The fortress is one of the main historical landmarks of Alicante. It is located on the top of Mount Benacantil. The building was erected in the 9th century during the reign of the Moors over the Iberian Peninsula. Until the 18th century, the fort was of great strategic importance and was used for its intended purpose. Until 1963, the fortress was in disrepair. After the restoration, its territory was open to the public.
Address:
Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Alicante (Alacant)
Phone:
+34 673 84 98 90
Comment
03.09.23
Liam
Wonderful castle in a beautiful city. It's free to enter so there's infinite value to be gained from making the trip up. There are accessible ways to the top (bus and elevator, which costs €3) but I'd highly recommend making the w.. Read more »alk up the mountain path if you're able - the vistas are stunning.
All of the historical information was naturally written in Spanish, but there was a tour guide working who spoke English, so if you're looking to learn more about the history of the castle I'm sure he could help.
I think the only way of financially supporting the running of the castle is via the gift shop. There's a lot of nice items to choose from, so it's a good way of doing so if you wish.
Probably best enjoyed on a slightly cooler day, but nothing really beats the views with perfect blue skies at the top.
10.08.23
Marcelle
Good structure, there is a tunnel and a elevator (not free, 2,70€) to get there and there is also the road option by car or on foot. Few cafes around. Didn’t see a souvenir shop. Amazing view.
27.07.23
Lori
Went to visit the castle while on holiday here it is huge! And it is really well preserved, visitors get free entry and it's well worth a visit! The views are spectacular over the harbour and Alicante. There is a lot of walking involved, so it&#.. Read more »039;s not really suitable for anyone with mobility problems. While we were visiting, there was a display of horror film props in one area of the castle it was fantastic and rather creepy! Would highly recommend a trip here if you are in the area !
24.07.23
Tony
Huge castle with long history! The elevator ride up is not free, 2.7€ per person. Which is well worth it. The hike up by foot, which is doable is over 30 minutes long and can get pretty steep.
The views up there are spectacular, with 360 views.. Read more » of the whole city!
Get there early also to avoid the crowds and wait.
16.06.23
Olivia
Absolutely beautiful castle. A must-see when in Alicante. Interesting history and beautiful views.
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Make sure to wear hiking shoes - I somehow did it in my flip flops but I couldn’t go some places because some footpaths are like cliffs. I&rsqu.. Read more »o;ve seen people with strollers. There is an elevator (which wasn’t working when I was there) so it is wheelchair accessible. The hike is also but I’d double check the footpaths just to be sure.
12.06.23
Lel
We went to the castle for a concert. A candle light concert with a string quartet playing Abba music. The experience was very intimate in the most beautiful surroundings.
10.06.23
Jacqueline
Completely spectacular! An amazing visit from the entry by lift inside the mountain (ingenious) to the incredible panoramic views to the architectural features and displays. The castle was a holiday highlight.
08.06.23
E
Excellent place to visit, great views from atop, cool breeze. I recommend take a cab up to the top and walk the way back... of course there is an elevator can bring you down. The walk is more scenic and not exhausting.
29.05.23
Mariano
Lovely place to visit, is a nice walk up of about 35 to 40mins. There is also a lift that takes you up for €2,70. Good for families and the view over Alicante is great. There are a couple of cafes with cold drinks and some quick food choices. En.. Read more »joyed it
01.06.22
Luis
Cool place to visit, it has stair to access to high places and interactive rooms. The have options for eating and drinking there... Get ready to musical surprises, specially during the weekend. Don't forget your sunscreen on summer and at midday.. Read more ».
14.04.22
Ben
Wonderful place with incredible views. We took a taxi up and then walked down afterwards. Once you get to the top the views are truly magnificent over the city of Alicante, the colour of the sea is just perfect. It is also free of charge to visit .. Read more »which is an added bonus.
19.03.22
Olesia
This is a fantastically beautiful place! I recommend walking up. The higher, the more interesting and beautiful the view! The fortress is a reliable defensive structure, it was interesting to study its structure. Nature and view are amazing! A b.. Read more »eautiful view from the top of the city, a beautiful view of the sea and mountains. If you don't have the energy to go up on foot, you can take the elevator.
14.03.22
Alan
This place is huge. Layers of fortifications along with exhibits of pottery, banners, a clock mechanism and sculptures.
