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Town and municipality in Valencian Community, Spain
Photo: Sdrobkov, CC BY-SA 3.0 es via Wikimedia Commons
Cullera is a coastal city in Valencia with 22,000 people (2018). It is known for its gastronomy and its burgeoning tourism sector, and serves as a popular getaway for domestic and foreign visitors.
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Castillo de Cullera / Cullera Castle
Built by the Moors in the 10th century, the castle was taken in 1239 by King Jaime I of Aragon. In the 16th century it played an important role in the defense of the city against Barbary pirates, and saw action again in the 19th century during the Spanish War of Independence and the Carlist Wars. The castle has been fully restored, and offers great views of the bay, the mouth of the Júcar River, and the region.
The castle can be accessed by the Camino del Calvario ('Way of the Calvary'), a steep footpath which zigzags up the side of the mountain and has 14 stations of the cross.
Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Castle
This neo-Byzantine chapel was built at the end of the 19th century, and is dedicated to Cullera’s patron saint, the ‘Mare de Deu del Castell’. Especially noteworthy inside is a 14th-century Gothic painting of the Madonna.
Tower of Santa Ana
Also known as Torre de la Reina Mora ('Tower of the Moorish Queen'), this 13th-century tower was originally part of the defensive perimeter for the Moorish castle and served as part of the main gate. It was heavily modified in the 16th century to defend against Barbary pirates, but the structure has since been restored to its original design. Inside there is now an exhibit devoted to the history of the tower and the castle.
Fuerte Carlista / Carlist Fortress
Two ruined fortifications from the first Carlist War, which were built atop a Moorish citadel. At 210 m above sea level, great views can be had from this spot.
Museo Cueva de Dragut / Cave-Museum of Dragut
In 1550, Dragut, a close associate of the dreaded pirate Barbarossa, attacked and laid waste to Cullera, after which the town was virtually abandoned for several decades. According to legend this cave was the site of a prisoner exchange during the siege, and is now used as a museum devoted to Mediterranean piracy in the 16th century.
Marenyet Tower
This watchtower was built in 1577 as part of a coastal network of watchtowers used to defend against Barbary pirates, following the devastation brought on Cullera by Dragut in 1550. It now has a number of displays demonstrating the use of the watchtower and illustrating the problem of piracy in the 16th century.
This bomb shelter was built by Republicans during the Spanish Civil War. It was never completed or used, but has been fully restored and has displays on life during the war. It is open to the public by guided tours which last between 20-30 minutes.
Barrio del Pozo
This charming neighbourhood with whitewashed houses marks the location of the original Arab settlement of Qulayra, and the layout of narrow streets remains practically unchanged since that time.
Jardin Botánico / Botanic Gardens
The gardens have more than 2,500 plant species. Also on the grounds is a restored 19th-century farmhouse, now used for a small ethnological museum to display traditional farming tools.
Fallas
Like its much larger neighbour Valencia and a number of other towns in the Valencian Community, Cullera celebrates Fallas with the construction and burning of falla monuments in the streets
This highly-regarded restaurant serves traditional Valencian cuisine with a focus on seafood. The rice dishes are especially recommended, and there is an extensive wine selection. Casual in summer, smart casual in winter; reservations by telephone only.
A small restaurant with modern decor, serves both traditional Valencian rice dishes and creative modern European cuisine.
It is known for original creative cuisine, but also serves some more traditional dishes. It also has some good vegetarian options, as well as a large wine selection and creative cocktails.
This popular place specializes in seafood and traditional Valencian fare. Reservations recommended.
Has plots to accommodate tents, campervans, and caravans, as well as bungalows. Facilities include onsite swimming pool, cafeteria, supermarket, laundromat, and playground. Refrigerators and Wi-Fi are available for an extra fee, and pets are permitted for €1.50-3/day, depending on season.
Free Wi-Fi, parking €12/day.
A large hotel with 200 rooms on 12 floors. Has an outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. Parking €9/day.
A family-oriented hotel with 116 rooms, nonsmoking throughout the building. Has an outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
A weekly street market for local produce and other goods.
By train
By bus
Alsa operates a route connecting all major coastal settlements between Valencia and Alicante, including Cullera, Gandía, Oliva, Dénia, Calpe, Altea, Benidorm, and Villajoyosa.
Autocares Ribera (+34 961 721 012) operates a circular bus route between the city and beaches; a schedule is available here.
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