Europe
Spain
Valencian Country
Province of Alicante
Costa Blanca
Alicante
Things to Do in Alicante
Castillo de Santa Barbara
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Castillo de Santa Barbara

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8,684
#2 of 240 things to do in Alicante
Castles
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10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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About
Perched on a hillside, this historic 16th-century castle and fortress overlooks the town of Alicante.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Casco Antiguo-Santa Cruz
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,440 within 3 miles
steki restaurante
1,121
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Las Brasas de San Miguel
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Bodeguita 1999
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El Gosto del Gourmet
756
258 ft$$ - $$$ • International • Mediterranean • European
La Taberna Salamanca
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Bellaterra Ristorante Pizzeria
790
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Neapolitan
26 Cocktail Room
508
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar
Suan Thai Restaurant
248
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Kambon
204
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Healthy
Restaurante Unik Asiatico
336
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Hong Kong • Central Asian
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Attractions
214 within 6 miles
Monumento al Soldado de Reemplazo
1
27 ftMonuments & Statues
Puerto Deportivo
564
114 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Plaça Porta del Mar
175
131 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Alicante Town Hall
399
418 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Casa Carbonell
101
214 ftArchitectural Buildings
Basilica Santa Maria
443
0.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
MUBAG (Museu de Belles Arts Gravina)
178
421 ftArt Museums
Escultura El Regreso de Icaro con Su Ala de Surf
178
367 ftMonuments & Statues
Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Alicante (MACA)
526
0.1 miArt Museums
Calle Mayor
69
507 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,684 reviews
Excellent
4,950
Very good
3,021
Average
601
Poor
64
Terrible
48
dickydoodaa
Leeds, UK398 contributions
Historical castle well worth a visit.
Aug 2022 • Couples
Visit to the castle 🏰 during a day visit to Alicante, the castle sits high above the city and gives uninterrupted views for miles around, mountain's, the city an great views of the Mediterranean, be aware a lot of uneven surfaces and some steep climbs and not suitable for all, there is a lift from the main road opposite the beach and not too far from Meliá hotel, the charge for the lift is €2.70pp which takes you straight to the top, this is great and saves a quite strenuous walk, entrance to the castle is free.
We spent a good couple of hours wandering around, there is a couple of bars and cafes selling soft drinks and toasties.
A really good visit and as a Yorkshireman, Free always wins for me.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yu-Min
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands153 contributions
The view is a must see !
Aug 2022 • Couples
When you are in Alicante, this is something you have to visit! The hike towards the castle is approximately one hour and fairly steep, so wear appropriate shoes and take enough water with you. Once inside, you can join a free English tour in the castle, I really recommend this as you will have access to otherwise closed areas. Santa Barbara is huge and there is so much to see, and of course the sight and view are beautiful. There are (clean) toilets and two places to eat, although the drinks are a bit expensive. At the end there is a small shop with fun items to buy. I recommend , if you want to walk to the castle, to go in the early morning (if it is warm) . A place well worth visiting!
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OK Claesson
Stockholm, Sweden400 contributions
A well worth visit!!
Jul 2021 • Couples
My husband and I trekked up to this fortress. It was well worth the walk and sweat. Wear good, Comfortable shoes, take lots of water. There is no entrance fee. There is a restaurant on the way up (we entered through the old town by the water museum) called La Ereta (we Will be back here for sure) that sold us water for 2euros (they saved us). HA! We were not prepared for the walk. But we do know better. :). At the middle of the climb (inside the fortress) is another restaurant where one could chill, rest, catch your breath and enjoy the surroundings. One could purchase water, beers, etc there. Public toilets are also available for free. The elevators are presently out of order (do not know why or how long). The whole atmosphere is family, child and pensionar friendly. It is a must when you visit Alicante. It shows One how Huge Alicante really is. The views are absolutely amazing. Very picturesque!! Recommended!!
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
727AmyG
Glasgow, UK28 contributions
great visit
Jan 2020
fabulous wee castle, mostly ruined, but views over the bay and city are well worth it, especially at sunset( we went in January so sunset is around 6pm) Easy access to from a lift , which takes you tight up from close to the beach. Cross the main road from the promenade at the circular thing that looks like a flume, and go DOWN the stairs when across, life in about 100 yards along , get tickets from machine before walking along the long tunnel( 2.70 euros, or free if you are an OAP, on production of passport . Well worth it, when you get up, and the walk back down via the west walls is spectacular too, landing you right at the Mercado tram station.Castle entry is free too !! Good wee cafe for lunch, drinks and snacks also, reasonable priced too .Including lunch we spent 3 hours in the place.Lot of video info screens and items to read up on, well worth going up, and if you feel energetic, and grudge 2.7 euros for a great visit, walk up instead.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lentheman
Penyffordd, UK566 contributions
Is its hot get the lift or bus
Jun 2022
Fantastic views from the Castle. Free to enter and also a free guided tour (which we didn't use because we had gone by the time it started at 11 a.m.). If it is hot I recommend that you get the lift from Postiguet beach or the bus. We got the lift (opens at 10 a.m.) and walked down. Passed lots of people walking up sweating profusely! A great way to spend some time. You won't need more than an hour at the top. When we were there there was nothing open for food or drinks, but the toilets were available.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PatCrawford
Helensburgh, United Kingdom126 contributions
Fabulous views from the top
Dec 2022 • Couples
A really old, beautiful castle with an interesting history. Great views over the town, sea and to the mountains. It is a challenging walk with a cheat's way up. There is an elevator service from the beachfront. This gives free access to the lift and castle for seniors.

