Top 5 Castles around Sella

While Sella itself has a permanently closed castle, the surrounding Alicante province offers several impressive fortresses. Highly rated by the komoot community is El Castell de Guadalest and the Guadalest Reservoir, a Historic-Artistic Site known for its unique setting. Another popular choice is Polop Castle and San Gregorio Hermitage, an Islamic-origin castle offering great views.

Yes, several castles in the region provide stunning panoramic views. El Castell de Guadalest is famous for its vistas over the reservoir and surrounding landscape. Additionally, Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante City, one of Spain's largest medieval fortresses, offers breathtaking views of Alicante city and its bay from its 166-meter-high perch.

The region is rich in history. Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante City dates back to the 9th century and is one of Spain's largest. Castillo de Castalla, of Muslim origin from the 11th century, showcases significant renovations from the 14th and 16th centuries. Castillo de Biar, built in the 12th century, was a crucial border castle between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, featuring a beautiful Almohad vault.

Many castles in the Alicante province are suitable for family visits. El Castell de Guadalest is a great option, with its charming old town and unique museums, including one with micro sculptures. Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante City is also family-friendly, offering an elevator for easy access and plenty of space to explore its vast grounds.

The area combines historical sites with beautiful natural landscapes. Near El Castell de Guadalest, you can enjoy the scenic Guadalest Reservoir. For those seeking a more challenging experience, Penya Castellet Summit and Castle Ruins offers historical ruins at an altitude of 1,049 meters, providing expansive views of the surrounding nature.

Yes, Castillo de la Mola in Novelda offers free entrance. This Islamic-origin castle from the 12th century stands on a hill alongside the Sanctuary of the Magdalena, both of which are accessible without a fee.

The region around Sella is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous cycling and hiking routes. For cycling, explore options like the 'Port de Tudons – Ascent Puerto de Tudons loop from Sella' or 'Scenic Mountain Road Climb – El Collao Pass (890 m) loop from Relleu' detailed in the Cycling around Sella guide and Road Cycling Routes around Sella guide. For hiking, consider the 'PR-CV 198 Penya de Sella Loop' or 'Waterfall Near Sella – Font Mayor Gorge loop from Sella' from the Hiking around Sella guide.

Castillo de la Atalaya in Villena, a 12th-century Almohad fortress, is known for offering guided tours. For Castillo de Castalla, you can request permission to visit at the town's Tourist Office, allowing you to explore its well-preserved Palau, Torre Grossa, and bailey.

Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning views, the rich historical context, and the unique architecture of the castles. The dramatic location of Castillo de Sax on a rocky cliff, the Almohad vault in Castillo de Biar, and the overall sense of stepping back in time are often highlighted. The komoot community has shared over 280 photos and given more than 140 upvotes to the castles in this area, reflecting their popularity.

Yes, Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante City is notably accessible. You can reach it by an elevator from Avenida de Jovellanos, making it convenient for visitors who prefer not to walk or drive up the mountain.

Castillo de la Atalaya in Villena is an Asset of Cultural Interest, recognized for its interesting architectural heritage as a 12th-century Almohad fortress. Castillo de Biar also stands out with its well-preserved Almohad vault, offering a glimpse into medieval construction techniques.

Absolutely. When visiting Castillo de la Atalaya in Villena, you can also explore the Museo Arqueológico José María Soler, which houses the Gran Tesoro de Villena, a significant collection of Bronze Age artifacts. Near Castillo de la Mola in Novelda, you can visit the Sanctuary of the Magdalena, which is right next to the castle and also offers free entrance.