Castalla

With its commanding hilltop position, the old fortress town of Castalla boasts sweeping views of the Foia de Castalla Valley and fertile plains of inland Alicante province. Located about 40 kilometres from the coast, the town is surrounded by a series of mountain ranges and lush countryside dotted here and there with traditional Spanish villages, natural springs and an abundance of interesting flora & fauna including many varieties of wild herbs.

Castalla's Attractions

Exploring the well preserved old quarter, visitors can stop in at a number of traditional tapas bars and more substantial restaurants to sample the delights of the region, such as local sausages and black pudding made to age old recipes and delicious slow cooked rabbit with garlic and the wild herbs that flourish in the area. Washed down with a few glasses of delicious Jumilla wine, this is the type of hearty food that gives fuel for adventure.

The steep narrow streets of the old quarter make their way past the chapel of La Preciosísima Sangre de Cristo and upwards to the Moorish Castalla Castle with its 16th century Grossa Tower and old parade ground. Other places of interest include the Church of La Asunción, Renaissance style Town Hall and Convent of the Franciscan Fathers.

Surrounding Attractions

The countryside surrounding Castalla is a virtual outdoor adventure playground, especially in the areas around Xorret De Cati where horse riding, hiking and mountain biking are popular pursuits. Lying in the foothills of the Sierra del Maigmó Mountain Range and Nature Park is the young adventurers paradise known as Campament de Fontés. Enjoying a beautiful natural setting, the camp provides rustic bungalows and a wide range of outdoor activities for youth adventure holidays and summer camps.

The Bright Lights

Holidaymakers enjoying the tranquil delights of Castalla are only a short drive from the much more lively attractions, beaches and nightlife of some the Costa Blanca's major tourist resorts and cities. The cities of Torrevieja, Alicante and Benidorm are all within an hour's drive and provide thrills and excitement galore for all ages, both day and night.

Calpe

Situated in north Costa Blanca, the large cosmopolitan town of Calpe is a popular tourist destination and with a 60% foreign population, a desirable area for expats and retirees looking to live in warmer climes.