Two iconic attractions in Alicante province have been included in the top-12 of Tripadvisor’s latest must-visit list for Spain. Benidorm’s seafront Old Town is ranked eighth and the Santa Bárbara fortress castle in Alicante city is 12th. Both were selected in Tripadvisor’s 2022 travellers’ choice awards, in the category “Top Attractions in Spain”.
For most people, Benidorm is best known as one of Europe’s most popular and vibrant party towns, but it was once a fishing village and its traditional Spanish essence has been preserved in the Old Town.
This historic quarter, with its classic architecture, narrow streets, cobblestoned plazas, quaint cafés and bars and a multitude of souvenir shops, offers stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea and the more recently developed modern areas of the town and promenade.
Benidorm is a convenient half-hour drive from Alicante city, with extensive and well-priced car hire services available at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport.
The majestic Santa Bárbara Castle sits at 166 metres above sea level on a hillside (Mount Benacantil) overlooking Alicante city, its picturesque bay and the surrounding countryside. It is one of Spain’s largest mediaeval fortresses, and comprises three distinctive enclosures dating from three different eras.
The upper enclosure, La Torreta, is home to the fortress’s most ancient remains, mostly dating from the 14th century. Its key buildings, constructed in the 16th century, are located in the mid-level enclosure, including the Salón Felipe II hall and the Cuerpo de Guardia guard-house, Patio de Armas parade ground and Baluarte de la Reina bastion.
Dating to the 18th century, the lower enclosure comprises the Revellín del Bon Repós ravelin. Visitors can enjoy free access to all the enclosures, and guided tours (in English) and cultural activities at various times of the year.
Top-12 Attractions in Spain
These are the top-12 attractions in Spain ranked by Tripadvisor travellers this year:
- Sagrada Familia Basilica (Barcelona)
- Prado National Museum (Madrid)
- Real Alcázar de Sevilla
- Bioparc Valencia
- Mallorca Cathedral
- El Teide Volcano (Tenerife, Canary Islands)
- Alcazaba (Málaga)
- Benidorm Old Town
- Serra de Tramuntana (Mallorca)
- La Alhambra (Granada)
- Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote, Canary Islands)
- Santa Bárbara Castle