The 9 and a half most impressive castles on the northern Costa Blanca
The 9 and a half most impressive castles on the northern Costa Blanca
Did you know that the Marina Alta (Costa Blanca) is home to a unique collection of castles? In this post, we take you on a tour of the 9 and a half most impressive castles, perfect for lovers of history, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes. The Marina Alta, located on the beautiful Costa Blanca, is a region rich in history, culture, and spectacular landscapes. One of its most notable treasures is its architectural heritage, reflected in the impressive castles that tell stories of conquests, defenses, and past civilizations.
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Marina Alta awaits you with its 9 (and a half) castles
1. Dénia Castle
Dénia Castle is one of the most iconic fortresses on the Costa Blanca. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, during the Islamic period, this castle is located in the heart of the city, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the city. Inside, you can visit the Palau del Governador, which houses an archaeological museum displaying historical artifacts that reflect the region’s evolution. INFO: Tourist info Denia
2. Forna Castle
Forna Castle is an excellent example of medieval military architecture, located in Adsubia/L’Atzúbia, nestled in the Pego Valleys. The castle was built in the 13th century; its square design with corner towers reflects its defensive origins. Furthermore, its excellent state of preservation allows visitors to tour its interior and be transported back to feudal times. This castle is ideal for those looking to explore a well-preserved fortress. INFO: Tourist info Pego i les Valls
3. Aixa Castle
The 11th-12th-century Aixa Castle is located in the highest part of Beniquesi in the municipality of Alcalalí, at an altitude of 600 meters, between Llosa de Camatxo and Jalón/Xaló, which encompasses the entire Vall de Pop. Also known as Castell de la Solana, it is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Although currently in ruins, its remains offer a window into the region’s medieval past. It is a perfect place for hikers and explorers who enjoy the combination of nature and history. INFO: Tourist info Alcalalí
4. Moraira Castle
Located in the coastal town of Moraira, this small castle was built in the 18th century to protect the coast from pirate attacks. Its strategic location by the sea makes it an iconic landmark. Although smaller in size, its history and views make it a must-see destination for visitors to Moraira.. INFO: Tourist info Teulada Moraira
5. Castell de Guadalest.
It is located on a mountaintop with panoramic views of the valley, the Guadales Reservoir, and the village of Guadalest (Marina Baja). The castle was built in the 11th century and has been restored in recent years. It is a small but primarily tourist town, well known for the picturesque castle that dominates the entire Guadalest Valley. The town’s historic center, which is part of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain, has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site. INFO: Tourist info Guadalest
6. Ambra Castle
Ambra Castle, in Pego, is an Arab fortress built in the early 13th century and located on a rocky ridge of Ambra Mountain, in the Migdia mountain range. Although it is in ruins, its elevated position offers stunning views of the surrounding area. This castle is ideal for those seeking a connection with the region’s Islamic history while enjoying a unique landscape. During the Christian Reconquest, the fortress played an important role as a defensive point. Over time, the castle lost its functionality and fell into disuse, becoming ruins. Access to the Ebo Valley was controlled from this castle.. INFO: Tourist info Pego i les Valls
7. Bèrnia Castle
Bernia Castle, also known as Fort de Bèrnia, is a Renaissance fortification located in the Sierra de Bernia, in the municipality of Callosa d’en Sarrià, province of Alicante. The fortress, built in 1562, was strategically located at an altitude of approximately 800 meters above sea level. The castle is currently in ruins, but the remains can be visited through hiking trails. INFO: Tourist info Callosa dén Sarrìa
8. Castells de Castells Castle
Castell de Castells Castle, also known as Serrella Castle, is a fortification of Muslim origin built in the 11th century, located in the municipality of Castell de Castells and located at an altitude of 1,051 meters above the Castellet rock. For hiking and history lovers, visiting Castell de Castells Castle offers an enriching experience. INFO: Tourist info Castells de Castells
9. Orba Castle
Also known as Awraba Castle or El Castellet, it is a medieval fortification dating back to the 13th century, located southwest of the town of Orba. The ruins are located on a rock at an altitude of approximately 420 meters, offering panoramic views of the Rectory and Laguar valleys. To access the castle, there are marked hiking trails that depart from Orba and the neighboring town of Murla. INFO: Tourist info Orba
…and a half: 5 interesting historical monuments in the Marina Alta – Costa Blanca north must be mentioned:
- Cap d’Or Tower in Moraira. Although technically a watchtower, it cannot be missing from this list due to its historical significance. Built in the 16th century, the Cabo de Oro Tower in Teulada-Moraira protected residents from attacks by corsairs and pirates. Its privileged location offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. INFO: Teulada-Moraira Tourism
- Alcalalí Tower. The Alcalalí Tower, also known as the Tower and Stately Palace of the Kings of Liori, is a defensive tower of Islamic origin built in the 14th century. INFO: Alcalalí Tourism
- Jávea Windmills. There are 11 windmills, aligned from southwest to northwest, about 190 meters high on the Plana de Sant Jeroni, near Cape San Antonio in Jávea/Xàbia. One of them dates from the 14th century, and the others are from the 18th century. INFO: Turismo Jávea/Xàbia
- La Casota Tower. A defensive construction of Almohad origin built between the 12th and 13th centuries, located near the town of Campell in La Vall de Laguar. It served as a strategic watchtower and defense tower, offering a complete view of the Girona River plain and the natural entrance to the Laguar Valley. INFO: Vall de Laguar Tourism
- Castle of the Atzavares. Also known as the Castle of La Plana or the Castle of the Adzaharas, this is an ancient fortification of Muslim origin located in La Vall de Laguar from the 11th century. Located at an altitude of approximately 350 meters, it controlled the entrance to the valley and the exit from the Barranco del Infierno, playing a strategic role in the defense of the region. Despite its ruined state, the site offers a glimpse into the region’s historical past and is a point of interest for hiking trails in the area. Vall de Laguar Tourism.
IMPORTANT: If you wish to visit any of these beautiful castles or their ruins, we suggest checking with the tourist information offices in each town to find out if they are available and how to get there.
The castles of the Marina Alta on the northern Costa Blanca are a living testament to the Costa Blanca’s multicultural past. From medieval fortresses to coastal watchtowers, each of these structures tells a fascinating story. If you plan to visit this region, don’t forget to include these castles in your itinerary for a unique historical and scenic experience. The Marina Alta awaits you with its cultural heritage and breathtaking views!