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The town is dominated by Castillo de Santa Bárbara, a castle high on a rock overlooking the town. Originally built by the Moors in the 9th century, it provides an amazing 360 degree panoramic view of Alicante. The castle is named after Saint Barbara, as the castle was recaptured by Christians from the Arabs on her feast day in December 1246.

We walked along the esplanade for about a kilometre with a view to catching the lift to the castle.

When we got to the lift there was a huge line up and we were turned away. Fortunately there was a mini bus running continuously from the esplanade to the castle, so we managed to get on one almost straight away. The bus was crammed full – all seats taken, people standing and no room for any more. The bus struggled on the last couple of steep climbs to the castle.

The castle was a very impressive fortress and the views amazing.

There are still some warriors keeping watch

Other interesting bits around the castle. The remains of the chapel and a mosaic mural of broken pottery pieces.

We caught the bus back down to the esplanade and then did a walk around the old part of town