Castle of Santa Bárbara

The Santa Bárbara Castle will be closed to the public on April 7.

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused.

From 28th February to 16th June: Monday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

  • Last admission to the site is permitted until 30 minutes before closing time.

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The Castle of Santa Bárbara is perched on top of M­ount Benacantil at a height of 166 metres, and stands one of Spain’s largest mediaeval fortresses, providing great views of Alicante’s perfect bay. It has three different enclosures from three distinct periods:

The upper enclosure, “La Torreta”, is where visitors will find the keep and the most ancient remains of the fortress, which mostly date from the 14th century.

The mid-level enclosure is home to the most important buildings, which were built in the 16th century. These include:

• The Salón Felipe II hall
• The Cuerpo de Guardia guard house the Patio de Armas parade ground the Baluarte de la Reina bastion.

The lower enclosure dates back to the 18th century and is home to the Revellín del Bon Repós ravelin.

FREE ACCESS

VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE CASTLE OF SANTA BARBARA

ACTIVITIES AT THE CASTLE OF SANTA BARBARA

How to get the Castle of Santa Barbara

  • Minibuses from Plaza Puerta del Mar, near to Postiguet beach
  • The lifts are located in Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora,  opposite Postiguet Beach. 
  • Vehicle access in Avenida Vázquez de Mella.
  • Parking in the site is not allowed 
  • We recommend to access through the pedestrian routes.

Castle opening hours

  • From 15th November to 27th February: Monday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

  • From 28th February to 16th June: Monday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

  • From 17th June to 4th September: Monday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 11.00 pm.

  • From 5th September to 14th November: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

*Access to the site is only allowed up to 30 minutes before closing time.

On days when events are scheduled: consult the Castle’s closing times.

The fortress will be closed on 24th, 25th and 31st December, 1st and 6th January, 24th June.

 

Shuttle service to the Castle

Minibus Timetable

  • Between 15th November and 27th February:  Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m, to 6 p.m.
  • Between 28th February and 16th June: Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Between 17th June and 4th September: Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Between 5th September and 14th November: Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*Access to the site is only allowed up to 30 minutes before closing time.

Fare: 1,45€ each way

Location of the bus stops:

  • Plaza Puerta del Mar 
  • Pasarela Postiguet
  • TRAM STOP ( MARQ)
  • Plaza del Doctor Gómez Ulla, in front of MARQ Museum
  • Santa Barbara Castle

Frequency: Every 40 minutes. The service is reinforced for passengers coming from cruise ships and when large events are held at the site.

Lift accesses

  • Located in front of the Postiguet beach, in Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora.

Opening hours:

  • Between 15th November and 27th February:  Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m, to 6 p.m.
  • Between 28th February and 16th June: Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Between 17th June and 4th September: Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Between 5th September and 14th November: Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*Access to the site is only allowed up to 30 minutes before closing time.

  • Last lift up: 30 minutes before the closing time of the lifts.
  • Last lift going down: 30 minutes before the closing time of the lifts.

On days when events are scheduled: consult the Castle’s closing times.

Price of the lifts:

  • 2.70 euros.
  • Free of charge for pensioners or retired persons who can prove this condition with an identity card.

COVID safety measures:

  • Lifts: capacity limited to one third except for cohabitants.
  • Mandatory use of masks
  • Eating and drinking is not allowed inside the lifts and in the tunnel.
  • Access tunnel to the lifts: capacity limited to 90 people.

Access to Santa Bárbara Castle from La Ereta Park:

 This route begins with a walk through the streets of the Historical Centre and ends at La Ereta Park. It also offers spectacular views of the city, the neighbouring towns and the Mediterranean Sea. https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-a-pie/castillo-de-santa-barbara-por-parque-la-ereta-43497330

 

Access to the Santa Bárbara Castle along Monte Benacantil:

You can enjoy the views of Postiguet Beach from Calle Virgen del Socorro and then join the path on the west side of Mount Benacantil that also allows to benefit from the lovely views of the north of Alicante and the mountains. https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-a-pie/castillo-santa-barbara-por-monte-benacantil-43497310

 

Vehicle access only in the following cases

Loading and unloading of passengers during strictly necessary time: taxis, VTC, people with reduced mobility, minibuses (maximum length 8.50m and maximum mass 6,800kg)

 

Group visits

It is compulsory to fill in the following form for group visits (school group visits, scheduled group excursions, etc.).

Please note
 
  • All fields on this form must be completed and sent to the e-mail address info@castillodesantabarbara.com at least 48 hours before the date of the visit. 
  • Reservations made more than 3 months in advance will not be accepted. 
  • Sending this form does not guarantee a reservation. You will receive a reply to your request.
  • Reservations for coach access may be revoked by Alicante City Council for reasons of force majeure or general public interest, without entitlement to any compensation. 
  • Access to the form HERE

Contact

Information Santa Bárbara Castle:

  • Mobile: (+34) 673 849 890
  • info@castillodesantabarbara.com

Tourist info offices:

Administration Contact (Patronato Municipal de Turismo)

Address

  • Monte Benacantil Castillo Santa Bárbara, S/N, 03013 Alicante (SPAIN)
  • Coordenates: 38.348952,-0.477583