2026 Costera Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Parts of this date back to the 12 century and areas of the castle were added over hundreds of years. Stunning place with beautiful views, a cafe for lunch or refreshments, some rooms with original furniture and a small museum. Entry was only 5-6 euros for adults (2026) and included entry into another museum in Xativa old town. Well worth the money and gave us an interesting morning followed by lunch. Also a bit of a workout due to hill walks. 😂

At the top of a hill ⛰crowning the city of 𝗫𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮 there is this castle dating all the way back to the Roman times, the 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗫𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮 🏰 Actually, it is not one but two, the castle is divided into the 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 and 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗿, this second one is built upon foundations that date thousands of years back, even before the Roman Empire conquered this land 🗡 We went there for a 1 day trip with my family and we highly recommend you to check it out if you have time. 𝗫𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮 is a small city only a short 1 hour train 🚆 ride from 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮, with plenty of sights to visit, the most impressive one its castle. But, better be ready for a good walk up the hill, it will take you about 30-40 minutes to get from downtown 𝗫𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮 up to the castle, alternatively you can also take a small train 🚂 on wheels, specially designed for this purpose and as a tourist attraction Entrance to the castle is 6 euros per person, however if you are in a group of 10+ people it becomes 4 euros per person 💰 𝙋𝙧𝙤 𝙩𝙞𝙥: 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘱 🗺(as we show you in the video) - it is free with the entrance ticket - so you can follow your route along the various spots to check out inside the castle. Some of the places worth checking are: · 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘇𝗮 𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘀: this is the square where you will arrive in the castle and where you will buy the tickets, the views from here are already stunning and there is a cafe where you can sit down and relax before (or after) the visit. · 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗯𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝘇𝗺: in the Castillo Mayor, it is a water fountain and canal in arabic style. This part was renovated recently and it is a tribute to the poet Ibn Hazm who, while living in 𝗫𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮, wrote very notorious books in the time of 𝘈𝘭-𝘈𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘴 ☪️ · 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹: also in the Castillo Mayor this dark and gloomy space is where the 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙐𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙡𝙡 was kept prisioner accused of plotting against the king, back in the 15th century. The legend says that he died the day of his release when, after living for so long in such a dark jail, he was blinded by the daylight. His remnants are kept in a tomb at the nearby chapel of Reina Maria. · 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗰ó𝗻 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗮: located in the Castillo Menor, it’s a beautiful viewpoint towards the rest of the castle. A perfect spot where to snap some good photos 📸 The total lentgh of the visit to the castle is about 1 hour, more or less according to your pace. This is certainly one place to feel part of the history of 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 🇪🇸 the castle has witnessed countless battles from the times the Carthaginians fought with their elephants against the roman troops, the Islamic era when it was Al-Andalus #mytripvlog #spain #spaintravel

#falladventures Here are the key **buildings and museums in Xàtiva** to explore · Castell de Xàtiva The hilltop twin castle complex is the city’s landmark. You’ll find medieval towers, long fortress walls, panoramic terraces, and archaeological remains. It’s big, dramatic, and perfect for a half-day visit. · Collegiate Basilica of Santa Maria (La Seu) A grand church with a striking Renaissance façade, an impressive dome and chapels filled with local history. Inside, you’ll find artwork, religious relics and a calm atmosphere. · Almudín Museum Once the medieval grain storehouse, now a small but interesting archaeological museum. Roman inscriptions, Iberian pieces and objects found in and around Xàtiva help trace the city’s long history. · Casa de l'Ensenyança (City Museum) A former Jesuit school turned museum. It covers archaeology, fine arts and historical documents. A great place to understand Xàtiva’s cultural evolution and see paintings by José Ribera and other local artists. · Royal Hospital Museum (Museu de Belles Arts – Hospital Reial) A 15th-century Gothic hospital restored and used for exhibitions. The building itself is the highlight: cloisters, arches and peaceful courtyards. · Plaça de la Trinitat Not a museum, but one of the most beautiful architectural corners of Xàtiva. Gothic and Renaissance façades meet around the little square, with the Trinitat Fountain at its center. · Hermitage of Sant Josep A small hilltop hermitage with panoramic views and a serene setting. · Convent of Sant Domènec A historic Gothic convent with cloistered arches and quiet gardens. Used today for cultural events and exhibitions. · Palau dels Borja (Borgia Palace – outside town in Canals) If you have time, this palace linked to the powerful Borgia family is worth a detour. It’s one of the most important Renaissance heritage sites of the region.

#mytraveldiary Castillo de Xàtiva in Valencia is one of those places that invites you to slow down and really explore. The fortress stretches across the hillside with winding paths, old gates, and towers that seem to tell their own stories. Every corner has something worth stopping for, whether it is the sweeping views over the countryside or the details carved into the stone walls. Walking through the ruins feels like stepping into another time, yet the natural beauty around the castle makes the experience feel calm and refreshing. It is a great place for photography, quiet reflection, or simply enjoying a day outdoors with history all around you. Castillo de Xàtiva blends culture, nature, and heritage in a way that feels timeless.

