El Castell de Sant Ferran is located not far from Valencia, in the port city of Alicante, and can be reached from the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport. This makes it the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy the pleasures of the Mediterranean. A short walk will lead you to the top of this architectural landmark where you can take in stunning views of the city!
People flock to Alicante in droves because of its beaches, its food and its laid-back way of life. But it’s also got a great nightlife for those looking to paint the town red! If you fall into the latter group, you might be interested in visiting Alicante during the Hogueras de San Juan, where more than 1 million visitors take part in a celebration that has it all: music, drink, food, fire, good vibes, folklore and parades.
Enjoy Alicante from a special point of view
Making your way up to the top of Castell de Sant Ferran is a great way to take in amazing views of the whole city, with a stunning background of the Mediterranean on one side and the mountains on the other. When you’ve finished taking in the stunning views, immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the world-renowned gastronomy, such as arròs a banda, fideuà, mojama de atún, turrones and ice creams, to name but a few. After this gastronomic journey, it’s time to go bar hopping and sample the nightlife until the sun comes up.
Castell de Sant Ferran: History and Location
Truth be told, Castell de Sant Ferran isn’t really a castle (but don’t tell anybody). It’s a fortress that was quickly built to protect the area from French invaders. Fortunately it was never needed, as the French withdrew to invade Russia, but the building remains to this day and stands as a guardian of Alicante and a piece of history, with jaw-dropping views all day long.
El Castell de Sant Ferran is on Monte Tossal, a mountain overlooking the city with spectacular views, just a 20-minute walk from the city centre or a 10-minute drive from one of the city’s best beaches: Playa del Postiguet. If you’re up for travelling another 10 minutes, you can get to San Juan beach to the north and Agua Amarga beach to the south. Next to the castle is Ruiz de Alda park, the perfect place for nature walks. This makes the Castle of San Fernando a must-visit for those on holiday in Alicante.
Differences between Castell de Sant Ferran and the Castle of Santa Bárbara
As well as Castell de Sant Ferran, Alicante has another castle worth visiting: the Castle of Santa Bárbara. Breathtaking views, exhibitions, tours, gastronomic experiences and concerts are just some of the incredible experiences held here. There’s also a lift that takes you directly from the beach to the top of the castle, a fun and comfortable way to get there! Take a look at just some of the differences between the two castles:
Castell de Sant Ferran
- Located on Monte Tossal
- Built in the 19th century, specifically in 1813
- It was built to protect the city, being used as a fortress
- Its views of the city are one of its highlights
Castle of Santa Bárbara
- Located on Benacantil
- Originally built at the end of the 9th century by the Muslims
- A lift takes visitors from beach level to the castle.
- The castle holds exhibitions, concerts and other performances.
Both castles are must-visits in Alicante, so wait no more! Start booking your getaway to this fantastic city!
Don’t miss out on Castell de Sant Ferran when you come to Alicante
If you’re in the area, climbing to the top of Mount Tossal and visiting the Castle of San Fernando are must-dos. It’s free and it’s on every list of things to do in Alicante. The views are worth it and the short walk also counts as light exercise! If you’re looking for activities and tourist options in Alicante (apart from the San Fernando and Santa Barbara castles), here are a few recommendations:
- Visit the Central Market: get the best fresh ingredients to cook at home or grab something tasty to go while discovering the city of Alicante.
- Enjoy some of Spain’s best beaches and incredible towns: Benidorm, Villajoyosa and El Campello.
- Take a boat trip to the island of Tabarca: this incredible island, with excellent beaches and restaurants, is accessible by ferry. The perfect day out!
- Explore the incredible Canelobre Caves: not far from Alicante are some of the largest caves in the Valencian Community, so don’t miss the chance to check them out.
There’s so much to do and see in Alicante, so book your getaway now and try out the flavours of the Mediterranean.
Don’t miss out on Alicante, with the Mediterranean sea as the backdrop
Millions of visitors have already enjoyed the wide array of things to do and see in Alicante: the Castle of San Fernando is just one of many! With an airport nearby, incredible beaches, excellent infrastructure and the perfect climate for leisure, Alicante should be on your bucket list – if it isn’t already. You can also add Valencia (just a few hours away by car) or Murcia (1 hour by car) to your trip; the perfect way to round off your holiday.
With mild temperatures and only around 20 days of rain a year, Alicante welcomes visitors throughout the year. For those looking for an ideal beach climate, we recommend coming from June to September, although bear in mind that it’ll be a little more crowded at this time of year.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Alicante, don’t miss out on our selection of fantastic apartments and villas that are perfect for your family or group of friends!
