Costa Blanca in Spain is famous not only for its beaches but also for its rich medieval heritage. In this article we highlight the best Costa Blanca castles to visit, including historic fortresses near Alicante and scenic strongholds across the province. Whether you’re planning a day trip or looking for castle tours near Alicante, these 10 remarkable ancient sites offer history, views, and unforgettable experiences.
The history of Spain is extremely rich in dramatic events. Many a devastating war has been fought, many a rebellion occurred, and many a ruler changed here since the dawn of time.
Why Are There So Many Castles in Spain?
In the Middle Ages, Spain would remain under the control of the African Muslims (Moors) who had occupied most of the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century. However, in the second half of the 8th century, the recapture of Christian lands began. Reconquista or the Reconquest lasted till the end of the 15th century.
The above historic events have left an ineffaceable trace on the soil of Spain. The multiple fortresses, castles and watchtowers built both by the Moors, the Christian kings, and the local people would be erected throughout the country.
The number of castles (castillos in Spain) ever built in Spain is believed to total 10 thousand. The ones survived for the time being are said to number about one thousand; at that, the official sources would fail to provide the precise number.
The Costa Blanca castles, all of them rising at strategic locations, would serve their original purposes of defence for long centuries. Today, these fortified structures, recognised as historic monuments, have become amazing attractions included in the most popular tourist destinations. We have prepared a rating scale for the Costa Blanca castles of our own. You may visit the sites either by yourself or guided by us. During our tour, we will help you explore the historical past and become familiar with the cultural traditions of the people who inhabit the ancient soil of Spain.
Castillo De La Atalaya – Historic Castle in Villena (Costa Blanca)
Villena is located about 60 km from Alicante and is home to the impressive Atalaya Castle, one of the most important historic castles on the Costa Blanca. Moorish builders constructed the fortress in the 12th century on the remains of a Roman castrum or villa. Over the centuries, the castle played a central role in numerous battles and military conflicts.
The most destructive event occurred during the French invasion in the 19th century, which left the fortress heavily damaged. As a result, Atalaya Castle stood abandoned for many years. Restoration works began in 1958 and continued throughout the 20th century. Today, visitors can explore a carefully restored monument, while conservation efforts continue.
The castle’s circular and semicircular towers, along with its crenellated walls, create a classic image of a Spanish medieval fortress against the blue Mediterranean sky. After visiting the castle, travellers should also explore the Villena Archaeological Museum. It houses the famous Treasure of Villena, a remarkable collection of gold, silver and amber objects crafted more than 3,000 years ago.
Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday. Visits are only possible as part of a guided group.
Guided tours take place at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 16:00 and 17:00.
On Sundays, only morning tours are available.
Fare: Adults: €3, Children (7–14 years) and pensioners: €1.50
Santa Bárbara Castle – Iconic Castle in Alicante
Santa Bárbara Castle is the most famous landmark and the true symbol of Alicante. The fortress rises on Mount Benacantil, 166 metres above sea level, and offers spectacular panoramic views over the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to its central location, visitors can easily reach the castle from both the city centre and Postiguet Beach.
Moorish builders laid the first foundations of the castle in the 9th century, during Islamic rule on the Iberian Peninsula. Over the following centuries, different rulers expanded and strengthened the fortress. By the 18th century, Santa Bárbara Castle had lost its military importance. During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), the authorities used the castle as a prison. Later, the monument fell into neglect until major restoration works took place in the 1960s. After the refurbishment, the castle opened to the public and quickly became the most visited historical site in Alicante.
Visitors can reach Santa Bárbara Castle in several ways. A modern lift operates from Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora, opposite the central urban beach. Those who enjoy walking can follow a scenic path starting in the city centre.
The lift operating schedule: 10.00-19.40 (19.20 — the last flight for ascent, 19.40 — the last flight for descent). Fare: € 2.70.
The castle Santa Barbara opening time: From 10.00 till 22.00 in April, May, June and September, from 10.00 till 24.00 in July and August; from 10.00 till 20 00 in the other months of the year.
