Top 10 Castles around Castalla

The Plaza de la Constitución should definitely be included. Church, town hall, pub: it's all there.

A charming destination steeped in history and renowned for its delicious cuisine, ideal for combining cultural tourism with nature. It's not a place for shopping sprees or nightlife, but rather for disconnecting and enjoying local traditions. Historical Heritage: The Almohad castle and the old town are authentic medieval gems, remarkably well-preserved. Natural Surroundings: Enclosed by mountains and hiking trails, it's perfect for those seeking tranquility and nature. Peaceful Atmosphere: This welcoming village is ideal for rural getaways away from the tourist crowds. Gastronomy: Traditional dishes like olleta (a hearty stew), gazpacho manchego (a traditional gazpacho from La Mancha), and homemade sweets are highly prized. Festivals and Culture: Its celebrations and craft fairs offer an authentic and engaging atmosphere.

One of the main attractions is the Castle of Biar, a majestic 12th-century fortress that stands prominently on a hill 700 metres above sea level. Declared a National Monument in 1931, the castle is a very good example of Muslim and Christian defensive architecture in Alicante. The interior vault, with its individual arches that converge in the centre, is still in its original state. From the castle's towers, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the old town and the surrounding mountains.

Castalla is a municipality in the Valencian Community, Spain, located in the northeast of the province of Alicante, in the Hoya de Alcoy region. It is the capital of the historical sub-region of Hoya de Castalla (in Valencian, Foia de Castalla) and has 11,365 inhabitants (INE 2023). Geography Location of Castalla in relation to Hoya de Alcoy The municipality of Castalla covers an area of 114.6 km² that varies from flat to steep: the Castalla castle itself is located on a hill that dominates the entire valley. The town, which is located around the castle, is located on the slopes of the hill, 675 meters above sea level. Castalla occupies the western and southwestern part of the Hoya de Castalla, and is located between the North of the Sierra del Maigmó (1296 m), the Sierra de Castalla (1175 m) and the Sierra de Argueña (1228 m). The municipal area also consists of a large forest area that occupies 52.9 km² (equivalent to 46% of the total area of the municipality).4 The climate of the area can be classified within a Mediterranean climate of medium mountain. The average annual temperature is around 13 degrees. Rainfall is not abundant, around 400 mm per year, although the mountain ranges favor the formation of cloudiness and local precipitation, increasing with altitude. Snowfall is not rare on winter days in the months of January and February. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castalla

Biar is a beautiful town that, if you are passing through here, you should pay a visit to see its castle, its famous arches and, in general, its beautiful cobbled streets.

The oldest part of the castle is the eastern tower, built of tapia masonry on the steep slope of the cliff. It dates from the Almohad period, i.e., the late 12th to early 13th century. The second tower of the complex probably dates from the first decades of the 14th century. Originally a Moorish foundation, after the Reconquista the castle was located in the border area between the Kingdom of Murcia, claimed by Castile, and the Kingdom of Valencia, conquered by Aragon. A chain of castles was built in this area, mainly along the Vinalopó River. Around 1240, the castle was wrested from the Muslims under Aragonese leadership and with the help of the Templars and the Order of St. John. The castle in Sax is located on the CidCT route: Camino del Cid Cyclotourista route of castles in the historically contested border region between the Moors and the kingdoms of Castile, Valencia, and Aragon. Under the name "El Cid," Spain's knight Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar became a symbolic figure of the Reconquista. The Castilian nobleman fought against Moorish rulers and Christian rivals in the 11th century. He never lost a single battle; the Moors respectfully called him Alsayyed (Lord of the Leaders), which later became "El Cid." The Spanish, however, always referred to him as "El Compeador" (The Warrior).

Biar is a small town situated at an altitude of approximately 700 meters in the Alt Vinalopó mountain region. Its most famous landmark is the Castillo de Biar, a medieval castle of Muslim origin, later expanded during the Christian Reconquista, which offers impressive views from its Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage). The old town is characterized by narrow streets and whitewashed houses, conveying an authentic medieval atmosphere. A historic church, traditional crafts such as ceramics, and the surrounding natural landscape make Biar a culturally and scenically appealing destination. I met friendly people and had pleasant conversations. Biar is absolutely worth seeing; the old town is best explored on foot and in more detail – a stroll through it is well worth it. 👍 CASTILLO DE BIAR – The Mother of all Castles and of the Knight El Cid The Castillo de Biar, associated with the name of the "Liberator of Valencia," Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar – better known as El Cid – is considered the "Mother of Castles" in this region. Not because it is the oldest, but because its history embodies numerous cultural and historical developments of the area. Moreover, its appearance perfectly matches the image one has of a castle since childhood: fortified walls, battlements and towers, a protected inner courtyard – all perched atop a striking hill, here at an altitude of approximately 750 meters. Nestled at the foot of this imposing rock is the village of Biar, seeking refuge and shade from the southern heat below the castle.

Castalla is a municipality in the region of La Hoya de Alcoy and is the capital of the sub-region of La Hoya de Castalla. The most remarkable thing about this town is its beautiful castle, which is located on a promontory 780 meters above sea level. In addition, its old town is worth a walk to visit the different plazas and Carrer de les Tronetes.