The Castle of Santa Bárbara stands as the most frequented landmark in Alicante and serves as the city’s premier tourist magnet. Its appeal stems not merely from its historical significance but also from the diverse cultural activities and dynamic events that occur throughout the year.
Annually, the castle plays host to various activities that extend during the summertime. This includes tastings, live music performances, and guided dramatic tours. Special events, like the Pirate Market, are also part of the schedule, with this year’s market taking place on August 18th, 19th, and 20th.
Also read: Santa Barbara Castle: A Glimpse into Alicante’s Past
Santa Barbara Castle Program
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the castle through guided tours during both the day and evening. Additionally, dramatized tours are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9:30 p.m., all at no charge.
The summer’s cultural agenda at the Castle features nine live music shows, with three upcoming concerts. The acoustic duo ‘2Soul’ will perform pop-rock and soul covers on Saturday, August 12th, at 8:30 p.m. Later in the month, singers Álex Escribano and Dan Lloret will sing versions of songs by Queen, U2, and Harry Styles. The summer programming will wrap up on September 2nd at 8:30 p.m. with a concert by Javi Bosque and Juan Belda.
During the weekend of August 18-20, the Castle will transform into a ‘Pirate Market.’ This event will feature decoration, exhibitions, entertainment, games for children, and attractions, with market hours running from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 12 a.m. on Sunday.
Furthermore, the month of August will see the continuation of ‘Km0’ gastronomic experiences every Friday and Saturday, starting at 16 euros. At 7:00 p.m., there will be a craft beer and olive tasting. Then, at 8:00 p.m., Mediterranean rosé wines will be paired with oils, cheese, and grapes. Finally, at 9:00 p.m., a tasting of DO Alicante wines with Alicante sausage will be offered.
Hours and Accessibility
Throughout the summer, the Castle of Santa Bárbara will have extended opening hours, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. until September 4th.
Visitors have transportation options, including an elevator service along Juan Bautista Lafora avenue, and a minibus-shuttle departing from Puerta del Mar every 40 minutes, with stops at Postiguet and the MARQ. These convenient amenities add to the allure of the Castle, further cementing its place as a must-visit destination in Alicante.
How to get to Santa Barbara Castle from Javea
If you are planning a visit to the enchanting Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante from Jávea, you have a variety of transportation options to choose from. The distance between the two locations is approximately 85-90 kilometers, and the journey can take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your chosen mode of transportation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reach Santa Barbara Castle from Jávea:
- By Car: The most convenient way to travel to Santa Barbara Castle from Jávea is by car. Follow these directions for a smooth journey:
- Start by heading southwest on Av. del Pla toward Av. del Palmela.
- Take the N-332 and A-70 highways, which will lead you towards Alicante.
- After approximately 85 kilometers, take exit 67 from the A-70, following signs for Alicante/Playas.
- Continue on Av. de Denia for about 4.4 kilometers, then turn left onto Av. de la Estación.
- After 1.2 kilometers, turn right onto Av. de Juan Bautista Lafora.
- From here, you can park your car and take the elevator to Santa Barbara Castle, which is located at the end of Av. de Juan Bautista Lafora. Alternatively, you can hike up the hill or take the tourist train from Plaza del Mar.
- By Bus: There is no direct bus route between Jávea and Alicante. However, you can take the ALSA bus line from Jávea to Benidorm and then transfer to another ALSA bus heading to Alicante. Once you arrive at the Alicante bus station, you can either walk to the castle, which is about a 25-minute walk, or take a taxi or public transportation.
- By Train: There is no direct train service between Jávea and Alicante. However, you can take a bus or drive to the nearby town of Gata de Gorgos or Xàbia, where you can catch a tram (Line 9) to Benidorm. Once in Benidorm, transfer to the TRAM Metropolitano Alicante (Line 1) and get off at Alicante’s Mercado station. From there, you can either walk to the castle, take a taxi, or use public transportation.
Regardless of which mode of transportation you choose, the Santa Barbara Castle is well worth the visit, offering an enchanting historical experience and breathtaking views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea.