What better way to start off your cheap trip to Alcoy than to go back in time to the 13th century. That’s when the Barchell castle was built, a Christian fortress in the medieval style designed to watch over the Mudéjar population in the surrounding area. Its beautiful location offers spectacular views of the countryside, the real star of the show.
Don’t wander too far away from the area, though, because the castle is located between the Carrascal de la Fuente Roja and Sierra de Mariola Natural Parks. The former, covering some 2,300 hectares, is one of the best preserved natural areas in the whole of the Valencia region, as well as home to many animals and plants, including wild boars and wildcats. The Sierra de Mariola park is somewhat smaller but just as beautiful. Take a walk along the Barranc del Zinc – look out for the rabbits and foxes that roam free in the area.
The Camil Visedo Archaeological Museum is worth a visit just to see the building alone, a perfect example of the Gothic Valencian style in the old town. The archaeological material on display there is ordered by theme and time period. If you want to learn more, they also have a specialist library.
If you’re enjoying a trip to Alcoy at the end of April, you can also enjoy the world famous Moors and Christians fiestas, declared of international tourist interest. Unforgettable! The fiesta has its origin in the battle of Alcoy, which allegedly saw the city’s inhabitants battle it out with Muslim troops, until Saint George came riding on his horse and decided the outcome of the battle. Make the most of the festive atmosphere and try the typical drinks of the celebration: café licor, a coffee-based alcoholic drink, and herbero, a liqueur made with macerated herbs from the Sierra de Mariola.
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