Exploring Valencian Castles, Towns, and Rural Gems

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The most magnificent castles of the province of Alicante
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The intention behind this piece opens a doorway into the Valencian Community, focusing on small towns, ancient streets, and the calm of rural retreats. It invites travelers to explore Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante through a tapestry of history, nature, and local flavors. The narrative emphasizes how staying in carefully chosen rural accommodations can enrich the experience with quiet surroundings, authentic cuisine, and easy access to scenic routes and cultural sites.

Culla (Castellón)

In Castellón’s province lies one of the region’s most fascinating corners. A tiny community of roughly five hundred residents sits amid a privileged natural setting. The wild landscape and tranquil atmosphere invite visitors to walk through history as they stroll the medieval lanes. Cobblestone houses, the remnants of the Arab fortress, a commanding barn, a Congregational Church of the Savior, and nearby landmarks transport travelers to the Middle Ages.

The area surrounding Culla offers a wide range of outdoor activities and clean air ideal for day trips. Nearby Maestrat Mining Park serves as a notable stop, and visitors should not miss tasting the local specialties, including the region’s signature dish, the master pot, and other traditional flavors from l’Alt Maestrat.

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The landscape around Culla supports a broad spectrum of activities and fresh air. This makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding corners. Maestrat Mining Park stands out as a recommended stop, while travelers should savor regional dishes such as the master pot and its celebrated dishes from l’Alt Maestrat, representing the area’s culinary heritage.

Xàtiva (Valencia)

Xàtiva is a city that tends to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Its monuments reveal layers of history across eras, from Visigothic times when it served as an episcopal seat, through periods of cultural flourishing under Muslim rule. Xàtiva is also recognized as the birthplace of notable painter José Ribera, known as El Españoleto, and is linked to popes of the Borja lineage.

Hidden courtyards and a grand castle offer windows into the past. The old town was recognized as a Historical-Art Society in 1982, marking its enduring significance in regional culture.

The city’s historic core beckons visitors with rich architecture and stories that unfold along its streets, making it a memorable step back in time.

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Chulilla (Valencia)

The Valencian Community’s Chulilla sits within a dramatic basin, carved by the Turia River. This location makes it a magnet for hikers and adventurers, hosting trails along the Ruta del Agua and the Calderones Route, with Blue Puddle among the scenic highlights. The town’s narrow, steep streets invite wanderers to absorb the medieval atmosphere as they explore.

Likewise, the province of Alicante blends sea and mountains, and Guadalest stands as a quintessential example. Perched on a rock at 595 meters, Guadalest Castle protects the essence of inland Alicante towns. The town’s natural setting is striking, with houses tucked into the rock and valley views that feel almost cinematic. Its beauty and charm earned recognition as aHistorical-Art Society in 1974.

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The narrative here highlights a diverse cultural scene. Visitors can approach Orduna House, a 17th-century noble residence nicknamed Casa Gran, and explore several small museums that celebrate local crafts and history, including a Nativity Scenes and Dollhouses Museum, a Micro Miniatures Museum, a Salt and Pepper Shakers Museum, and a Historical Vehicles Collection.

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Culla (Castellón)

The province of Castellón hosts some of the most remarkable places in the Valencia region. More than a single town, Morella rises at 1,000 meters above sea level, preserving a medieval look that continues to captivate visitors. The fortress, the main square, the cistern, and Pardals Tower are among the region’s treasures, drawing travelers into a living past.

Any time of year, Morella invites exploration. The town, with roughly 2,500 residents, still feels like a living museum. A visit to the Archdiocese Church of Santa Maria La Mayor—a Gothic gem—reminds guests of the power once wielded here and the city’s enduring heritage.

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Practical strategies abound for those seeking affordable journeys by rail while still catching glimpses of some of Spain’s most stunning castles and landscapes.