If you want to know the fascinating history of Santa Barbara Castle, feel free to ask for our guided tour, “Alicante walking tour“.
Castle of Biar – Medieval Fortress Near Alicante
Owing to its strategically favourable location, the town of Biar would always be a part of the country’s integrated defence. Beginning from the 12th century, the town became the subject of claims of both the Moors and Christian kings of Castile and Aragon. The castle of Biar stands on a hillock rising to a height of 750 m above sea level. Initially, the castle had been enclosed by three rows of massive curtain walls. The outer wall that used to surround the town completely has not survived. The castle would retain its defensive significance till the 14th century when, by the order of Ferdinand, King of Aragon, it was handed over to the Biar urban community.
For its long history, the castle has suffered several refurbishments. The architectural style in which the structure is designed is actually a mixture of several styles. No tour of the valley of the Vinalopo River will ever miss the opportunity of visiting the Biar Castle. And, of course, neither shall we. You should by your own eyes, see the special beauty of the round corner towers of the castle and its central square-shaped tower rising to the height of 19 m and thus dominating the environs.
Opening days/hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10.15 to 13.45. In summer (May to August) from 10.15 till 13.45h from Monday to Sunday and from 16-15 till 18:45h on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Fare: € 1.00.
Sax Castle – Cliffside Stronghold With Views
The castle in the city of Sax is one of the most monumental fortifications in Costa Blanca. The castle stands on a high cliff and, owing to its position, dominates the whole city. The keep, whose foundations are laid over a cave, and the bastion tower are the elements that have survived to the present day. This fortress of military glory, likewise the Biar and Villena castles, would ever withstand any attacks or sieges. The architectural volumes of the castle follow the slope of the cliff, so its square towers and toothed walls are well seen from afar. The castle looks especially beautiful in the evening, when illuminated by floodlights.
Opening hours of the castle: From 10.30 to 12.30 on Sundays. Visitors are only allowed as participants of a tour booked in advance.
Entrance fee: € 3 (you are advised to double-check the latter before the visit).
La Mola Castle – the heart of Novelda
La Mola Castle rises atop La Mola Hill, overlooking the charming town of Novelda. Built by the Moors in the 12th century, the fortress later came under the control of Christian kings. Throughout its long history, the castle changed hands several times, most often belonging to royal families. Despite its prominence, successive generations gradually abandoned and partly dismantled the fortress. Today, restoration works bring new life to this historic site, making it interesting to visit.
The castle stands out for its unique triangle-shaped tower, a rare architectural feature among Spanish fortresses. Ancient builders designed it to harmonise with the rugged surrounding landscape, creating a structure both defensive and aesthetically striking. From the top of the triangular tower, visitors can admire sweeping views of the outskirts and the town below, including St. Mary Magdalene Church, whose design elements echo the legendary work of Antonio Gaudí, famously expressed in Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia.
The fortress also offers a glimpse into medieval life. Its walls, bastions, and courtyards reveal centuries of military strategy and architectural ingenuity
Opening hours: Monday through Sunday from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00 (in winter) and from 17.00 to 20.00 (in summer). The visit is free of charge.
For a complete experience, you can explore the castle as part of our Novelda walking tour with a local guide.
Triangle tower of La Mola Castle.
Guadalest Castle – Scenic Hilltop Fortress
Guadalest is a small town with just over 200 residents, yet it welcomes more than 2 million tourists every year. Often called “an open-air museum,” the town’s houses appear to sprout from the rocks, while the Guadalest Dam lies below. At the top of the cliff above the walled town, San Jose Castle sits, built by the Arabs in the 11th century.
The castle occupies a strategic position and consists of two interlinked fortresses. Endless battles and three major earthquakes caused significant damage over the centuries. Today, visitors can safely explore the site thanks to steel stairs installed for public access.
From the Alcazaba tower, travellers enjoy breathtaking views of the Guadalest Valley. The second fortress, known as the King’s Castle, crowns the peak of the cliff. Its lofty position earned it the poetic nickname, “Eagle’s Nest.” Historically, the tower served as a secure vault for provincial tax collections.
