Castle of Saint Barbara in Alicante – Castillo de Santa Bárbara

The Castle of Santa Bárbara in Alicante, located at the top of Mount Benacantil, is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Alicante. Below you will find the most important information about its location, opening hours, prices and how to get there.

Where is Saint Barbara’s Castle in Alicante?

St. Barbara’s Castle stands at a height of 166 metres on Mount Benacantil, in the heart of the city of Alicante. It is a historic fortress that attracts both tourists and history buffs due to its strategic location and rich past.

What are the castle’s opening hours?

St. Barbara’s Castle has variable opening hours, which vary depending on the season:

• From 15 November to 27 February: daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
• From 28 February to 16 June: daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
• From 17 June to 4 September: daily from 10:00 to 23:00.
• From 5 September to 14 November: daily from 10:00 to 20:00.

Please note! The fortress is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 and 6 January. In addition, access to the castle is not possible 30 minutes before closing time.

How much does it cost to enter Alicante Castle?

Entrance to St. Barbara’s Castle is free. However, if you wish to use the lift that takes you to the top of the castle, the ticket price is €2.70. It is worth remembering that children under 5 and people over 65 can use the lift for free.

How to get to the castle?

St. Barbara’s Castle can be visited using various means of transport:

• On foot: There are two main walking routes leading to the castle. One starts at the town hall and leads through the Old Town, and the other starts at Postiguet Beach. Both routes offer beautiful views of Alicante and the surrounding area.
• Taxi: Taxi fares depend on the starting point and range from around €4 to €9, depending on the location and time of day.
• Minibus: The castle is also accessible by minibus, which runs every 40 minutes, with a fare of €1.45.
• Car: You can drive to Vázquez de Mella Street to drop off passengers at the castle. Unfortunately, parking directly on the castle grounds is prohibited. The nearest car parks are Marq car park and Park la Ereta car park.

Where can I park my car?

The nearest car parks are Park la Ereta and Marq, from which you can easily reach the castle on foot. If you decide to drive there, please note that the castle does not offer parking spaces on its premises.

If you are looking for detailed information on how to get to the lift at St. Barbara’s Castle, see also the article: Where is the lift to St. Barbara’s Castle in Alicante?