Castle Tour in Province of Alicante and Wine Tasting

A Memorable Day Exploring Alicante’s Castle and Wine Scene

When you think of Alicante, you might picture sunny beaches and lively city streets, but this tour offers a different side of the region—a journey through history and taste. For just under $100 per person, you get a roughly three-hour experience combining a visit to the impressive La Mola Castle near Novelda with a guided wine tasting at a local winery. The tour is offered by SagradaTravel and is suited for those who want a relaxed, informative outing that balances history with authentic regional flavors.

What we love about this experience are two particular highlights. First, the walk through La Mola Castle, which gives a tangible sense of medieval Spain and a chance to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Second, the wine tasting at Bodega Casa Sicilia, where the guide explains each stage of wine production, adding depth to what you’re sipping.

A potential consideration is the group size—limited to just three travelers, which keeps things intimate, but might feel a bit tight if you prefer larger groups. Plus, the tour doesn’t include breakfast, so plan accordingly if you’re arriving hungry. This experience best suits history buffs, wine enthusiasts, and travelers eager for an authentic taste of Alicante’s local culture.

Key Points

• Historic Highlight: La Mola Castle offers a glimpse into medieval Spain with panoramic views.
• Wine Experience: A comprehensive tour of the winery shows all stages of production, ending with tastings.
• Guided Insight: Guides speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Russian, making it accessible.
• Intimate Groups: Limited to a maximum of three travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Value: For just under $100, you enjoy both cultural heritage and regional wine, providing good value.
• Practical: It’s a 3-hour tour, perfect for a half-day outing, with transportation included from Alicante.

Discovering Alicante’s Castle and Wine: An In-Depth Look

The Journey Begins in Alicante

Once we’ve booked our spots, the day starts with a pickup from a designated meeting point in Alicante—the Port Bus Meeting Point on Ensanche Diputación. From here, the trip is in comfortable, air-conditioned transportation, setting the tone for a relaxed but informative outing. The small group size—just three travelers maximum—means you’ll get personalized commentary and plenty of chances to ask questions.

The short drive takes you out of the city’s hustle and into the tranquil countryside, where the first stop is La Mola Castle, just outside the town of Novelda. This castle is part of the historic defensive network—a crucial element in Spain’s medieval landscape—and you’ll have the opportunity to explore its stone walls and towers. The guide’s knowledge brings history alive, and the views from the castle are a definite highlight, offering sweeping vistas over rolling hills and distant mountains.

La Mola Castle: A Window into the Past

As you wander the ramparts, it’s hard not to feel transported back centuries. The castle’s architecture, with its defensive towers and battlements, tells stories of medieval warfare and regional power struggles. We loved the way the guide explained how these structures served as protection for the local communities and as part of a broader network of castles that defended the Spanish kingdom.

The viewpoint from La Mola provides a great photo opportunity, and it’s easy to see why this spot was chosen for such a strategic position. The atmosphere is relaxed, and your guide will share fascinating anecdotes about the castle’s history and the lives of the people who once inhabited it. This stop lasts about 1.5 hours, giving ample time to soak in the scenery and history.

Wine Tasting at Bodega Casa Sicilia

After the castle visit, it’s onto Bodega Casa Sicilia, a family-run winery renowned for its local Alicante wines. Here, you’ll see all the stages of wine production—from grape crushing to fermentation—taught by a knowledgeable guide. This two-hour tour dives into the process, making it more than just a tasting session. You’ll learn about the region’s unique grape varieties and how climate and soil influence the flavors.

The tasting itself features a selection of Alicante wines, which you can sample alongside some regional cheeses or light snacks. As one reviewer put it, “You enjoy the taste of Alicante wine,” but it’s also about understanding what makes these wines stand out—their balance, aroma, and regional character.

The guide’s explanations of the wine’s backstory—how local traditions and geography shape the flavors—add depth for enthusiasts. Many found the experience to be both educational and delicious, with the added bonus of feeling closer to the local way of life.

Returning with a Sense of Place

After the wine tasting, the group heads back to Alicante. The entire tour wraps up in about 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure that combines culture, history, and regional cuisine.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

This tour stands out because it isn’t just about ticking off sights. It’s designed to give you a taste of local life—both through the historical context of the castle and the flavors of the wine. The fact that the guides speak multiple languages—including English—means you won’t miss out on interesting insights.

The price of approximately $98.87 might seem steep at first glance, but considering this includes transportation, guided tours, wine tasting, and entry fees, it’s a solid value. Plus, the small group size enhances the experience, offering more interaction and a personalized feel.

What Travelers Say

One enthusiast, Janis_R, summed up their experience with a simple, “It was a good day!” They appreciated the manageable group size and the spectacular views, emphasizing how well the guide, Fran, was able to share stories and keep everyone engaged. It’s clear from reviews that the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the wines are key reasons repeat visitors enjoy this tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history lovers, eager to walk in the footsteps of medieval Spaniards and enjoy panoramic views from La Mola Castle. It’s also perfect for wine enthusiasts interested in regional varieties and production methods. Travelers who prefer an intimate, relaxed atmosphere will find this tour suits them well, especially since group sizes are kept small for a more personalized experience.

It’s a good fit for those looking to combine cultural exploration with culinary delights, all within a manageable three-hour window. If you like engaging guides who bring stories to life and enjoy authentic regional flavors, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Alicante.

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Book in advance: This tour is often booked six days ahead, likely due to the small group size and popular attractions.
• Arrive on time: The meeting point is at the Port Bus Meeting Point in Alicante.
• Bring a camera: The views from La Mola are worth capturing.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be exploring castle grounds and walking tour areas.
• Plan for a light breakfast: The tour doesn’t include breakfast, so grab a quick bite beforehand if needed.
• Bring your questions: The guides are knowledgeable and happy to share insights about local history and wine.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is part of the package, taking you from Alicante to the castle and winery.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 3 hours in total, including travel, the castle visit, and the wine tasting.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and Russian, making this accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

Are there any additional costs?
All admission tickets and tastings are included in the price. The tour does not include breakfast or WiFi on board.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the tour, allowing a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on history and wine suggests it’s best suited for adults or older children who can appreciate the cultural aspects.

Final Thoughts

This Castle and Wine Tour in Alicante offers a balanced blend of history, scenic views, and regional flavors. It’s ideal for travelers who want an intimate, authentic experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. The knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas from La Mola, and the chance to taste delicious Alicante wines make it a memorable outing.

While it’s a relatively short experience, the depth of insights and the quality of the wine tasting ensure you leave with a richer understanding of the region—and some great photos to prove it. If you’re keen to combine a bit of history with a sip of local tradition, this tour deserves a spot on your Alicante itinerary.

Disclaimer: Always check current availability and tour times when booking, as schedules can change.