The Mysterious Moorish Castle of Benidorm: Shadows of a Forgotten Fortress
Towering above the glittering modern skyline of Benidorm—better known today for its sun-kissed beaches and lively nightlife—once stood a formidable Moorish castle, a fortress that has long since faded into ruins but still casts a shadow of mystery over the Costa Blanca.
Though the remains are sparse, the Castillo de Benidorm, as it was once known, has fascinated historians and paranormal enthusiasts alike. With roots stretching back to the Islamic occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the site is tied to tales of battles, betrayals, secret tunnels, and, if legend is to be believed, ghostly Moorish sentinels who still guard its memory.
Echoes of Al-Andalus: The Castle’s Origins
The Moorish presence in Spain lasted for over 700 years, from the 8th century until the Reconquista. During that period, coastal settlements like Benidorm were vital for defence against Christian forces advancing from the north and pirates from the Mediterranean.
Benidorm’s castle was constructed around the 11th century, strategically perched atop the cliffs at Punta Canfali, offering panoramic views of the sea. Built primarily as a military outpost, the fortress controlled the coast and served as a watchtower against invaders. From its ramparts, sentinels could signal approaching fleets and command the surrounding area.
Despite its importance, the castle saw multiple sieges and constant skirmishes, particularly during the Christian reconquest of the 13th century when King James I of Aragon began pushing southwards.
Collapse and Disappearance: Lost to Time and War
After the Reconquista, the castle passed into Christian hands and continued to serve defensive purposes into the late Middle Ages. However, it declined in military importance by the 16th century, and centuries of neglect, natural erosion, and pirate attacks hastened its demise.
By the 19th century, most of the castle had crumbled or been repurposed into other buildings. What little remained was obliterated during the War of Independence against Napoleonic France, when much of Benidorm suffered shelling and fire.
Today, the site is known as Balcón del Mediterráneo, a scenic viewpoint with elegant balustrades and tiled floors, popular with tourists. But beneath the polished modern surface lie the foundations of ancient walls, fragments of an era cloaked in obscurity—and possibly something more.
The Legend of the Moorish Princess
Among Benidorm’s most enduring local legends is the tragic tale of Zahra, a Moorish princess said to have lived in the fortress during its final days under Islamic rule. According to legend, she fell in love with a Christian knight held prisoner within the castle. Their forbidden romance was discovered, and both were sentenced to death—he by execution, she by being walled up alive within the fortress.
Local lore claims that on certain moonlit nights, her wailing can be heard on the wind, drifting from the cliffside above the waves. Visitors have reported:
- Disembodied whispers near the Balcón after dusk.
- A shimmering female apparition, dressed in white, gliding across the viewpoint before vanishing.
- Sudden cold gusts and the inexplicable scent of myrrh or jasmine, said to be the perfume of princess Zahra.
Phantom Watchers of Punta Canfali
Another tale tells of ghostly Moorish sentinels who still guard the clifftop site. Night watchmen in the 20th century frequently reported seeing shadowy figures pacing the old fortress ruins, often accompanied by the clinking of armour or the metallic scrape of swords.
Though dismissed by some as tricks of the light or seabirds, the consistency and specificity of these sightings have led many to believe the area retains residual energy from centuries of conflict.
Psychic mediums who have visited the location describe “guarding spirits”—wary and protective, unwilling to leave their post even centuries after the castle’s destruction.
Secret Tunnels and Lost Treasures
Folklore also claims the castle was once connected to the sea by a series of secret tunnels. These underground passages were supposedly used to smuggle goods, spirit prisoners away, or escape during sieges. One tunnel, according to legend, still exists—its entrance hidden somewhere beneath the modern pavement of the Balcón.
Treasure hunters, both amateur and professional, have long been drawn to the site in search of hidden Moorish gold, said to have been buried beneath the fortress in haste during the Christian advance.
Despite no confirmed discoveries, the stories persist—some believe that the treasure is cursed, protected by the spirits of fallen warriors who will ensure it remains forever entombed.
Historical Truth or Tourist Tale?
Sceptics argue that the haunting of Benidorm’s Moorish castle is a case of legend overtaking archaeology. With little left of the original structure and scant historical records detailing ghost sightings prior to the 20th century, many believe the myths emerged as romantic embellishments to bolster tourism and add mystique to the popular Balcón del Mediterráneo.
However, others point to the persistence of the ghost stories, passed down orally through generations of local families, as evidence that something about the place stirs the imagination—and perhaps the supernatural.
Visiting the Site Today
Though the castle no longer stands, the Balcón del Mediterráneo remains a powerful vantage point. It offers not only breathtaking views of the Mediterranean but also a palpable sense of timelessness, especially in the quiet hours of early morning or after sunset.
Visitors hoping to experience the mysterious energy of the place should consider:
- Arriving at dawn or dusk, when the crowds are sparse and the atmosphere is still.
- Standing silently at the edge of the viewpoint—many report feeling a presence or hearing faint whispers.
- Exploring nearby Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana, which stands close to the original castle site and has its own set of spiritual tales.