While Alicante is universally associated with sun loungers, golden sand, and hundreds of beachfront hotels, a trip to this Mediterranean province offers much more than a standard resort holiday. By driving only a few kilometers away from the crowded coast, the landscape dramatically shifts to reveal a rugged, historical frontier.
These lands are deeply important to European history. For centuries, the Romans, the Moors, and Christian conquerors fought bitterly for control of this strategic gateway, leaving behind a legacy where an ancient fortress stands on almost every mountain peak. It is a stunning visual landscape, especially if you look past the modern scenery and consider the heavy price of conflict paid to build it.
Because many of these ancient citadels are perched on isolated peaks and hidden deep within rural valleys, relying on public buses or rigid group tours is highly impractical. To truly experience an adventure in this area, renting a personal vehicle is essential. Navigating these forgotten roads that lead from the sea inland to ancient fortresses completely changes your perspective, opening up Alicante in a brilliant, entirely new light.
1. Santa Bárbara Castle (Alicante City)
Overlooking the city from the top of Mount Benacantil is the magnificent Santa Bárbara Castle, the gem of the entire coastline. The castle dates back to the 9th century when Muslims were ruling the Iberian Peninsula.
Standing on the high artillery platforms, it becomes immediately clear why empires fought for this specific rock: it offers an unparalleled, strategic view of the entire bay. Walking through its dungeons and reinforced walls introduces you to the sheer scale of the military history that shaped the region before you head deeper inland.
- Travel Tip: While there is a lift accessible from the beach level, driving up the backside of Mount Benacantil offers beautiful pine-shaded views and convenient parking near the castle gates.
2. The Roman Ruins of Lucentum (Tossal de Manises)
Just a few kilometers away from the modern port of Alicante is the archaeological site of Lucentum, which gives insight into the beginnings of urban civilization in this province. The first urban settlers here were not medieval castles but the Romans.
As you walk through the remains of Roman baths, Roman fortified towers, and the Roman forum, you get to see the footprint of the old Roman lifestyle. The place is an ideal starting point since it shows how the land appeared before the coming of the Moorish and Christian armies.
- Travel Tip: Visit late in the afternoon when the sun hangs low over the ancient stone walls, which is a perfect spot to make excellent photography before you head into the mountains.
3. Castillo de la Atalaya (Villena)
As you travel northwest through the Vinalopó Valley, the Mediterranean environment gives way to an arid and rocky environment, characterized by spectacular rock formations. This is where the village of Villena is located, which has one of the greatest architectural works of the Almohad era.
Built by the Moors and later captured by the Crown of Aragon in the 13th century, this fortress feels completely impregnable due to its double-layered defensive walls and massive, vaulted keep. Walking through its austere, dark halls, you can physically sense the tension that once reigned on this highly contested border between Christian and Muslim kingdoms.
- Travel Tip: Be sure to book a ticket that allows you to climb to the top of the keep, where the narrow stone staircases open up to a commanding view of the surrounding plains.
4. The Mountain Village of Guadalest
Hidden within the Marina Baja area is Guadalest, an amazing village that is completely separated from the rest of the modern world. This village, which stands built between steep mountains, was initially a Muslim fortress.
Because of its natural fortifications, Guadalest remained a heavily populated sanctuary for Moriscos (converted Muslims) long after the Christian Reconquista swept through the valleys below. Navigating the winding, steep mountain roads to get here is an absolute thrill. This scenic journey proves that booking rental cars in Alicante with a trusted provider is absolutely essential for exploring the province.
- Travel Tip: Park in the designated lots at the base of the town and walk through the natural rock tunnel that serves as the historic gateway to the old village center.
5. Castillo de Biar
A short drive from Villena brings you to the picturesque town of Biar, which is dominated by a 12th-century fortress resting on a rocky hill. This site played a critical role in the historical division of territory between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon.
