Ermita de Santa Cruz
Historic chapel offering breathtaking panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea, nestled in the charming El Barrio neighborhood.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Ermita de Santa Cruz
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic chapel offering breathtaking panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea, nestled in the charming El Barrio neighborhood.
"Lovely little spot with scenic views over the city and seaside, charming walk up little stairways through the old town."
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
The walk up through the old town involves stairways and charming, uneven streets. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning panoramic vistas of Alicante and the sea.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views
Top of El Barrio neighborhood
Breathtaking panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea. The climb is well worth it!

Authentic Old-World Charm
Surrounding El Barrio neighborhood
Wander through traditional architecture, colorful flowerpots, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Historic Chapel
Ermita de Santa Cruz
A beautiful, small church at the top of the neighborhood, offering a glimpse into history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respecting the Space
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
The walk up through the old town involves stairways and charming, uneven streets. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning panoramic vistas of Alicante and the sea.
🤫 Be Mindful of Events
This is a popular wedding venue. Be aware of potential events and respect the privacy of celebrations.
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
Don't just go to the Ermita; wander through the charming streets of El Barrio for authentic local charm.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
The walk up through the old town involves stairways and charming, uneven streets. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning panoramic vistas of Alicante and the sea.
🤫 Be Mindful of Events
This is a popular wedding venue. Be aware of potential events and respect the privacy of celebrations.
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
Don't just go to the Ermita; wander through the charming streets of El Barrio for authentic local charm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ermita de Santa Cruz for its stunning panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea, and the charming, authentic atmosphere of the surrounding El Barrio neighborhood. The walk up through the old town is often highlighted as a rewarding experience, though some note the chapel itself can appear a bit run-down or closed.
"Lovely little spot with scenic views over the city and seaside, charming walk up little stairways through the old town to get to it."
terike
"The neighborhood exudes an authentic, old-world charm that's hard to find elsewhere. The traditional architecture, the colorful flowerpots, and the peaceful atmosphere create a truly magical.
As you wander through the streets, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea. The climb is well worth it!"
Ivan Mrsic
"A beautiful, small church at the top of the El Barrio neighborhood with a fantastic view of the city."
Ivana A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ermita de Santa Cruz is located at the top of the El Barrio neighborhood. You can reach it by walking through the charming old town streets, which involves climbing stairways. It's a scenic trek that offers rewarding views as you ascend.
Parking directly at the Ermita is limited due to its location in the historic old town. It's best to park in a public car park in Alicante city center and walk up, or consider public transport to the lower parts of El Barrio.
While there isn't a direct bus to the Ermita itself, you can take buses to the lower parts of El Barrio and then enjoy the walk up through the picturesque streets. Check local bus routes for options into the old town area.
The walk involves stairways and inclines through the old town. While it's described as a 'charming walk,' it requires a moderate level of fitness. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
The best way is to embrace the walk through the old town, appreciating the traditional architecture and flowerpots. The journey itself is part of the charm, leading to the beautiful views at the top.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required to visit the exterior of the Ermita de Santa Cruz and enjoy the surrounding viewpoints. It's a public space for enjoying the scenery.
The Ermita itself is a small church and may have limited or specific opening hours. It's often described as being 'closed' from the outside, but the surrounding area and views are accessible.
Due to the historic nature of the old town and the stairways involved in reaching the Ermita, it may not be fully accessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges.
Yes, the Ermita de Santa Cruz is a very popular and beautiful venue for weddings and corporate events. If you're planning to visit, be mindful of potential private events.
No, there is no entrance fee for the viewpoint. The panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea are free to enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunities are the panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea from the top. The charming streets of El Barrio also offer picturesque backdrops.
Absolutely! The historic chapel, charming streets, and stunning views make it an incredibly popular and photogenic location for wedding photography.
Late afternoons, especially around sunset, offer beautiful golden hour lighting for photography. However, morning light can also be lovely for capturing the city.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local Alicante drone laws and regulations before flying a drone in this historic and residential area.
It's renowned for its scenic cityscapes, romantic wedding photography, and capturing the authentic charm of old Alicante.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea, exploring the historic chapel (from the outside if closed), and wandering through the charming streets of the surrounding El Barrio neighborhood.
You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how much you want to explore the surrounding neighborhood and enjoy the views.
The atmosphere is generally peaceful and charming, with a sense of authentic, old-world charm. The views contribute to a serene and picturesque experience.
As you descend back into El Barrio, you'll find local cafes and small shops. The immediate area around the Ermita is more focused on the views and the historic structure.
It's a historic chapel dating back to the 17th century, offering a glimpse into the past. Its prime location also makes it a significant viewpoint for the city.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with very young children or those with strollers, the steep stairways might present a challenge. Consider the physical capabilities of your family members when planning this excursion. The experience is more about the scenic walk and the views rather than specific child-centric activities at the Ermita itself.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
As a popular wedding venue, it's also a prime location for capturing romantic and celebratory moments. Be aware of potential events, but even then, the surrounding streets offer fantastic photographic potential. For those interested in mapping and art, the area provides a unique canvas.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
This spot is also a highly desirable wedding venue, underscoring its romantic appeal. Even if you're not getting married, the serene atmosphere and stunning vistas make it an ideal location for a quiet, intimate outing. Consider extending your visit to Parc de l'Ereta for even more spectacular views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring El Barrio
Many visitors recommend taking your time to wander and appreciate the details of El Barrio. The community emphasizes the importance of respecting the locals who live here, so be mindful of noise and privacy as you explore. The climb, while requiring some effort, is consistently described as rewarding, not just for the views but for the immersive experience of the neighborhood itself.
This area is also a popular spot for mapping and art projects, showcasing the creative spirit that thrives within its historic walls. The blend of history, local life, and artistic expression makes El Barrio a unique and memorable part of any visit to Alicante.
The Ermita as a Venue
Planners and attendees often highlight the magical ceremony and the unique atmosphere the Ermita provides. The venue's popularity means that if you're planning a visit, it's wise to check for any scheduled events to ensure a more tranquil experience. However, even with events happening, the surrounding area still offers opportunities to appreciate the site's beauty from a distance.
The venue's appeal lies in its combination of historical architecture and breathtaking natural scenery, making it a memorable location for significant life events. From intimate ceremonies to larger corporate gatherings, the Ermita de Santa Cruz offers a distinctive and visually striking setting.
Connecting to Parc de l'Ereta
Parc de l'Ereta is celebrated for providing the most stunning views of the city, mountains, and the sunset. This extension of your exploration allows for a more comprehensive appreciation of Alicante's landscape, making your visit to the area even more rewarding. It's an excellent way to maximize your time and experience the diverse beauty the city has to offer from elevated perspectives.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit