Hotels in Castalla

Castalla

Castalla is a town of about 11,900 people in the north-east of the province of Alicante, in the Hoya de Alcoy comarca, and the historic capital of the Hoya de Castalla. Its name most likely comes from the Latin Castrum Altum, a high fortress. The Castle of Castalla was built between the 11th and 16th centuries on a site already settled in the Bronze Age and in Iberian and Roman times. Its strategic position and nearby water made it especially important in the area. Two battles of the Peninsular War were fought here, with French victory in 1812 and Spanish victory over General Suchet on 13 April 1813. Ferdinand VII marked the second with a cross of distinction. Industry drives the economy today, above all toys, as in neighbouring Ibi and Onil, along with building materials, furniture and cold metalwork. Almond growing survives as a traditional activity. The Moors and Christians festivities, held from 1 to 4 September in honour of the Virgen de la Soledad, are the town's main celebration. It suits travellers who want inland castles and quiet, within reach of the toy valley and half an hour from the sea.