Santa Bárbara Castle

Panoramic view from the castle out over the harbor and the mediterranean sea
Panoramic view from the castle out over the harbor and the mediterranean sea

On top of the 166m high mount Benacantil in the centre of Alicante on the Costa Blanca coast region of Spain sits a Muslim built castle that dates to the 9th century when the Muslims controlled the Iberian peninsula. It is called Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

Sign to the elevator up to the top of the castle on the road below
Sign to the elevator up to the top of the castle on the road below

The castle has an elevator up to the top, it €2.70 roundtrip in August 2017 and it takes you to the top (stop 2) or you can stop at stop 1 where there is a museum with items about the Castle but also with other times from the area such as artifacts found in excavations around Alicante province. The elevator use is free between 1 and 2. You can also chose to trek up the walkway, but it is steep and if the weather is warm, it is quite a workout!

The 166m high mount Benacantil in the centre of Alicante from the sea.
The 166m high mount Benacantil in the centre of Alicante from the sea.
Medieval looking soldier with an Armrest standing guard at the castle.
Medieval looking soldier with an Armbrust standing guard at the castle.
View from the castle down towards the harbor area 166 m below.
View from the castle down towards the harbor area 166 m below.
Part of the walkway up to the castle.
Part of the walkway up to the castle.