The best running trails around Cañada

You can still find some pretty old buildings and authentic Spanish life here. However, it's a bit more difficult to find a restaurant on Mondays.

Villena is a jewel of inland Alicante, perfect for a cultural, historical, and gastronomic getaway. Monuments and Heritage Atalaya Castle: A 12th-century Almohad fortress, a symbol of the city. It offers spectacular views and guided tours. Church of Santiago: With its spiral columns, it is one of the most unique examples of Levantine Gothic architecture. Church of Santa María: A blend of Gothic and Baroque styles. Chapí Theatre: A cultural landmark with a program of music, theatre, and dance. Town Hall and Santiago Square: The heart of the historic center.

Church of Santa María (Villena) This church was built in the 16th century on the site of the former main Muslim mosque of Villena, at which time it became the church of El Rabal, the suburb outside the medieval walls of Villena.

Built by the Almohads in the 12th century on San Cristóbal Hill as a defensive fortress on the border between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. The inner wall and the two lower floors of the keep date from the Almohad period, featuring vaults unique in Spain, along with those of Biar Castle. In the 15th century, the two upper floors and the outer wall with twelve turrets were added. Conquered by James I in 1240. Residence of Don Juan Manuel (author of El Conde Lucanor). It participated in conflicts such as the War of the Spanish Succession, the Revolt of the Brotherhoods, and the Peninsular War. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931 and a Site of Cultural Interest.

Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, it is one of the most important Gothic-Renaissance examples in the Valencian Community. It is strongly influenced by Catalan Gothic, acquiring a more monumental character in this temple.

This church was built in the 16th century on the site of the old Muslim main mosque of Villena, at which time it became the church of El Rabal, the suburb outside the medieval walls of Villena.

Beautiful old town, laid out on the slopes below the castle. Small, steep alleys with stair landings make the approach "interesting", but that also creates the flair! :-) Highly recommended!

Biar is a small town situated at an altitude of approximately 700 meters in the Alt Vinalopó mountain region. Its most famous landmark is the Castillo de Biar, a medieval castle of Muslim origin, later expanded during the Christian Reconquista, which offers impressive views from its Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage). The old town is characterized by narrow streets and whitewashed houses, conveying an authentic medieval atmosphere. A historic church, traditional crafts such as ceramics, and the surrounding natural landscape make Biar a culturally and scenically appealing destination. I met friendly people and had pleasant conversations. Biar is absolutely worth seeing; the old town is best explored on foot and in more detail – a stroll through it is well worth it. 👍 CASTILLO DE BIAR – The Mother of all Castles and of the Knight El Cid The Castillo de Biar, associated with the name of the "Liberator of Valencia," Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar – better known as El Cid – is considered the "Mother of Castles" in this region. Not because it is the oldest, but because its history embodies numerous cultural and historical developments of the area. Moreover, its appearance perfectly matches the image one has of a castle since childhood: fortified walls, battlements and towers, a protected inner courtyard – all perched atop a striking hill, here at an altitude of approximately 750 meters. Nestled at the foot of this imposing rock is the village of Biar, seeking refuge and shade from the southern heat below the castle.