Tabarca
Located off Costa Blanca, Spain's smallest inhabited island has an 18th-century walled town, clear waters with 45m visibility, and a marine reserve home to sea bass and dolphins.
Rising 166 meters above Alicante on Mount Benacantil, this 11th-century fortress spans 400,000 square meters across three levels, with views stretching to Tabarca island.
Santa Bárbara Castle rises 166 meters above Alicante on Mount Benacantil. Walk through its 11th-century Keep, explore the Renaissance water cistern, or watch a theatrical performance in Philip II's Hall while looking out over the Mediterranean Sea.
From the upper terraces, you'll look out over Alicante's bay stretching 8 kilometers north to San Juan beach. The panorama extends east to Tabarca island, 22 kilometers offshore. When you stand on El Postiguet beach and look up at Mount Benacantil, you'll notice its distinctive profile - the rock formations create what appears to be a human face, which locals call "the face of the Moor."
The 400,000-square-meter fortress spreads across three levels. At the top, La Torreta contains the 11th-century Keep and Islamic-era foundations. The middle level includes the 16th-century Philip II's Hall, Guard Corps building, and Queen's Bastion. The 18th-century lower level welcomes visitors through the Revellín del Bon Repós entrance gate.
Take the elevator from Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora, across from El Postiguet Beach, or walk up two paths to the castle: one starts at the City Hall, winding through narrow streets of the old town, while another begins at El Postiguet Beach. Both paths take about 30 minutes.
Throughout the year, actors in period costumes lead tours through the castle's corridors, telling stories of medieval sieges and Renaissance court life. Musicians perform evening concerts on the terraces, and local chefs organize Mediterranean dining events. Inside, the Museum of the City of Alicante (MUSA) displays five rooms of archaeological finds, medieval weapons, and city documents.
Visit the castle daily from 10:00 to 18:00 between November and February. Spring and autumn hours extend until 20:00 and summer hours (June to September) run until 23:00. The elevator makes its final ascent 40 minutes before closing and last descent 20 minutes before closing.
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Located off Costa Blanca, Spain's smallest inhabited island has an 18th-century walled town, clear waters with 45m visibility, and a marine reserve home to sea bass and dolphins.
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