The Marina Alta is home to a large number of medieval castles and fortifications, one of the most important complexes of Andalusian castles in the Valencian Community. Many of these fortresses were built between the 11th and 15th centuries to control valleys, mountain passes and the Mediterranean coast. Most are in ruins, but this is precisely what gives them their charm: they are often situated in elevated locations, with spectacular paths and panoramic views over the valleys of the Marina Alta.

This itinerary includes a route of the most interesting inland castles, which you can visit in a single day if you wish to follow a themed route, or explore in sections according to your preferences. We present a route designed to enjoy the five most outstanding castles at a leisurely pace and make the most of the best daylight hours. These gems of the past are the Castle of Ocaive, the Castle of Aixa, the Castle of Alcalà, the Castle of Ambra, and the Castle of Gallinera.

The best time to visit these castles is from October to May, when the temperatures are milder. Therefore, December is an ideal month. As for the interiors, the heat can be intense during the summer. It is recommended to undertake these routes early in the morning or in the evening, and to bring sufficient water, a cap or hat, suitable footwear, and sun cream, especially during periods of high sun exposure.

A BIT OF HISTORY. We know where we come from to decide where we are going.

The Marina Alta has a very interesting medieval heritage, especially because it was a border area during the Middle Ages between Christian and Muslim territories. That is why there are numerous castles, defensive towers and remains of fortifications situated on mountains and strategic points.

The castles of the Marina Alta are not just military fortresses, but were part of a territorial control network: surveillance of agricultural valleys, defence against raids, control of routes to the sea and protection of the settlements, first Muslim and then Christian. Most are of Islamic origin and, to a lesser extent, Christian. After the conquest, some castles were transformed and expanded, such as those of Dénia and Forna, while others were gradually abandoned until they fell into ruin, such as Ocaive and Gallinera.

Tips for the routes

• Wear comfortable footwear and bring water.
• Respect nature and the architectural remains.
• For more information, please consult the tourist information offices.

PROPOSED ITINERARIES. Step by step, we make our way.

Pedreguer

Stage 1: Castell de l'Ocaive

This is a medieval fortress in ruins, the origins of which date back to the Andalusian period, in the 13th and 14th centuries. However, archaeological investigations have documented remains of occupation of the rock during the Bronze Age, as well as from the Iberian and Roman periods, which demonstrate the strategic importance of the site since prehistoric times. It was part of a network of towers and fortresses that served as the administrative, military and defensive centre for the farms of Dénia (Daniya). After the Christian conquest, it passed into the hands of the nobility and gradually lost importance until it was completely abandoned.

The route to Castle Ocaive is one of the most rewarding excursions in the inland area of the Marina Alta. It is a short and easy circular walk of about 5 km, taking approximately one to one and a half hours, which combines the Mediterranean landscape, medieval remains and spectacular views over the valley and Montgó.

The route begins on the outskirts of Pedreguer, towards the Partida de l'Ocaive, through terraced fields and rural tracks, and climbs gently through pine groves and Mediterranean vegetation. In spring, the landscape is especially beautiful. As we ascend, the first panoramic views of the interior of the Marina Alta appear. At the end of the ascent we encounter a more stony section, but with no notable difficulties. The castle is situated atop the Muntanya Gran massif, at over three hundred metres above sea level, where remains of a square-plan tower survive, which would have had at least one upper storey, a buttress and the entrance door facing south. On a lower level, a large cistern is preserved. Some sections of the rampart are built directly into the cliff rock. It can only be visited from the outside and is classified as a Cultural Interest Site (BIC). Its main attraction is the views over the Pedreguer valley, the inland Marina Alta, the Segària Range, Montgó and, on the clearest of days, even the Mediterranean Sea. At present, the castle is undergoing repairs by the Valencian Government to prevent its complete collapse.

Llíber

Stage 2: Castell d'Aixa

The route to Castell d'Aixa is one of the most spectacular and wild in the comarca. Situated on a mountain ridge between the Vall de Pop and the Bèrnia mountain range, this former Andalusian castle overlooks the inland landscape of the comarca and offers one of the most impressive panoramic views in the area. The hill of Castell d'Aixa is part of the Serra del Castell de la Solana, which separates the municipalities of Pedreguer, Xaló, Llíber and Gata de Gorgos. The route usually begins in the Solana area, between the municipalities of Llíber and Xaló, from where several paths lead up. From here, following rural tracks and mountain paths that cross vineyard terraces, pine groves and areas of native vegetation, the ascent is gradual, offering views over the Pop Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.

As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged and the sense of isolation grows. The final stretch of the ascent is more demanding, with stony ground and a steep gradient, although it presents little technical difficulty. This final section is what makes reaching the castle an especially appealing experience, as you arrive at a lost fortress surrounded by a truly mountain-like atmosphere. Although only the remains of the rampart and tower remain, the Castle of Aixa is a valuable testament to the system of settlement and defence of the territory during the Andalusian era in the Marina Alta.

The complete route is approximately 6 to 8 km long and can be completed in around three hours, depending on pace and stops. It can be done as a circular route, returning to the starting point via alternative paths, or as a return journey along the same trail.   It is an ideal excursion for the morning and, once you have finished, you can use the journey back to have lunch and rest in one of the nearby villages.  

