Santa Bárbara Castle sits on the summit of Mount Benacantil, the rock that rises straight out of Alicante's old town, and it is the city's defining landmark. One of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, it has watched over the port since the Moorish period and earlier.
The reward at the top is the view: a full panorama of Alicante, the marina and the Mediterranean spreading out below, especially fine in the golden light before sunset. The fortress itself is free to wander, with stone ramparts, towers, courtyards and small exhibitions on the city's history.
There are three ways up — a stiff walk, a drive to the car park, or a lift cut up through the rock from the Postiguet beach side. Comfortable shoes help on the uneven stone, and the climb down lands you in the lively old-town plazas full of restaurants.