Xixona - hike in village with castle

Xixona is best known for its production of nougat. The municipality is also a hub for roads from several other cities. A walk from the village up to the castle gives a view of the plains of Alicante on one side and the "red cliff" - Penya Migjorn - on the other. Xixona has a long and interesting history. Parts of it can be seen if you wander around the city streets.

Today, most people probably associate Xixona with a city you have to drive through to get to other places. Several roads pass through Xixona. The CV-800 connects Alicante with Alcoy. CV-774 goes to Busot, CV-780 goes to Torremanzanas and CV-810 goes to Tibi. At first glance, the streets of Xixona may appear gray and boring. But if you spend some time getting to know the village, you will find interesting photo subjects here too.

The thoroughfare in Xixona

Roundabout in the thoroughfare

The main street in the city centre

Xixona has been populated since the Bronze Age. The city that we see today was founded by the Berbers in the transition between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Xixona was then on the border of what was the Almohad caliphate, and the castle was built to defend the caliphate.

Narrow city street in the old town

Facade in the old town

Old water source

Newly renovated water source

The church Iglesia Archiprestal de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Ruins of old church

Traditionally, the residents of Xixona have mainly subsisted by making ice cream in the summer and nougat in the winter. A little before you get to Xixona town there is a large museum of nougat production - Museo de Turrón. Here you can see how production takes place and buy nougat products if you wish.

Mural of Xixona in earlier times

Castillo de la Torre Grossa

The castle at Xixona is located on a hill behind the town towards the Cordillera Subbético mountain system where the "red cliff" - Penya Migjorn - is a popular tourist destination. It is possible to hike up to the castle from the center of Xixona, but you can also drive up the slopes and park by the castle.

The tower of the castle

The gorge you pass through on the way up to the castle

Path up to the castle from the center of Xixona

Penya Migjorn - the red cliff - seen from the castle

More excursions: www.turideer.com

Excursion of the week: Xixona - hike in a village with a castle

Suitable for: Everyone. The town is on a hill and there is a steep climb up to the castle, but you can drive there by car.

Getting there: You can drive the A-7 from Alicante towards Alcoy and take the CV-810 and follow it to Xixona, or take the AP-7 at San Juan and take the CV-800 to Xixona. The Museo de Turrón is located on this road.

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