The Gallinera Valley

Stage 3: Castle of Alcalà or Benissili

Located in the heart of la Vall de Gallinera, near Benissili, this castle is a declared cultural asset, not for its state of preservation, but for its impressive location and historical significance. It stands atop the Penya Grossa, an imposing rocky outcrop, and is a genuine fortress of Andalusian origin, its construction dating back to the 12th century.

The route to Alcalá Castle or Benissili Castle begins at the junction of the CV-700 and CV-714 roads in Benissili. The ascent is short, at around 2 km from the road, but it involves a considerable elevation gain and a steep gradient. The walk takes approximately an hour and a half for the round trip. As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes spectacular, with a mountain setting steeped in history: it was the residence of Al-Azraq, who used the fortress to watch over and defend the valley from within.

The Castle retains the characteristics typical of Muslim fortifications, but it stands out for its great extent and the defensive system it displays. However, studies suggest that there may have been a settlement within the walled enclosure. At the entrance to the Castle we find an old lime kiln, probably used during the construction of the fortress. From this point you can also continue along other paths that lead to the Xarpolar Hill, where remains of an Iberian hilltop settlement, dated between the 4th and 1st centuries BC, are still preserved.

Behind the castle, you can see a natural amphitheatre formed by the centuries-old terraces that shape the mountain slopes. Climbing towards the ridge, and depending on the time of year, you can also find a natural spring that gushes water. The Gallinera Valley is an area of lush and diverse vegetation, especially spectacular in spring.

Pego

Stage 4: Castle of Ambra

The Castle of Ambra is located in the municipality of Pego. It is an Arab-origin structure, dating from the early 13th century, situated on a rocky ridge of the Ambra mountain, in the Migdia mountain range. From this privileged location, there is a wide panoramic view over the Pego-Oliva Marshes Natural Park and the Mediterranean Sea.

This route begins in the town centre of Pego, specifically on the avenue of the Enlightenment figure Joan Sala. From here, we will walk until we reach a pond on the left, where we will begin the ascent up a path that crosses orange groves, until we join the stretch that goes directly up to the Castle. After climbing some concrete steps, we will reach the remains of the fortress. The return is made by the same route. It is a three-kilometre walk, which can be completed in just over an hour. It is an easy route, with little elevation gain, reaching an altitude of 264 metres above sea level.

The preserved remains include various elements of interest, such as stretches of rampart, partially ruined towers and the vestiges of a cistern. It is believed that the enclosure could have housed around twenty dwellings intended to protect the population in times of danger. Its irregular layout adapts perfectly to the rugged, rocky terrain of the Ambra mountain. From here the pass through the Ebo Valley was controlled. Like many other Andalusian fortresses, after the Christian Reconquest it lost its defensive function and was eventually abandoned.

Ambra Castle is part of Pego's historical heritage and the Alicante Castle Route. It is classified as a Cultural Interest Asset (BIC) and stands out both for its historical and archaeological value and for the exceptional natural setting that surrounds it. It is a particularly attractive place to visit at sunset, when the light of the setting sun offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the region.

The Gallinera Valley

Stage 5: Benirrama Castle

Gallinera Castle, also known as Benirrama Castle, is one of the most important yet least-known Andalusian fortresses in the Marina Alta. Built in the 11th century on a rocky ridge at an altitude of around 475 metres, it overlooks the entire Gallinera Valley and played a strategic role in the defence of the region, particularly in watching for the valley's approach from the sea. The existence of the castle of Ghallinayra is known thanks to its mention in the Pact of the Pouet between Infante Alfonso and Al-Azraq. After being occupied by the Saracens and recovered by King James I, it was given by James II to his son Peter of Aragon in 1322, incorporating it into the lordship of Dénia and Gandia. Although it was already abandoned, the earthquake of 1644 destroyed it definitively. Classified as a Cultural Interest Asset (BIC), it forms part of the ensemble of Muslim fortifications in the Gallinera Valley.

The excursion begins in the urban centre of Benirrama. From the last houses the waymarked trail emerges, climbing through pine woods, Mediterranean scrub and old terraces. The route, about 4.5 km there and back, can be completed in approximately two hours. It features a steady but manageable ascent and, as we gain altitude, the views become ever more expansive, allowing us to take in the villages of the valley and the spectacular profile of the Foradada Ridge. The final stretch of the trail runs along the rocky ridge that provides direct access to the remains of the fortress.

The Castle of Gallinera, with an elongated plan, retains vestiges of walls and various defensive structures adapted to the mountain's terrain. Although it is in a state of ruin, it stands out for its historical and scenic value, as well as for the magnificent panoramic views over the entire valley, the inland ranges of Alicante and, on clear days, the Mediterranean coastline. The best time to visit is during the cherry blossom season, between March and April, or in the autumn when the temperatures are milder.

*This experience is designed to be done in three stages, corresponding to three different days. We suggest some routes, but each person can adapt the experience to their abilities, physical stamina and interests. If you would like more information or places to visit in each town, you can visit the Descobrim la Marina Alta website and adapt the experience to your own tastes with your rucksack.

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