You can catch a bus or taxi to the top, walk up or catch a lift from a tunnel that is accessed from the promenade. Look for the si.. Read more »gns and opening in the cliff face!
The views from the top are tremendous if the weather is kind.
There are refreshments available from a kiosk, or limited menu of meals and snacks from a cafe and terrace.
The lift is €2.70 but free for pensioners.
25.02.22
Merryme
Fabulous views lots to look at. Cafe good views and easily accessible. You an walk to the castle or get a lift all the way to the castle. Its free to get in you pay for the lift 8 euros fora family group of 4 adults and 1 child. Lovely day out
11.02.22
Lee
Great place to visit and free. Views from the top are amazing and also plenty to see inside the castle . You can walk up which is good as you can also take in surrounding scenery which is spectacular. There is also a lift by the beach on the front th.. Read more »at will take you to the castle for a small fee . Would definitely recommend visiting here when in Alicante ?
11.02.22
Rick
When in Alicante, don't miss a trip to the Santa Barbara Castle overlooking the town. Whilst you can drive up to the top it is a nice walk with great views. I recommend a guided tour as it will give you access to otherwise restricted areas. The.. Read more »re are also amazing views from the top!
06.02.22
Classic
Views are really nice from up here with 360 degrees sights. You can walk up here which would take roughly 30 minutes but there is a lift at the bottom across from the beach which is €2.70 per person payable by card. We went to the first floor wh.. Read more »ich after you walk through another tunnel brings you into the main part. Their was a free guided tour which we found was good but you don't have to do that and it might not be on all year, this was Feb 2022. Would highly recommend.
13.01.22
Sahar
Easy access with elevator, which costs 2.7 € for adults ✅
Very beautiful view of the city and lovely castle ??You can also walk inside the castle. We returned on foot, which was amazing ??
Highly recommend to visit
06.01.22
Tuezzy
I was there in October 2021. I thought I would get to the top by elevator but the elevator wasn't working. However, walking was nice and easy. There are different ways to walk up. The castle is well kept and the area is clean. Wonderful view.
05.12.21
Tanja
Free entrance and a wonderful view over the city. Spend however long you like there! Clean restrooms and lots of spots to sit down and enjoy the sunshine. Very beautiful if you take the southern stairs up via the alleyways.
01.12.21
James
Amazing views from the top! No need for a long hike there's a lift from the bottom on the side of the sea down a long tunnel. The lift costs €2.70 per person but makes it easier for a short site seeing trip
26.09.21
MeeMee
Great experience visited 6/10/21 currently the lift to go up from main road is still closed there’s no information I could find on it, however you can take a taxi up from the beach costing around €5. Once your up there it’s free and .. Read more »loads of sweet spots to take pictures.
31.08.21
Diane
Wonderful! We climbed up in 33 degrees ( lovely breeze) & worth being so hot. Amazing what the Moors began & up to the 15 hundreds additions were made. And also in later years. Clever to create tree areas with stone seats beneath. Half wa.. Read more »y up an oasis! A cafe that sells cold drinks! ?Not to be missed. Highly recommended.
14.08.21
Scott
Amazing view, well worth the walk up. Only issue was website said open at 9, when we got to the top it doesn't open until 10. Goggle does not state the hour's of operation.
02.08.21
Darwin
Perfect place to have a great view of the city.
The Castle opens at 10 a.m.
You can walk up, but be careful with the sun.
Another way to go up is to take a cab and stand at the entrance of the castle.
If you go in summer bring lots of water. Ther.. Read more »e is also a cafeteria in the castle where you can buy water.
17.07.21
Francesco
Wow... What I can say... It's amazing... Breathtaking definitely, and it's nice also to go there by feet... It will cost some energy but it will be definitely worth it... Anyway... Is possible to arrive there also by car or elevator ahahaha.. Read more »h.... Enjoy ☺️
28.06.21
Chopper
Long walk up to the Castle, but when you get to the top the views are impressive. There's a few cafe's for refreshments in the grounds if required. If you like anything historic then this is the place to go!
23.06.21
Catie
Epic hike up the mountain to this enormous castle, sweltering heat and relentless sun - but worth every step! Especially the picturesque little alleys on the way up - Take a hat, water and money for the lovely cafe on top to enjoy the view. Stunning!
4.8 / 79
