I don't know how to describe this castle in a few words, but one word that definitely fits is MAGNIFICENT. From start to finish, it's filled with history, culture, life, and undoubtedly art. For lovers of history, culture, and engineering, this is an incredible place to visit. It's free to enter and everything is clean. The views are phenomenal. There are cafés inside the castle. I recommend it 100%.

via google · 3/8/2026

I loved this place. I took lift, it saved me time and effort. There is bit of climbing you have to do when you get to castle. So save your energy. Beautify castle and scenery of the city from the top. Couple of nice restaurants on the top as well. With the time.

via google · 3/5/2026

Santa Barbera castle in Alicante is absolutely beautiful. Well worth a visit and it's free. I went on a weekday at about 10.30am and it wasn't busy. I took the lift up to the top. The lift costs €2.70 and the views are stunning looking over the city and coastline. I spent a good few hours looking around. Lots of history. When you get off the bus near the Meliá hotel and marina, walk straight ahead up the road and you'll see the entrance on the opposite side for the lift. There is a busy road to cross but it has a part to cross safely with traffic lights. Once you cross there is a long tunnel to go into after the entrance to pay and go up the lift. I walked back down after right into the old town of Santa Cruz and all the beautiful blue pot houses.

via google · 2/27/2026

Visited with my father and brother in early January. We didn’t know what to expect and climbed up purely because it was beside the hotel. We enjoyed the walk and found the whole structure at the top very interesting and loved the view. We regret not putting aside more time for it as we would have stopped at the cafe and spent more time in the museum side of the fortress. There is a shuttle bus service if needed and the staff were friendly and helpful upon arrival at the main entrance.

via google · 2/24/2026

A unique castle filled with very interesting stories, it's a lovely place to visit and the views are even more beautiful. I just want to mention a few details that could enhance the visitor experience. Perhaps they could install some informational panels at certain points, as for example, in the hall of Philip II, there are certain objects or flags that do not indicate their history or what they are exactly. I also want to mention that the room where the explanatory video about history is shown is a very good idea, well executed, but I think that dimming the lights in the room and adding some speakers to make the audio clearer would greatly improve that experience.

via google · 2/22/2026

It’s worth the walk coming to this amazing spot like you’re on top of the world. We walk almost 40 mins from playa del postiguet to here, because we walked so slow. You must not miss this, aside from the ancient walls and stones. It’s so beautiful to witness the panoramic view of Alicante. We came early so waited until it’s time to open. You can search what is the entrance opening if you don’t want to wait.

via google · 2/21/2026

A very good experience hiking from the lower part near the parking lot to the top of the castle (on unpaved paths). The trek is intense, and if you do it in the heat, it can be worse. Once you reach the castle, you can explore it through its paths, streets, and trails. The signage is very well organized, and the staff is friendly and answers questions. The tour inside the castle is lovely, with many sculptures and paintings. There's a lot of history here! There’s an elevator that helps people with mobility issues get up and down. The views are highly recommended and very photogenic!

via google · 1/31/2026

The Castillo de Santa Bárbara is a must-visit in Alicante due to its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the entire city. It is located high on Mount Benacantil, offering a fascinating historical tour through its walls and ancient medieval dungeons. It's an ideal spot for a stroll, as access is convenient thanks to the elevator or a pleasant walking path. Admission is free, and the grounds are very well maintained, with shaded areas and cafés for resting. I recommend going up at sunset to enjoy the colors of the sky over the Alicante port. It's a complete cultural and visual experience that won't disappoint any tourist.

via google · 12/30/2025

It's a beautiful experience to visit it, transporting you to a medieval era. Accessibility is good, whether walking, driving, or even biking. Once inside, there are countless spots to take photos with incredible views and admire the wonderful coastline and the city of Alicante. Inside, you'll find a museum, shops for snacks or coffee, a souvenir shop, and information at the entrance. What I enjoyed most was the flamenco show (part of the cultural activities program that the city hall prepares for families). Admission to the castle is completely free. It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk.

via google · 12/3/2025

You have two options to reach the castle: you can take the lift, which is the easier route, and it brings you straight up through a tunnel. The castle itself is absolutely beautiful, offering perfect panoramic views of the entire city. There’s quite a bit of walking involved, but it’s completely worth it. It can get windy at the top, though it’s not cold. The photo opportunities are amazing, and the history of the place is incredible. This is definitely a must-see if you’re visiting Alicante.

via google · 11/20/2025