<\/span><\/h2>\nThe castle is located in the middle of the green setting of Monte Benacantil<\/i>. This area is not only historically interesting, but also natural. Around the castle you will find hiking trails, pine trees and small rocky outcrops, where you can spot lizards and sometimes even see birds of prey soaring above the city. <\/p>\n
In addition to these animals, you can also find typical Mediterranean flora such as rosemary, thyme and various types of cacti. A walk here feels like an oasis of peace in the middle of the busy city<\/b>. The mountain itself is also known for a peculiar rock formation on its southwestern slope, known as La Cara del Moro<\/i> (the Moorish Face). According to legend, this is the petrified profile of a Moorish prince who jumped from the mountain out of love. Look closely and you may see his face watching over the city. <\/p>\n<\/div>![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.purecostablanca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/De-haven-van-Alicante.jpg\" "\\"The")
<\/span>Image: view of Castillo de Santa B\u00e1rbara from the port of Alicante.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span>Access to Castillo de Santa B\u00e1rbara<\/span><\/h2>\nThe castle is 166 meters above sea level at the top of Monte Benacantil<\/i>, the distinctive rock that dominates Alicante’s skyline. There are several ways to get to the castle: <\/p>\n\n- By car or cab:<\/b> there is a road that winds up from the back of the mountain. There is also a small parking lot right near the entrance here;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- By public transportation: <\/b>there time a Shuttle bus, it leaves from Plaza Puerta del Mar and runs every 20 minutes. A ticket costs <\/b>\u20ac1.45 for a single trip. Below is the timetable for each period:\n
\n- From Nov. 15 to Feb. 27: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m;<\/li>\n
- From Feb. 28 through June 16: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m;<\/li>\n
- From June 17 through September 4: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m;<\/li>\n
- From Sept. 5 through Nov. 14: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- By elevator:<\/b> on the beach side, at the Playa del Postiguet, you will find an elevator that takes you (for a small fee) directly to the top. A must in high temperatures or for those with reduced mobility. Keep in mind that in high season you may have to wait in line outside. There is little shade here; <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Walking:<\/b> there are several ways to reach the castle on foot. You can “climb” the mountain from several starting points near the Marq Castillo streetcar<\/i> stops (north of the castle) and Mercado <\/i>(west of the castle). An alternative, more picturesque walk to the castle passes through the Santa Cruz<\/i> neighborhood. This route offers numerous scenic viewpoints along the way.<\/span> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
<\/span>Information about the walks<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\n\nDifficulty:<\/strong><\/td>\n| average<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nDistance:<\/strong><\/td>\n| 4 km (there and back)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nWalking time:<\/strong><\/td>\n| 45 to 60 minutes (round trip)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nToilet:<\/strong><\/td>\n| present<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nAdmission castle:<\/strong><\/td>\nfree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/span>The different sections of the castle<\/span><\/h2>\nOnce inside the castle walls, there is plenty to discover. The castle consists of three different stepped enclosures from different periods: <\/p>\n \n- La Torreta:<\/strong> the highest and oldest part, with the impressive Torre del Homenaje<\/i> (the keep or main tower) and remains from the 14th century. From here the views are spectacular; <\/li>\n
- The middle enclosure:<\/strong> here you will find important buildings from the 16th century, such as the Sal\u00f3n Felipe II<\/i>, the Patio de Armas<\/i> (Arms Square) and the Baluarte de la Reina<\/i> (Sphere of the Queen). Wander through the halls and imagine what life was like here centuries ago; <\/li>\n
- The lower enclosure:<\/strong> it dates back to the 18th century and here is the Revell\u00edn del Bon Rep\u00f3s<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Several areas within the castle, including the MUSA<\/i> (Museum of the City of Alicante), hold regular exhibitions highlighting the history of the city and the castle. Archaeological finds and historical artifacts are often on display. Inquire locally about current exhibits and whether tours (possibly with audio guide) are available. <\/p>\n<\/div><– swipe –><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><– swipe –><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Ancient](\"https:\/\/www.purecostablanca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Oude-overblijfselen-in-Castillo-de-Santa-Barbara.jpg\" "\\"Ancient") <\/span>Image: ancient remains at Castillo de Santa B\u00e1rbara in Alicante.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> ![\"Mosaics](\"https:\/\/www.purecostablanca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Mozaiek-in-Castillo-de-Santa-Barbara.jpg\" "\\"Mosaics") <\/span>Image: mosaic in Castillo de Santa B\u00e1rbara in Alicante.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> <\/span>Exhibitions and events<\/span><\/h2>\nCastillo de Santa B\u00e1rbara<\/i> is more than just a historical monument; it is also a vibrant cultural venue. During the year, the castle regularly hosts various events, such as: <\/p>\n | | | | | |
![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.purecostablanca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Uitzicht-op-de-haven-van-Alicante.jpg\" "\\"View")
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