Discover Macastre through its local history and landscape: at the Castillo, traces of an Islamic fortress meet the site of an earlier Bronze Age settlement. Walks through the old town, viewpoints and marked hiking trails offer further highlights. When planning your stay, you can choose between historical sites in town, springs and longer hikes.
Castle, Old Town and Architectural History
The Castillo de Macastre is a fortress of Islamic origin; a Bronze Age settlement previously stood on the site. The main tower, cistern and parts of the surrounding fortifications can still be seen. The remains can be reached via an easy route. Check the route’s conditions and maintenance locally before setting out.
A walk through the old town leads to Plaza de los Árboles and the surrounding houses. Some date from the 19th century, including the current town hall. The parish church of the Transfiguration of the Savior offers a different historical perspective: it was built between the 17th and 18th centuries. Together, the castle, town hall and church offer a glimpse into different periods of the town’s history.
Walks, Views and Springs
Mirador de los Vientos is a viewpoint you can reach on a walk through Macastre. To get to Fuente de Santa Bárbara, follow Eduard Escalante Street to the Las Eras neighborhood, then continue down a sloping alley. The spring is at the end. As street conditions may change, it is advisable to check the route locally before your visit.
Fuente Grande offers a different setting: it is a natural spring whose fresh water flows to the spouts. Closely spaced trees provide shade and coolness; there are also paella grills and picnic tables. If you plan to use the facilities, confirm their condition locally. This makes a walk and a break by the spring two different options for your stay.
Hiking and Countryside
The Magro River crosses the entire municipality of Macastre along a deeply cut course, forming gorges. Marked hiking trails are another option: the local trail network connects places of scenic interest. The PR-CV 191 Macastre is 24.00 kilometers long; its estimated walking time is six hours, with 935 meters of ascent and descent each. These figures give you concrete information for planning your hikes.
No quality checks are available for the homologation of PR-CV 191. Signposting and maintenance may have changed since the information was recorded. Check the signposting and maintenance of marked trails before hiking; the easy rating of the route to the Castillo remains does not replace checking current trail conditions.
Festivals and Local Cuisine
The local festivals in honor of the patron saints Santa Bárbara and San Salvador take place in the first half of August. They include exhibitions, sports competitions, traditional outdoor dances and concerts. The festivals of the “las clavarias de María” are celebrated on the first weekend of September, with religious events in honor of the Virgin, mascletàs, outdoor dances and processions. If you plan your trip for this time, check the latest dates and program.
The cuisine also gives your stay a local flavor. Dishes mentioned include Mojete with pork liver, oil and flour, and Rin-Ran with cod, eggs, garlic, potatoes and raw oil; gazpacho manchego and Torta boba are also among the local specialties. The dishes on offer vary by establishment and season. Macastre is also characterized by extensive grape cultivation and a strong winemaking tradition.
Discover more destinations: Rugat, Serra, La Barraca d'Aigües Vives, Carcaixent, Miramar, Santa María de Bonaire, Rocafort, Zarra.
For the broader travel overview: Valencia.