It should be noted that many scholars recognize the castle because it still houses one of the oldest Almohad ribbed vaults in Spain. The layout of the building exemplifies how medieval architects integrated defensive techniques into the landscape of the mountain.
- Travel Tip: The streets leading up to the castle are incredibly narrow and steep. This important detail might not be shared with you before getting here, so it is highly advised that you park your vehicle at the bottom of the hill and enjoy the atmospheric walk up.
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6. The Old Town of Elche and the Palmeral
The journey southward takes you through a totally different side of the Alicante history in Elche. The Palmeral of Elche is an oasis full of more than 200,000 date palms grown by the ancient Muslim rulers of the land.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a unique instance of North African agricultural engineering techniques that were transferred to Europe a millennium ago. Taking a walk around the enormous urban gardens located near the ancient palace fortress of Altamira will make you think of a desert kingdom.
- Travel Tip: Give yourself plenty of time to explore the Huerto del Cura, a specific garden within the palm grove that features rare botanical species and the famous seven-branched Imperial Palm.
7. Castillo de Sax
Rising like a stone ship out of a sheer, singular rock face, the castle of Sax is one of the most visually dramatic sights in the entire province. This fortress stands watch over the Vinalopó River, guarding an ancient route that connected Madrid with the Mediterranean coast.
The castle is made up of two different towers connected together with a massive protective wall, with early Moorish construction techniques complemented by later Christian brickwork. Observing the castle from below the valley emphasizes the sheer physical labor involved for these communities to erect such mountain fortresses.
- Travel Tip: The castle is illuminated beautifully at night, making it well worth planning your driving route to pass through the valley just as dusk settles.
8. The Historic Quarter of Altea
Returning toward the coast to explore its maritime heritage, Altea presents a striking contrast to the rugged mountain fortresses. Known widely as the cultural capital of the Costa Blanca, its historic old town is a labyrinth of whitewashed houses.
At the highest point of the town stands the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, famous for its iconic blue-and-white tiled domes. Walking along the remnants of the old 16th-century defensive walls, you can easily picture how residents kept a constant watch on the horizon for invading Barbary pirates.
- Travel Tip: Skip the crowded lower coastal parking lots and use the designated parking areas near the top of the old town for direct access to the historic plaza.
9. Castillo de Santa Pola
Located right in the center of a bustling coastal town, the Castle-Fortress of Santa Pola is a magnificent example of military Renaissance architecture. The primary purpose of this 16th-century castle-fortress was not to fight land-based kingdoms, but to protect local fishermen from frequent pirate raids.
The structure’s solid square design is characterized by thick walls with strong corner bastions that can resist naval artillery fire. The inner yard has currently been turned into a cultural museum for the benefit of today’s generation.
- Travel Tip: Having explored the castle, go for a short drive to the Santa Pola salt marshes to observe the historical watchtowers and flamingos in their natural habitat.
10. Denia Castle and Archaeological Museum
Situated in the northern part of the province, Denia Castle is a fort with a history of over two thousand years of military occupation. The castle stands majestically atop a rock overlooking the port, with various architectural layers added by the Romans, Moors, and Christians.
The castle was utilized as the great palace fort of the Taifa of Denia, which was an independent kingdom. If you visit this majestic place, you can walk through the grand gateways that are constructed in the typical Arab style and learn about the historical significance of Alicante by examining the museum collection.
- Travel Tip: The castle grounds feature extensive landscaped walkways and shaded pine groves, making it an excellent spot for a relaxed walk with panoramic views of the marina.
In summary, by the end of this loop and returning your car, your perception of Alicante will have changed forever. What starts as a vacation connected to mere beach towns turns out to be a fascinating tapestry of fallen empires, lofty aspirations, and architectural splendor.
If you feel prepared to say goodbye to the busy resort areas, hold on to your car keys, and head out towards the mountains that lie within the interior, then there are many hidden secrets about the real history of this fabulous province that await you.