Discover Castell De Castells

If you’d like to include rock art, local culture and hiking trails in your travel plans, Castell de Castells offers several points of interest. The Pla de Petracos sanctuary is known for macro-schematic art; the Museu Etnològic d'Art Macroesquemàtic de Petracos houses a collection about traditional ways of life and rural society in the mountainous inland of Alicante province. When it comes to scenery and trails, the PR-CV 149 El Castellet route and the El Castellet recreation area should be considered separately.

Rock art and local culture

The Pla de Petracos sanctuary in Castell de Castells is one of Europe’s most significant examples of macro-schematic art. It is recognised as an Asset of Cultural Interest and a World Heritage Site. The complex consists of eight rock shelters in total.

The Museu Etnològic d'Art Macroesquemàtic de Petracos houses an ethnographic collection of objects related to traditional ways of life and rural society in the mountainous inland of Alicante province. An exhibition in Castell de Castells features a reproduction of the rock paintings from the sanctuary’s rock shelters. The museum collection and the exhibition cover distinct themes: one focuses on everyday life and society, while the other reproduces the rock paintings.

Scenery and hiking routes

The PR-CV 149 El Castellet route leads to Portet de Castells. Here, the final foothills of the Sierra de Serrella and the Sierra d’Aixortà meet; from the pass, you can take in views of the Guadalest Valley. The route’s name thus refers to a specific destination in the landscape.

The hiking trail from the museum to the sanctuary shares some sections with the PR-CV 168 route. This refers to the trail between the museum and the sanctuary; PR-CV 149, by contrast, leads to Portet de Castells. When comparing route names as you plan your hike, their different destinations can help you tell the two trails apart. Check the current signage before setting out, as it may be updated.

Getting there and the El Castellet recreation area

From Alicante and Benidorm, access is via roads in the direction of Callosa d’En Sarrià. From there, take the road towards Tárbena and, shortly after the town, turn left towards Castell de Castells. Callosa d’En Sarrià is about 19 kilometres from Castell de Castells. Check the current road layout before travelling, as road conditions can change.

The exact name is also useful when it comes to El Castellet: PR-CV 149 El Castellet refers to the route to the pass, while the El Castellet recreation area has its own access directions. From Castell de Castells, head towards Tárbena to reach the area. After 800 metres, at kilometre 11.58, a road branches off the CV-752 to the right; the area is 150 metres from the road. These two measurements distinguish the turning from the remaining distance to the area.

Food and finding hotels

The Ca Joan bar-restaurant at Plaza de la Iglesia 5 serves popular breakfasts, daily set menus and dinners featuring traditional cuisine, signature tapas and homemade desserts. This gives you a choice of places to eat from breakfast through dinner. Offerings may change; check before your visit.

Discover more destinations: La Nucia, Guardamar Del Segura, Tibi, El Chaparral, Callosa D'en Sarrià, La Murada, Santa Clara, San Miguel De Salinas

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.