Significant Buildings and Landmarks of Alicante

While Alicante isn't exactly the kind of place you'd visit purely for sightseeing, it does have a couple of impressive fortresses and a stunning church for those who appreciate striking landmarks.
Castillo de Santa Bàrbara dominates the city skyline from atop Mount Benacantil, while the more modest San Fernando fortress offers a quieter spot with plenty of activities in the surrounding area that families will enjoy too. Meanwhile, the Basilica Santa María is a beautiful example of religious architecture that has absorbed influences from various architectural styles throughout its long history.

Castillo de Santa Bàrbara

You can't picture Alicante's skyline without the imposing Santa Bàrbara Castle [on map] perched high on Mount Benacantil. This fortress is hands down the city's most iconic landmark, it dominates the landscape and is basically part of Alicante's DNA. Most visitors make the trek up here for the jaw-dropping panoramic views alone. There's also a city museum tucked inside the castle walls where you can dive into Alicante's journey from ancient times to today.

The Moors kicked off construction of this fortress way back when, and boy, has it seen some action over the centuries. Different armies have called this place home throughout history. By the 1700s, they stopped using it for military purposes and it actually served as a prison for a while. The castle sat empty and abandoned for ages until it finally opened to the public in 1963. That's when they installed two elevators to make the climb up a whole lot easier.

The museum inside has slightly different hours than the castle itself, so double-check before you go. There's also a café up there where you can grab a bite while soaking in those views of Alicante Bay. If you're feeling social, you can join a guided tour that includes an hour-long exploration of the castle and museum, plus a meal with those breathtaking views as your backdrop.
Pro tip: Hit the castle early in the morning or late in the evening to dodge both the heat and the crowds. On scorching days, bring plenty of water, though you can refill your bottles at fountains around the castle grounds.

You've got three ways to reach the castle: bus, on foot, or by elevator. The elevator is the crowd favorite, it'll only set you back a few euros. It runs during castle hours, but heads up: you'll need coins for the ticket machine. On weekends and hot days, expect to wait in line as the elevator gets packed. If you're up for it, the walk takes about 20-30 minutes. Just remember the paths can get hot and slippery, so wear comfy shoes with good grip.

Basilica Santa Maria

The oldest church in Alicante is the Basilica Santa Maria. This impressive Gothic building was constructed on the very spot [on map] where a mosque once stood. The church was consecrated in 1248, but construction work continued well into the 1600s. While Gothic architecture dominates, you'll also spot Baroque and Rococo influences that were added during later renovations.

The facade features a statue of the Virgin Mary sculpted by Juan Bautista Borja. Step inside and you'll be greeted by a stunning 18th-century Rococo main altar, along with three beautiful chapels: Bautismo, Inmaculada, and Comunión. The baptistery houses an impressive baptismal font made from Carrara marble, and don't miss the magnificent Baroque organ dating back to 1653.

For just a few euros, your entrance fee includes an audio guide that provides detailed insights into the church's history and architecture. The real highlights here are the intricate facade details, the altar, and those impressive organ pipes. Plan to spend about 30-60 minutes exploring the place. If you're feeling energetic, climb the bell tower for some fantastic views over Alicante's old town and up to Santa Barbara Castle.

Santa María de la Asunción sits on a charming little square surrounded by cafes and restaurants. It's the perfect spot to grab a coffee and decompress after your church visit.

Castillo De San Fernando

Alicante's other popular landmark, though much more modest than Santa Bàrbara, is San Fernando Castle, perched [on map] on Tossal hill just outside the city center. The castle sits among tree-covered slopes packed with all sorts of attractions, especially great for families with kids.
You'll find a playground, mini-golf course, skate park, and outdoor exercise equipment scattered around the area. The nature trails and walking paths that wind around the castle make for pleasant strolls or workout routes. The park areas and viewpoints near the castle are popular picnic spots, though admittedly the maintenance could be better in some areas.

The fortress was hastily built in the early 1800s when the French were suspected of planning an attack on Alicante. When the attack never materialized, the castle ended up having little military significance. These days, its main draw is the fantastic views over the city, the sea, and toward Santa Barbara Castle. It's a quieter spot than many tourist attractions, and best of all, admission is free.
You can explore various corridors, staircases, and other structures throughout the fortress. The experience is somewhat dampened by the fact that while there have been restoration efforts, parts of the castle aren't in the best shape. Simply removing the graffiti would make the place much more pleasant. Better signage, like maps and clearly marked entrances, would also make it easier to navigate the area.

Getting there is pretty straightforward, you can take a taxi or public transport. You could hop off near the football stadium and walk up the hills from there. The walking route to the castle is manageable for most visitors, though it does get steep and uneven in places. There's not much shade around, so sun protection is crucial, especially on hot days.
The best times to visit are early morning or later in the evening, sunset views are particularly stunning. There's a café and restrooms on site, but heads up: they might be closed, so it's smart to bring your own snacks and water just in case.