Castell de Castells
Castell de Castells (Valencian: [kasˈteʎ de kasˈteʎs], Spanish: [kasˈtel de kasˈtels]) is a municipality high in the mountains of the Marina Alta on the Costa Blanca in southeastern Spain. The village is at the source of the Rio Jalón and surrounded by mountains. It is approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from the nearest village of Benigembla, and 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Jalón, the nearest large town. It is approximately one hour's drive to the beaches, the Fuentes de Algar, and Terra Mítica theme park. Also in the area are the caves of Vall d'Ebo and Benidoleig.
Castell de Castells | |
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Municipality | |
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Coat of arms | |
Castell de Castells Location of Castell de Castells within Spain / Valencian Community Castell de Castells Castell de Castells (Valencian Community) Castell de Castells Castell de Castells (Europe) | |
| Coordinates: 38°49′29″N 0°11′40″W | |
| Country | Spain |
| Autonomous Community | Valencian Community |
| Province | Alicante |
| Comarca | Marina Alta |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-council government |
| • Body | Ajuntament de Castell de Castells |
| • Mayor | Vicente Tomàs Estalrich (2015) (UPC-I) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 45.90 km2 (17.72 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 551 m (1,808 ft) |
| Population (2018) | |
| • Total | 435 |
| • Density | 9.5/km2 (25/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Castellenco, -ca (es) castellenc, ca (va) |
| Time zone | CET (GMT +1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (GMT +2) |
| Postcode | 03793 |
The highest peak of the Serrella mountain range, Malla de Llop, is over 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) high. The remains of the Arabic castle, Penya Castellet, and many trails are found in the area, popular for walking and mountain biking. The area has a rich history with three settlements around the village: Pla de Petracos, Bitla and Pla d'Alt. Travelers can visit Els Arcs' naturally formed arches which are some of the largest natural arches in Europe. The ruins of these settlements are now being rebuilt as modern homes.
Five kilometres outside the village in the area known as Pla de Petracos are ancient cave paintings said to have been painted over 5000 years ago. Caves at the archaeological site have a viewing platform, and the paintings are explained on six interpretive panels.
There is also a museum in the village open on weekends
The village has an hotel, many bars, and restaurants all quite different and serving traditional and international dishes. There are three places to stay for bed and breakfast or walking holidays.
The restaurants serve international and traditional dishes.
The village butcher sells a large selections of snacks, drinks, local honey, extra virgin Olive Oil, cold pressed in the village press also sausages ( chorizos, Morcilla etc. ) made in the butchers shop from traditional recipes.
Three kilometres outside the village is an enormous natural arch, Els Arcs. Said to be one of the biggest in Europe.