Caudete de las Fuentes brings together several themes for a stay: the archaeological site of Kelin, a striking parish church, an Easter tradition and a range of wine experiences. There is also a local hiking trail and a Camino de Santiago stage with an alternative route through the town. If you would like to combine culture and wine, the specific differences between the site, collection, tastings and routes can help you choose what to focus on.
Kelin and the history of the town
The archaeological site of Kelin, also known as Los Villares, lies near Caudete de las Fuentes on a gentle hill at an altitude of around 800 metres and covers approximately 10 hectares. The site preserves urban structures from two phases: a Proto-Iberian phase dating to the 7th century BC and a fully Iberian phase from the 4th to the 2nd century BC. Kelin therefore offers a focus on both the structures of an ancient city and its place in two distinct periods.
The ColecciĂłn Museográfica Permanente Luis GarcĂa de Fuentes is open to the public and preserves finds from the ancient city of Kelin. Check the visiting arrangements before you travel. The site and the collection offer different points of focus: Kelin is about the surviving urban structures, while the collection is about finds from the ancient city.
Church architecture and local traditions
The parish church of the Natividad de Nuestra Señora is a rectangular neoclassical building with an octagonal dome. Construction began in 1731 and the church was consecrated in 1735. The two dates mark different milestones: the start of construction and the consecration.
Pascua de Monas is a local tradition held on the first and second Sundays after Easter. People go outdoors, spend the day outside and eat the traditional Mona de Pascua. Its connection to Easter is a useful detail to bear in mind when planning your trip.
Local festivities also include free outdoor dance events at Paseo de la Alameda. The town’s activities therefore cover not only archaeological and religious themes but also outdoor dancing.
Wine tastings and local cuisine
The “Cata dinámica” experience includes a white wine tasting beneath a centuries-old holm oak, weather permitting. It also includes a visit to the winery with an explanation of the winemaking process, a tasting of two red wines accompanied by a small selection of local gastronomic products, and, to finish, a tasting of the winery’s own vermouths.
Another culinary highlight is the “De la viña a la copa” experience, which includes a typical local lunch. The experiences therefore differ in specific ways: “Cata dinámica” combines several wine tastings with an explanation of winemaking, while “De la viña a la copa” includes lunch.
Casa Doñana invites visitors to explore the estate and stroll among the vineyards. If you plan to take up this offer, check the current visiting arrangements in advance.
Landscape, routes and getting there
The RĂo Madre crosses the municipal area from west to east. It is a tributary of the Magro and its first stable water inflow.
Hiking trail SL-CV 187 starts at Parque de la Fuente Grande in Caudete de las Fuentes and follows the Camino de la Lana towards the Cañada Honda micro-reserve. A stage of the Camino de Santiago also includes an alternative route through Caudete. These descriptions refer to different options: a hiking trail with a named starting point and an alternative Camino route. Check the conditions on the Camino stage before setting off.
For travel by road, the AutovĂa de Levante (Madrid–Valencia) is the main access road.
Discover more destinations: Venta Del Moro, Gilet, Oliva, Puçol, Carlet, TurĂs, Gátova, Alboraya.
For the regional travel overview: Valencia.
