![Panoramic view from the castle out over the harbor and the mediterranean sea](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CastSB_PanView_01.jpg)
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](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CastSB_Sign_01.jpg)
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.](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CastSB_Mount_Benacantil_02.jpg)
![Medieval looking soldier with an Armrest standing guard at the castle.](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CastSB_Soldier_04.jpg)
![View from the castle down towards the harbor area 166 m below.](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CastSB_View_05.jpg)
![Part of the walkway up to the castle.](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CastSB_Walkway_06.jpg)