Hotels near Santa Bárbara Castle

Crowning the 166-metre Monte Benacantil, Santa Bárbara Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain and the defining landmark of Alicante. Its origins are Muslim, dating from the 9th century, and its ramparts have guarded the city and its harbour ever since.

From the walls, the view takes in the whole sweep of the bay, the port, and the terracotta rooftops of the old town below. You can drive or walk up, but the easiest way is a lift bored straight through the rock from a tunnel entrance opposite Postiguet Beach.

Pro Tip: Entry to the castle is free; the lift up from Postiguet costs about 2.70 EUR each way. Go late afternoon for cooler air and golden light over the bay, then walk back down through the old town.