If you look up towards Mount Benacantil from Postiguet Beach or the Port of Alicante, you will immediately notice a striking rock formation underneath Santa Bárbara Castle. Nature and time have carved the distinct profile of a human face right into the cliffside.
For locals, it’s not just a coincidence of nature: it is the “Cara del Moro” (The Moor’s Face). Behind this iconic landmark lies one of the most romantic and tragic legends in Spain.
Grab a comfortable seat, and let us tell you the story that gave the city of Alicante its name.
A Princess, Two Suitors, and a Kingdom
The story dates back to the era when the Iberian Peninsula was under Muslim rule (Al-Andalus). Alicante was governed by a noble and respected Moorish caliph who had an extraordinarily beautiful daughter named Cántara.
Every young noble in the kingdom dreamed of marrying her, but two suitors quickly stood out: Almanzor, a brave and famous general, and Ali, a charming young man of noble birth who was also a poet.
Unsure of which suitor to choose for his daughter, the caliph decided to put them to a test. The first to accomplish a great feat for the city would win Cántara’s hand in marriage:
- Almanzor pledged to sail to India and bring back rare spices and fine silk.
- Ali promised a massive engineering feat: digging an irrigation canal to bring fresh water from Tibi straight into the heart of the city.
The Trap of Love and Poetry
Almanzor set sail immediately to fulfill his quest. Ali, on the other hand, stayed behind and preferred writing poetry, singing under Cántara’s windows, and spending his days by her side rather than digging his canal.
Captivated by his tenderness and romantic spirit, Cántara fell deeply in love with Ali.
However, fate took a sharp turn. Practical and efficient, Almanzor returned earlier than expected with ships overflowing with treasures. Impressed and bound by his word, the caliph declared Almanzor the winner and immediately arranged the wedding.
The Origin of the Name « Alicante »
Heartbroken over losing the love of his life, Ali rushed to the top of a mountain cliff and threw himself into the abyss. Touched by his grief, the earth miraculously opened up where he fell to cushion his drop, creating a natural freshwater spring (now the Tibi Reservoir).
The tragedy didn’t end there. Upon learning of Ali’s death, a grief-stricken Princess Cántara threw herself off the cliffs of Mount Benacantil.
Overcome with guilt and grief for causing his daughter’s demise, the caliph sank into a deep depression and eventually died of a broken heart at the top of his castle. Legend has it that the mountain itself, witnessing this tragic end, instantly petrified the caliph’s face in the rock so his sorrow would be remembered forever.
Did you know?
To honor the memory of the two tragic lovers, the townspeople decided to combine their names: Ali and Cántara.
And that is how the city got its name: Ali-cántara, known today as Alicante.
How to Spot the « Cara del Moro » Today
The Moor’s face is visible from several points across the city, but the best vantage points are:
- From Postiguet Beach: The classic view where the silhouette stands out most clearly against the sky.
- From the Port Pier (Muelle de Levante): Ideal at sunset when the rocks take on a warm, golden glow.
- While strolling around the city: Various spots throughout the historic center offer great views of this mythical cliff.
The Vamos Tuk Tuk Tip
Walking up to Santa Bárbara Castle under the Mediterranean sun can be quite a workout! If you want to discover the secrets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and get close to the best viewpoints of the Cara del Moro without breaking a sweat, let us guide you on an tuk-tuk tour. Riding with the breeze in your hair is simply the best way to explore the city!
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