Beyond the sun-kissed beaches and coastal promenades, the province of Alicante hides a landscape dotted with fortresses, towers, and walled towns that whisper stories of Moors, kings, and knights. From the glittering coastlines of Dénia and Alicante to the misty mountain passes around Cocentaina and Villena, each castle has its own legend, architecture, and breathtaking view.
Exploring these historic treasures is one of the most rewarding day trips on the Costa Blanca. Whether you are staying in Jávea, Dénia, Calpe, Altea, Benidorm, or Alicante, all these castles are within easy reach by car — especially if you rent one from Blanca Cars Rent a Car, which offers door-to-door delivery anywhere along the Costa Blanca North.
1. Castle of Santa Bárbara – Alicante City
The Castle of Santa Bárbara is the crown jewel of Alicante, sitting proudly atop Mount Benacantil, 166 metres above the sea. Its origins trace back to the 9th century, during Muslim rule, though later Christian kings expanded and fortified it into one of Spain’s most impressive coastal strongholds.
Visitors today can wander through its ramparts, towers, and courtyards, discovering the dungeons, lookout posts, and ancient cannons once used to defend the city. The views are unforgettable — stretching from the marina and Postiguet Beach to the vast Mediterranean horizon. Inside the castle, exhibitions recount Alicante’s history, from medieval sieges to modern maritime trade.
The castle is easily accessible by a panoramic glass lift (entrance near the beach promenade), by a scenic walk through the Old Town, or by car via well-marked roads with parking at the summit.
📍 Distance: 0 km from Alicante centre
⏱️ Travel time: 10 minutes by car from most hotels
🚗 Getting there: If you’re flying into Alicante Airport (ALC), rent a car and enjoy a short, 15-minute drive into the city. Having your own vehicle makes it easy to combine a visit to Santa Bárbara with a drive along the Castillo Route to nearby Villena or Biar.
Public buses connect the city centre to the castle area, but the best way to experience the fortress and explore beyond is by car — giving you the freedom to stop for seaside photos or a waterfront lunch on your own schedule.
2. Castle of Biar – Moorish Majesty in the Mountains
Tucked away in the inland valley of the Vinalopó River, the Castle of Biar stands as a magnificent example of Islamic military architecture. Built in the 12th century, this fortress played a crucial role in defending the frontier between the Muslim kingdoms and the expanding Christian territories of Aragon and Castile.
The castle dominates the skyline of Biar, a picturesque town surrounded by pine-covered hills and olive groves. Its irregular, polygonal design includes a striking main tower (the keep), several smaller turrets, and a double wall system that once made it nearly impregnable. Visitors can explore its stone corridors, admire the preserved Mudejar-style arches, and climb to the top of the keep for sweeping views of the countryside.
Below the fortress, Biar itself invites slow exploration — whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, artisan pottery shops, and family-run tapas bars give it an authentic charm. The castle is open year-round, though hours may vary seasonally.
📍 Distance from Alicante: 60 km
⏱️ Travel time: 45 minutes by car via A-31 motorway
🚗 Best option: Public transport to Biar is limited, making a rental car the easiest and most flexible choice. You can collect your vehicle directly from your accommodation or Alicante Airport, and enjoy a scenic drive through the inland valleys dotted with almond trees.
Combine your visit to Biar with Villena (just 10 km away) for a full day of fortress-hopping in rural Alicante. With your own car, you control the route and pace — ideal for travellers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
3. Atalaya Castle – Villena’s Mighty Guardian
The Atalaya Castle in Villena is among the most iconic fortresses in the entire Valencian Community. Towering over the town from its rocky hill, this 12-tower stronghold once guarded one of the most strategic points in medieval Spain — the crossroads between the kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, and Valencia.
Built in the 12th century and later reinforced by the famous nobleman Don Juan Manuel, its double defensive walls and robust keep still impress visitors with their sheer scale. Inside, a spiral staircase winds up to the battlements, offering magnificent views of Villena’s tiled rooftops, vineyards, and the arid highlands beyond. Exhibits inside recount the castle’s role in Moorish, Christian, and later Napoleonic conflicts.
The town of Villena is equally rich in heritage, boasting a charming historic centre, the Archaeological Museum of Villena, and local gastronomy based on stews and local wines.
📍 Distance from Alicante: 65 km
⏱️ Travel time: 50 minutes by car via A-31
🚗 Transport: While regional trains reach Villena, the station sits outside town, and taxis are limited. The most practical way to visit is by car hire. With a Rent a Car you can plan a circular route — Alicante → Biar → Villena → Castalla → back to the coast — enjoying freedom and comfort all day.
If you love photography, visit late afternoon: the golden light over Atalaya’s stone walls makes for spectacular shots.
4. Castle of Cocentaina – Gothic Beauty Over the Serpis Valley
Perched above the medieval town of Cocentaina, this Gothic castle was built in the 13th century on the remains of an earlier Muslim fortress. Its elegant square tower, crenellated walls, and pointed arches reflect the influence of both Islamic and Christian art, symbolising the cultural blend that defines this region.
The castle played an important defensive role in the County of Cocentaina and served as a noble residence. Inside, visitors can admire reconstructed rooms, armoury displays, and panels describing the feudal families who once lived here. The climb up to the castle (either by car or a 30-minute walk from town) rewards you with panoramic views of the Serpis Valley, surrounded by forested hills and olive terraces.
