clearly signposted, and there’s usually a small queue during peak times in summer.
Drive up and park near the entrance
If you’ve got a car, you can drive up to the castle. The road winds up the back of the mountain, and there’s parking near the entrance. It’s free, though spaces are limited and fill up quickly in summer.
Be warned – there are people who may approach you trying to ask for money, but the parking is free. I would recommend the lift option if you want to avoid the hassle.
The drive itself gives you nice views, but the roads are narrow and winding. If you’re not confident with tight mountain roads, take the lift instead.
Hike up through the old town
Fancy a proper walk? The hiking route starts near the Santa Cruz area in Alicante’s old town. It’ll take about 1 hour, and while it’s steep in parts, there are plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath while taking in the views.
The path is called Parque de la Ereta, and it’s a lovely walk through pine trees and Mediterranean plants. You’ll pass various viewpoints on the way up, each offering different angles of the city below.
I’d suggest going early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun – there’s not much shade on parts of the route. Bring water, wear proper walking shoes, and definitely use sun cream. It’s a proper workout, but you’ll feel like you’ve earned those views!
What you’ll see at the castle
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!
La Torreta (upper level)
This is the oldest part, dating back to the 11th-14th centuries. You’ll find the Torre del Homenaje (Keep Tower) here, which was the last line of defence. The views from this level are absolutely stunning – you can see the entire bay of Alicante, the Alicante port, and on clear days, spot Tabarca Island in the distance.
Main courtyard (middle level)
Built in the 16th century, this is where you’ll find the Felipe II Hall and the Guard Corps rooms. There are often temporary exhibitions here about the castle’s history. The courtyard itself is massive and gives you a real sense of how big this fortress actually is.
Lower level
The 18th-century section includes the Revellín del Bon Repós, which was added for artillery defence. There’s also a small museum with artifacts found during excavations, including pottery, weapons, and everyday items from different periods.
Walking around the whole castle takes about 1-2 hours depending on how much time you spend at each viewpoint and reading the information boards. The boards are in Spanish and English, which is helpful.
Tours and experiences at the castle
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 cheeses, and you get to enjoy it all with those amazing views of the Mediterranean as your backdrop. It’s a lovely way to spend an hour, and you’ll learn loads about Alicante’s wine production.
Book your ticket here from €26 per adult:
My top tip: Book in advance, particularly in summer, as spaces are limited. The tour lasts about an hour and runs several times a day. It’s worth it if you’re into wine or just want a more relaxed castle experience.
Free walking tour
There’s a free walking tour that runs daily where local guides share fascinating stories about the castle’s history. You’ll learn 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!
