Costa Blanca Castles – Discover the Vinalopó Castle Route : If you love history, architecture, breath-taking views, or the romance of medieval legends, the Costa Blanca Castles are sure to capture your imagination.

One of the best ways to explore them is along the Vinalopó Castle Route in Alicante province. This historic trail connects a chain of castles and defensive towers across the Costa Blanca, many dating back to the 11th century and linked to the legendary Spanish knight El Cid Campeador and the battles that shaped Spain’s past.

These castles are more than just stone and mortar — they tell stories of pirate raids, royal treaties, civil wars, and centuries of cultural exchange. 

🗺️ Map and Full List of Costa Blanca Castles on the Vinalopó Route

Castles Included on the Route:

1. Santa Pola – Castillo-Fortaleza

2. Elche – Altamira Palace (El Alcázar de la Señoría)

3. Aspe – Castillo del Río / Castillo de Aljau

4. Novelda – Castillo de la Mola

5. Monóvar – Castillo de Monóvar

6. Elda – Castillo de Elda

7. Petrer – Castillo de Petrer

8. Sax – Castillo de Sax

9. Villena – Castillo de la Atalaya

10. Biar – Castillo de Biar

11. Campo de Mirra – Castillo de Almizra

12. Beneixama – Torre Atalaya de Beneixama

13. Banyeres de Mariola – Castillo de Banyeres

14. Castalla – Castillo de Castalla

🏰 Santa Pola – Castillo-Fortaleza, Costa Blanca Fortress and Maritime Museum

The castle/fortress stands in the centre of Santa Pola on Plaza de la Glorieta. Built in the 16th century, its main purpose was to protect local seamen from pirate attacks. Entrance leads to a large patio called Patio de Armas. Over the years, the castle has been a hospital, court, and Guardia Civil headquarters. Today, it houses a chapel, exhibition hall, and the maritime museum.

• Entry Fee: €3 adults / €1.50 concessions / free under 3

• Opening Hours: Tue–Sat (10–13h, 16–19h), Sun (11–13h), closed Monday

Our Opinion: More fortress than fairy-tale castle, but well worth visiting for the museum. Parking is conveniently nearby, and the Skywalk in Santa Pola is another attraction worth checking out.

🏰 Elche – Altamira Palace (El Alcázar de la Señoría)

Also known as Palacio de Altamira or Alcazar de la Señoria, this is situated next to the Vinalopó riverbed, to the northwest of ancient walled city, it is now fully restored and is part of the Archaeological and History Museum of Elche and houses sections dedicated to the Andalusian and contemporary eras of Elche.

Our Opinion: Good value for money, since the museum ticket includes the palace itself. It has been heavily renovated, which makes it very accessible even for visitors with walking difficulties. However, it felt a bit soulless due to the renovations — even the car park feels like part of the museum experience.

🏰 Aspe – Castillo del Río / Castillo de Aljau

Built in the 14th century on an older Arab settlement, this medieval fortress is now mostly ruins. Only parts of its turrets remain, giving a glimpse into its past as a defensive stronghold.

 

Our Opinion: There isn’t much left standing, but ruins have their own charm. Worth a stop if you’re tracing the full route.

🏰 Novelda – Castillo de la Mola

Declared a Property of Cultural Interest in 1931, this 12th-century Islamic-origin castle features a polygonal design with quadrangular towers (only four survive today). Right beside it stands the stunning Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena.

• Entry Fee: Free

• Opening Hours: Tue–Sat (10–14h, 17–19h), Sun (11–14h, 17–19h), closed Mon

Our Opinion: The sanctuary is the main attraction, but the castle is a bonus. Free entry and spectacular views from the top make it worthwhile. Plenty of parking is available, though the climb to both the sanctuary and castle is steep.

🏰 Monóvar – Castillo de Monóvar

Built in the late 12th or early 13th century, Monóvar Castle sits on one of the town’s two hills. It was in use until the 17th century and is now mostly in ruins, though one tower has been restored. Excavations have uncovered Bronze Age remains and Almohad pottery.

 

Our Opinion: More of an archaeological site than a tourist attraction, but fascinating if you enjoy piecing together history from ruins.

🏰 Elda – Castillo de Elda - Arab Fortress and Military History in Costa Blanca

Built between 1172 and 1243, this castle once protected the Arab community and was later used as a military enclosure. Restoration work is ongoing, and the site is currently closed.

