Informations de voyage et vidéo sur Castalla

Castalla

Castalla enjoys a fabulous location on the Costa Blanca; tranquil and natural, with plenty of options for activities and excursions nearby. Enjoy the green mountain scenery while trekking, or simply drive from village to village sampling local gastronomic delights, and browsing the different wares available. The area is also home to many natural springs that you will discover. 
Castalla is an exquisite location for a real rural Spanish holiday.

The town is located approximately 45 kilometres inland from Alicante, on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, on the Costa Blanca.

History
The old fortress town of Castalla stands high above the surrounding countryside. In Roman times the town was known as "Castra Alta" (the high fortress). During the Moorish occupation there was a fortified castle on the hill. King Jaime I took possession of the castle from the Moors after the conquest of Biar. He rebuilt the castle and consecrated the first church in the second half of the 13th century.

Excursions
Castalla is well connected to Alicante, which makes a great day out. There are also many rural villages and towns close by to explore.

Close to Castalla are several national parks which offer great opportunities for walking and trekking.

Golf
There are a number of courses in Alicante, within one hour’s drive of Castalla.

Market & Shopping
In 1331, King Jaime II authorised Castalla to hold a Saturday market, a tradition, which continues to this day. Sophisticated international shopping is available in Alicante.

Cuisine
The local cuisine in Castalla is typically that of the Costa Blanca, which combines delicacies from both land and the Mediterranean Sea. Many civilizations have lived in this area (Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims), all of which have all left their mark on the gastronomy.

In the local Ventas and restaurants you can savour succulent lamb chops, rabbit in garlic, roast leg of lamb with garlic and fresh rosemary and home made Chorizo sausage and Morcilla (black pudding).

If you have a sweet tooth then you will enjoy the local homemade pastries and deserts that the whole region is famous for. Or Jijona ice-cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region. Try some robust Jumilla wine to wash your country fare down with gusto.

Climate
Castalla enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate; as is it is surrounded by mountain ranges, it can sometimes get very hot in summer, but it is protected against the cold North winds in winter. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees.

In 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the climate of the area as one of the most equitable in the world - neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each year making it an ideal all year round destination