Opening time: Monday through Sunday, from 10.00 to 20.00.
Entrance fee: Adults — € 4, students and pensioners/retirees — € 3, children — 2 €.
Banyeres Castle – Almohad Fortress
The castle of Banyeres de Mariola was built in the 13th century. It is irregularly shaped, which may mean that its ancient designers had proceeded from the peculiar nature of the local relief. The castle has two enclosures and adapts to the ground. Today, we can marvel at the square-shaped tower of the castle still rising above the hill. Inside the castle, just like in many fortifications, there stands a water tank provided for collecting water in case of a prolonged siege. The main attraction for the tourists coming here is the celebration of the “Arabs and Christians” (Moros i Cristians) festival, commemorating the fierce combats that have taken place there within the period from the 8th through the 15th centuries.
Opening hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, from 12.00 to 14.00 and from 18.00 to 20.00
Entrance fee: Adults – € 2.5; children – €1.25. Guided tours conducted in Spanish are held at 12.00 and 13.00 on Sundays.
Petrer Castle – Medieval Castle Near Alicante
No tour will ever leave out the Petrer castle, which, though built in the 11-12th centuries, has preserved its wonderful original image. The majestic silhouette of the castle crowns the hill it stands on. A marvellous view over the valley of the Vinalopo River opens from the castle. And you cannot help but start fancying of medieval knights standing on patrol on the castle walls to watch the approaching enemy. The castle owes its name to the town it used to defend. Centuries would pass by, the castle’s owners would change, but the fortification would ever remain faithful to its suzerains. In the 15th-16th centuries, the latter were kings of Aragon and then Castilian nobles. The Petrer castle even happened to be involved in the 20th-century Civil War. In those times, it served as the residence of the Republican Government of Spain.
At full moon, the city authorities will traditionally arrange free tours around the town and the castle; these dramatised shows are known as “Petrer in the Moonlight”. The tours are very popular among tourists, so you are advised to book one in advance, about a month earlier.
Work schedule: Only guided tours conducted in Spanish are held at 11.00, 12.00 and 13.00 o’clock on Tuesdays through Sundays.
Participation fee: free of charge.
Altamira Palace – Castle & Museum in Elche
The Altamira castle has got one more name – Senioria Palace. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. A major square tower erected in the 12th-13th centuries by the Moors is the core of the architectural design of this remarkable ensemble. The other structures comprising the ensemble were added later. As a result of the above construction effort, there appeared a polygon-shaped structure with round towers at the corners.
The building has been used for various purposes, first as a jailhouse and then even as a footwear factory. In spite of all the twists and turns it has had to experience, the Altamira castle, a perfect embodiment of the best traditions of the medieval art of building, has remained well-preserved. The vicinity of the picturesque palm orchard adds a bit of special charm to the historic site. Today, the castle accommodates the Archaeological Museum. The tour to Elche includes a visit to the Altamira Palace.
Opening hours: From 10.00 till 18.00 on Mondays through Saturdays; from 10.00 to 15.00 on Sundays.
Entrance fee: Adults – € 3; students, children aged over 6, and pensioners/retirees- € 1.5; children under 6 – free.
Denia Castle – Seaside Fortress With Views
In the heart of the small resort town of Denia, there stands a well-preserved castle built by the Arabs in the 11-12th centuries. Until the 19th century, the Denia castle would retain its military and managerial importance. For a while, the building has even happened to serve as the residence for a local governor. Then, it stood abandoned for long years and was nearly pulled down; in the end, fortunately, the castle was bought out and rehabilitated.
Opening hours: From 10.00 till 18.00 in November through March; from 10.00 till 19.00 in April and May; from 10.00 till 20.30 in June through September; from 10.00 till 18.30 in October.
Entrance fee: Adults – € 3; students and pensioners/retirees- € 2; children (aged 8-16) –€ 1.
At our company, you may at any time book either an individual or a group tour of the Costa Blanca castles.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)
