Visit the castles making up the “Border of Fear”

by JC Admin July 26, 2023

written by JC Admin July 26, 2023

On the shores of the Mediterranean, majestic castles and defence towers stand with fascinating stories to tell.

These constructions, which stand imposingly along our coastline, are silent witnesses to the past and represent the legacy of an era marked by the fear of corsairs and the need to protect the coastal land from possible invasions.

Castillo de Fornà ( L’Atzúbia)

Towns such as Vila Joiosa, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Javea and Dénia served Christian monarchs to grow in population and colonise semi-virgin territories, erecting a maritime border defended by towers and forts. These fortresses, which at the time served as a shield against the Arab invaders and alleviated social fears, today become an attraction to enjoy the province of Alicante, where sea and the mountains come together.

Denia Castle

This would be the route through the castles of the “border of fear”. A layout of forts that served ancestors as a defensive tool against invaders. Three regions compose it – the Marina Alta, the Marina Baixa and l’Alacantí, the first of them being the one that treasures a total of ten monuments. The second has nine and the third, just one.

Torreón de “La Peça” Calpe

Throughout these counties, numerous trails provide access to these sites, offering visitors the opportunity to explore their historic architecture. The old quarters of these localities also open their doors to the public, revealing walls and castles that invite travellers to immerse themselves in the origins and history of these cities.

The routes also invite you to explore hidden valleys, far from the sea. In a matter of minutes, you can access the heart of rural enclaves as charming as Guadalest, Polop, the Serra de Bèrnia, Relleu or Confrides. These places offer an escape to a remote past, where history is intertwined with the natural beauty of the landscapes.

Castell de la Granadella, Javea

Villages and monuments of the “border of fear”.

The following is a list of the villages of the three counties of the “border of fear” and the historical sites of each one of them:-

Calpe: Castellet de Calp, Pobla medieval de Ifach, Murallas de Calpe.
Teulada-Moraira: Fortín de Moraira, Torre vigía de Cap d’Or.
Javea: Iglesia fortificada de Xàbia, Murallas de Xábia, Torre Ambolo, Torre Portitxol, Torre de la Granadella.
Dénia: Castillo de Dénia, Murallas de Dénia, Torre del Gerro, Torre del Palmar o de la Almadrava.
El Verger: Palacio de Medinaceli.
Pego: Castell d’Ambra, Murallas.
L’Atzúbia: Castell de Forna.
Murla: Castillo de Murla.
Alcalalí: Torre de Alcalalí.
Castell de Castells: Castillo de Castell de Castells.
Vila Joiosa: Torre del Xarco, La Torre de Aquiló, Murallas de Villajoyosa.
Relleu: Castillo de Relleu.
Finestrat: Castillo de Finestrat.
Benidorm: Castillo de Benidorm, Torre Les Caletes.
Polop: Castillo de Polop.
Castell de Guadalest: Castillo de Guadalest.
Confrides: Castillo de Confrides o de Aljofra.
L’Alfàs del Pi: Torre Bombarda.
Altea: Baluarte y Murallas de Altea, Fuerte de Bèrnia.
El Campello: La Torre del Barranc d’Aigues.