Cocentaina itself is a destination worth exploring. Its Old Town retains charming narrow streets, and the Palacio Comtal, located below the castle, houses one of the best-preserved Gothic palaces in the province. The annual Fira de Tots Sants (All Saints Fair) transforms the town into a medieval festival of crafts, food, and music.
📍 Distance from Dénia: 60 km | From Alicante: 75 km
⏱️ Travel time: 1 hour by car
🚗 Transport: Public transport connections are sparse, so travelling by rental car is ideal. With your own car, you can combine Cocentaina with Alcoy or Guadalest for a perfect inland adventure.
Driving through the Serpis Valley is a pleasure in itself — winding roads, almond orchards, and views that change with every bend.
5. Castle of Dénia – History by the Sea
Few fortresses combine history and sea views as beautifully as the Castle of Dénia. Rising above the town’s historic centre, this fortress dates back to the Muslim Taifa period (11th century) and was later expanded under Christian rule. Today it’s a cultural landmark offering some of the best viewpoints on the Costa Blanca.
Visitors enter through the Porta del Desemparats and ascend paths that lead past ancient walls, towers, and archaeological sites. Inside, the Archaeological Museum of Dénia showcases artefacts from Iberian, Roman, and Moorish periods. The castle’s strategic location once protected the port from pirates; now it rewards travellers with sunset views over the harbour and Montgó Mountain.
Dénia itself is a lively coastal city famous for its cuisine (a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy), charming old quarter, and 20 km of beaches.
📍 Distance from Alicante: 90 km
⏱️ Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes by car via AP-7
🚗 Transport: The Alicante–Dénia tram is scenic but slow. For comfort and flexibility, car hire is recommended. Collect your car directly at your hotel or airport and enjoy a relaxed coastal drive.
With your own vehicle, you can combine Dénia’s castle visit with beach stops or a trip to Jávea’s Cabo de la Naolookout — all at your own pace, without waiting for schedules.
6. El Castell de Guadalest – The Eagle’s Nest
Perhaps the most magical of all Alicante’s fortresses, El Castell de Guadalest clings dramatically to a rocky crag high above a turquoise reservoir. The village below, simply called Guadalest, is officially one of Spain’s Most Beautiful Villages, and for good reason.
The castle dates back to the 11th century and was once a key Moorish stronghold. It later became the seat of the noble Orduña family, whose mansion is now a museum. The climb up to the castle passes through a tunnel carved in rock, opening into a small plaza with breathtaking views of the Guadalest Valley, surrounding peaks, and the blue reservoir below.
Although much of the original fortress was destroyed by earthquakes and wars, its remains — towers, cisterns, and lookout points — preserve the atmosphere of medieval life. The village offers several quirky museums (miniatures, torture instruments, salt & pepper shakers), local craft shops, and cafes with terraces overlooking the valley.
📍 Distance from Benidorm: 25 km | From Alicante: 65 km
⏱️ Travel time: 40 minutes from Benidorm, 1 hour from Alicante
🚗 Transport: Public buses run occasionally from Benidorm, but having a rental car lets you arrive early before crowds, stop at scenic viewpoints, and combine the trip with the Fonts de l’Algar Waterfalls nearby.
Click here for driving directions to the Castle in Guadalest
Driving through the winding mountain roads is part of the experience — with every turn revealing a postcard view of Mediterranean forests, cliffs, and valleys.
7. Castle of Castalla – Guardian of the Foia Valley
The Castle of Castalla, perched on a limestone ridge, commands a strategic position overlooking the Foia Valley. Its origins date back to the 11th century, but most of what you see today reflects Christian reconstructions from the 14th–16th centuries. This fortress once protected the trade routes between Alicante and the inland plateaus.
Visitors can walk along its well-preserved walls, explore the Keep Tower, and visit the small exhibition inside that recounts Castalla’s medieval history and its role during the War of Independence against Napoleon. The views from the battlements stretch across patchwork farmlands and rugged mountains — a true reward for the short hike or drive up from the town below.
Castalla’s old quarter, with its traditional houses and quiet squares, is worth a stroll before or after the castle visit. The area is also known for its natural parks, making it perfect for combining history with hiking or picnicking.
📍 Distance from Alicante: 38 km
⏱️ Travel time: 35 minutes by car via A-7
🚗 Transport: Regional buses are infrequent, so driving is strongly recommended. Blanca Cars Rent a Car offers flexible rentals — from compact cars to family SUVs — ideal for navigating mountain routes. With free delivery to your hotel or campsite, you can easily include Castalla in a day trip circuit covering Biar, Villena, and Cocentaina.
Visiting Castalla Castle by car allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints or local restaurants en route — turning a simple excursion into a full day of authentic Costa Blanca exploration.
Getting Around the Castles of Alicante
Exploring multiple castles in one day is easiest by car. The distances between fortresses are short, but public transport links are limited, especially in the inland mountain areas.
The castles of Alicante are not just ruins — they are timeless landmarks connecting the region’s vibrant present to its dramatic past. Each fortress tells a unique story, framed by mountain ridges, pine forests, and the blue Mediterranean beyond.
From the bustling walls of Santa Bárbara to the hidden towers of Biar and Guadalest’s eagle’s nest, exploring them is a journey through the very soul of the Costa Blanca.