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Santa Bárbara Castle, Alicante

Carretera de Acceso al Castillo Santa Bárbara, Alicante (Alacant), Comunidad Valenciana

Description

Santa Bárbara Castle is located atop Mount Benacantil (166 m) in the center of Alicante, Spain. The fortress dates from the 9th century and was named after Saint Barbara, on whose feast day the castle was recaptured from the Arabs in 1248. Access to the castle is free but access to the Old Dungeons, Cistern and Hospital is only available by booking the official castle tour.

Access & Transport

The free La Ereta car park is located near the castle, on Mount Benacantil itself but it is not possible to drive to the castle (exceptions for disabled visitors and to drop very young children). There is a lift from El Postiguet (€2.70 per person, except for pensioners and children under 5) or it is a 20-30mins walk from the center of the city.

Instructions & Recommendations

If visiting the castle with pets, you must enter via the Old Guards’ Barracks, as pets are not permitted in the lift, nor in the rooms and museums.

Meta review

Considered one of the must-see attractions in Alicante by travel guides, blogs and online reviews. Visitors state that the views and picture opportunities from the top are fantastic and though there isn't much to see beside the ruins of the wall, it is very much worth going there - the lift option is much appreciated on the way up when the weather is hot.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritage

Conclusion

The castle is without a doubt one of the highlights of Alicante and any visitor there should spare one hour to explore it. However, we would not recommend tourists to come all the way to the city just for the castle.

Key positive

Great views over the city and the sea

Free admission

Key negative

Lacks content

Suitability

Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility (except for some wall sections)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in August 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Until 23h in summer. Last admission 30mins bef. closing. Closed on 24, 25, 31 Dec and 01, 06 Jan.

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 20:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 20:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 20:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 20:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 20:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 20:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 20:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 15

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Free

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