#mytraveldiary Castillo de Xàtiva in Valencia is not just a fortress, it is a place where stories of the past seem to echo through every stone wall. The climb up to the castle is part of the experience, offering beautiful views that grow more impressive with every step. Once inside, you can wander through its ancient gates, towers, and terraces while imagining the lives of those who once lived and fought here. The atmosphere feels both historic and dramatic, especially when you stand at the top and look out over the valleys below. There are plenty of quiet corners to sit and take it all in, making the visit both exciting and peaceful. Castillo de Xàtiva is truly a treasure that blends history with breathtaking scenery.

#mytraveldiary Castillo de Xàtiva in Valencia is one of those places that makes you feel like you are walking through the pages of history. Perched on a hill, the castle offers sweeping views of the town below and the rolling landscape beyond. The walls and towers seem to stretch endlessly along the ridge, giving a sense of just how important this fortress once was. Exploring its courtyards, gates, and pathways feels like an adventure, with each turn revealing another glimpse of the past. There are plenty of spots to pause and soak in the scenery, making it as much about the views as the history. Castillo de Xàtiva combines dramatic architecture with natural beauty, creating a visit that feels both enriching and unforgettable.

#summervacay Alright, if you're anywhere near Xàtiva you have to check out Xàtiva Castle. It's this massive fortress that sits way up on a hill, and trust me, the views are worth every step. You can either hike up (hello, leg day) or grab a quick drive or tourist train to the top. Once you’re up there, it’s all stone walls, towers, and ancient vibes. It’s like stepping into a movie set, with crumbling courtyards, epic photo ops, and history carved into every corner. The castle is actually two castles in one, there’s a “small” one and a “big” one, and you can wander all over both. Take your time, bring water, and definitely don’t forget your camera. There’s also a cute café up there for a snack break with a killer view. Overall? Super fun, super scenic, and a must-do if you’re vibing around Xàtiva. Medieval adventures? Yes, please.

#summervacay If you’re in Valencia province make a stop in Xàtiva, you won’t regret it. This town’s got that perfect mix of old-school charm and laid-back vibes that make wandering around feel like an adventure without even trying. You’ve got narrow stone streets, chill plazas, and old buildings with colorful shutters and balconies full of flowers. The whole place feels like a postcard. The locals are super friendly too, and you’ll probably end up grabbing a café con leche at some quiet corner café without realizing an hour has passed. There’s also cool stuff to check out like the old churches, fountains, and little hidden gardens, plus you get random views of the epic Xàtiva Castle up on the hill. It’s not a big city, which is kind of the whole point. You can just take your time, explore on foot, and enjoy the slower pace. Xàtiva’s got that small-town magic with plenty of little surprises.

#europeonbudget Climbing up to Xàtiva Castle was like stepping into a time machine with a view. Perched high above the town, the twin fortresses offered sweeping vistas and centuries of layered history. Walking along the ancient walls and towers, I imagined battles, royalty, and Moorish legends echoing through the stone. The uphill trek was a workout, but totally worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and incredible photo ops. There were quiet corners to explore and plaques that told vivid stories of the past. Xàtiva Castle is a hidden gem—raw, authentic, and absolutely breathtaking. Don’t forget your water and camera! My rating: 4 ⭐️ out of 5!

Spanish Mediterranean Coast Tour ~ Valencia (Region) You must visit it, it consists of two parts built in two different historical periods. It is worth exploring to learn about the centuries-old craftsmanship of the builders. The castle is on the hill. To save time and energy, I suggest taking the bus to the parking lot bus station under the castle gate. You can enjoy a great view here, and the castle also has a small museum with many interesting things. #2月好去处2025 #西班牙旅行 #瓦尔伦西亚

#100waysoftravel The xativa castle is located above the city of xativa. It was about an hour's journey. i think it is 60 km or so. I started after breakfast from my hostel. The plan was to take a train. It was quite comfortable. Took the C2 to Xativa. The town does have some things to explore besides the castle. Like the museum for instance. From the station it is quite a hike all the way to the castle. Especially when you're at the foot of that hill. Although, there are taxi options, the land train or your own vehicle, I chose to walk. This may not have been the best decision as the weather was very hot and this felt really strenuous. Once I reached the top, it was a lovely view and very pleasant. There's so much interesting history to observe as you climb and various things to see along the route. There is a Cafe at the top, along with bathroom services, as well as a couple of restaurants just before you start the climb. I didn't see anything in between. Takes about 2 hours to see both sides of the complex. #100waysoftravel #summer #spain #xativa #history #myhiddengems #summerdestinations