We walked up the first time but visited again a few days later and took the lift up and a different path down. There is an almost stepless path consisting of long ramps but, of course, that increases the overall length of the walk.

They have put some metalwork sculptures of armoured knights, dotted around the castle, to add atmosphere.

Well worth a visit - you won't regret it.

One caveat: Some of the gaps in the castellation have been filled with glass panels, others are entirely empty. This is really dangerous and a person could easily fall through. Please keep tight control of your children if you are up on the ramparts.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KrisztaHelsinki
Helsinki177 contributions
nr1 sight in Alicante
Mar 2022
My best experience in Alicante. A must to walk up via Barrio Santa Cruz and Eretra Park! Fantastic views! Free entrance and free guided tour at 11am (in March). Lift also available from Postiget beach (3,75 Eu up and free down, open 10.00-20.00/22.00). Try to watch also the sunset!
( the hike up looks difficult but it is not, take your time to admire the park and sea, the mountains, old town, the fairly looking Santa Cruz houses with flower pots...simply beautiful)
There is a cafe (Eretra) in midway and several in the castle, but having an own picnic also possible at resting places. (Public toilet (free and clean) in midway at the fountain.)
You can walk up many ways, via Ermita de la Santa Crue( next to Mercado Central tram stop) is the shortest but steepest. From the sea side most of the narrow streets up lead to Eretra park.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Springer114
Herefordshire, UK550 contributions
The lift was great and very reasonably priced
Feb 2022 • Couples
It was a good thing to do on a cloudy day . The lift to the castle was so cheep and quick as it wasn’t that busy . I’m sure it would be a little painful in peak season but you can walk to the castle if you prefer. The views were excellent at the top 360 degrees. You can sit and relax with a drink at the cafe after climbing the ramparts and taking in the history...
Written March 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GerhardCH
Rheinfelden, Switzerland321 contributions
Nice view on Alicante
Oct 2021 • Family
It is remaining of a formerly big castle, that had survived for over 1000 years, partially renovated to give an impression of its size and beauty. It is a 40 minutes walk from the city center, which can be demanding during hot temperatures. A small restaurant can serve food and refreshments, as well do 2 other kind of kiosk. The best up there is the wonderful view on Alicante and it’s neighborhood.
Written October 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dominiquen_travel
Alicante, Spain5 contributions
Great hike and views!
Sep 2022
I loved my hike to the top of Castillo de Santa Barbara and it is wonderful that the city of Alicante decided to make its visit free. Even their gift shop is reasonably priced and bought a beach towel/cover. The views on the Mediterranean are breathtaking. A lot of history in this city and the Castillo is definitely a landmark displaying its rich history.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Castillo de Santa Barbara (Alicante) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Castillo de Santa Barbara
Castillo de Santa Barbara is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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