Castell de Castells explained

Castell de Castells
Settlement Type:Municipality
Pushpin Map:Spain#Spain Valencian Community#Europe
Pushpin Mapsize:250
Coordinates:38.8247°N -0.1944°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Spain
Subdivision Type1:Autonomous Community
Subdivision Type2:Province
Subdivision Type3:Comarca
Subdivision Name2:Alicante
Subdivision Name3:Marina Alta
Established Title:Founded
Parts Type:Districts
Government Type:Mayor-council government
Governing Body:Ajuntament de Castell de Castells
Leader Party:UPC-I
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Vicente Tomàs Estalrich (2023)
Area Total Km2:45.90
Elevation M:551
Population Density Km2:auto
Population Demonym:Castellenco-ca (es)
castellencca (va)
Timezone1:CET (GMT +1)
Timezone1 Dst:CEST (GMT +2)
Postal Code Type:Postcode
Postal Code:03793
Blank Info Sec1:ES-V

Castell de Castells (kasˈteʎ de kasˈteʎs/, pronounced as /es/) 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 from the nearest village of Benigembla, and 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.

The highest peak of the Serrella mountain range, Malla de Llop, is over 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.

The area and mountains are very popular with mountain bikers and walkers alike. Trails are well marked with white and yellow markers.

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, Hotel Serrella with restaurant. Several bars, and other restaurants, all quite different and serving traditional or international dishes. The restaurants serve international and traditional dishes.

Three kilometres outside the village is an enormous natural arch, Els Arcs.Said to be one of the biggest in Europe.

Fiestas

Flora and fauna

Plants and animals in the area include Narcissus assonanus, Narcissus dubious, Bee Orchids, Ophrys speculum, Venus' Mirror Orchid, Man Orchid, Aceras anthropophorum, Sombre Bee, Ophrys fusca Sawfly, Phrys tenthredinifera and Woodcock, Ophrys scolopax, also the Yellow Bee Orchid Ophrys lutea, the very rare Orchis italica, Fritillaria hispanica, and Dictamnus. Tulips include Tulipa australis.

External links