Our Opinion: A “watch this space” stop — once restorations are complete, it will become a highlight of the route.

Costa Blanca Castles

🏰 Petrer – Castillo de Petrer

Sitting high above the town, Petrer Castle was built by the Arabs in the late 12th century. Its homage tower and vaulted rooms remain intact thanks to extensive but careful restorations over the past 50 years. Free guided tours are available.

Our Opinion: Unbeatable views over the Vinalopó Valley. A must-visit for photographers and history fans alike, but what makes this castle so special is the cave house under the castle, which is also free to visit.

🏰 Sax – Castillo de Sax

Standing 524 metres above sea level on a rocky ridge, Sax Castle is dramatic and well-preserved. Built in the 14th century on an earlier Almohad base, it has two towers and thick defensive walls.

• Access: Pick up the key at the local police station (ID required).

🏰 Villena – Castillo de la Atalaya

The largest castle on the route, Villena’s fortress dates back to the 11th–12th centuries. Its 12 turrets and four-story tower are impressive, especially the vaults covered with graffiti from prisoners of war. Declared a Historic Artistic Monument in 1931.

• Entry Fee: €3 adults / €1.50 concessions / free under 7

• Opening Hours: Tue–Sun (10–14h, with guided tours available)

Our opinion of Castillo de la Altalaya - This was one of our favourites, easy to find, easy to park, easy to walk round.  Although quite renovated in some areas, it still has a lot of charm and the views from various turrets and tower are spectacular. 

There are plenty of information boards to keep you occupied.  Tickets are purchased at the tourist information office just by the car park and its well worth the 3€.

🏰 Biar – Castillo de Biar

This 12th-century Muslim fortress, perched at 750m, played a key role in the Treaty of Almizra (1244). Declared a National Monument in 1931, it offers stunning views.

• Entry Fee: €1

• Opening Hours: 10:15–13:45

Our Opinion: Stunning from the outside, but interiors are less impressive. Wear sturdy shoes — it’s rocky and uneven. Views of the town and surrounding countryside make the climb worthwhile. Parking is at the base, and the descent through narrow streets can be tricky.

🏰 Campo de Mirra – Castillo de Almizra

The ruins of this castle are historically significant: in 1244, King James I of Aragon and Prince Alfonso of Castile signed the Treaty of Almizra here, ending their border disputes.

🏰 Beneixama – Torre Atalaya de Beneixama

Only fragments of the original walls remain, but the tower has been recently restored. King James I once stayed here en route to signing the Treaty of Almizra.

🏰 Banyeres de Mariola – Castillo de Banyeres

At 830m above sea level, this castle is the highest on the route. Built in the 12th–13th centuries, it saw action in the War of Succession (1705). Restored in the 20th century, it now houses the Festive Museum.

• Entry Fee: €2.50 adults / €1.25 concessions

• Opening Hours: Sat–Sun & holidays (11:30–14:00, 16:30–17:00)

🏰 Castalla – Castillo de Castalla

Dating back to the 11th century, Castalla Castle sits 680m above sea level and combines Islamic origins with Christian reconstructions. The site includes a palace, inner courtyard, and massive Torre Grossa.

• Entry Fee: €3 adults / €2 concessions / free under 7

• Opening Hours: Seasonal, guided tours available

Our Opinion: This was one of our favourites. It offers a good mix of old and tasteful renovations, preserving the castle’s ambience. There are many rooms to explore in the palace, but you need to be brave to tackle the narrow, twisted staircases. The information is excellent and available in English.

The only downside is parking. Unless you grab one of the few spots near the tourist office, you face a long hike, and even from the closest parking it’s a steep walk to the castle itself. Well worth the effort once you arrive.

Why Explore the Vinalopó Castle Route?

The Costa Blanca Castles are not just relics — they are living reminders of Spain’s rich history. Each fortress tells a different story: pirate raids in Santa Pola, Moorish origins in Novelda, political treaties in Campo de Mirra, and royal intrigue in Villena.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone who loves a good day trip, the Vinalopó Castle Route offers an unforgettable mix of scenery, culture, and adventure.

✨ Note: Entry fees and opening hours are subject to change, so always check locally before visiting.

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💬 Which of the castles on the Vinalopó Route have you visited? Share your experiences and photos in the comments section below!