castell de castells(Spain) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, staying in the Old Town (Casco Antiguo) is ideal. This historic district offers walkable access to key landmarks like the Church of Santa María de la Asunción and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with charming cobbled streets and lively tapas bars. Many boutique hotels, such as Casa de Huéspedes, blend traditional Valencian architecture with modern comforts, including handmade ceramic bathrooms and local art decor. The area’s proximity to the Guadalquivir River Trail and ancient city walls makes it perfect for leisurely exploration. Free bicycle rentals are often available, enhancing easy access to scenic coastal paths and hidden plazas.

Casa de Huéspedes features rooftop terraces with panoramic views of the Guadalquivir River and the historic city skyline. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this boutique hotel blends traditional Valencian design with contemporary amenities. Guests enjoy unobstructed vistas from their rooms and the open-air terrace, perfect for sunset cocktails or morning coffee while watching river traffic. The hotel also provides free bicycles for exploring nearby trails and hidden courtyards, making it a top choice for travelers seeking both comfort and scenic immersion.

Don’t miss the Fiestas de San Juan held annually in June near the Church of Santa María de la Asunción, featuring street music, folk dances, and a dramatic torchlight procession. Join a private Cocina de Casa cooking session led by a local family to master authentic Paella Valenciana, using fresh seafood and saffron sourced from regional farms. Explore the Ancient City Walls Park to walk among centuries-old stone ruins and listen to ambient stories from heritage guides. For a hands-on souvenir, book a ceramic workshop where you’ll craft your own piece inspired by Mediterranean motifs—a lasting memory of Valencian craftsmanship.

Must-try dishes include Paella Valenciana, best enjoyed at restaurants like La Mariscada near the Mercado Central, where fresh shrimp, mussels, and local rice are slow-cooked in iron pans over wood fire. Pair it with a glass of local white wine (Vino Blanco de la Comunidad Valenciana) for an authentic taste. Don’t skip Pollo al Ajillo (garlic chicken) and Calamares Fritos (fried squid rings), staples of home-style Valencian cuisine. For a vibrant experience, visit the Mercadillo Nocturno along the riverside—where street vendors serve hot bites while locals gather, creating a lively, sensory-rich atmosphere.

Absolutely ideal for families. The Guadalquivir River Trail features safe bike lanes for kids, with interactive sculptures and nature education stations along the way—perfect for parent-child rides on rented tandem bikes. The Old Town Plaza regularly hosts family workshops like paper boat crafting and storytelling corners with Spanish picture books. Casa de Huéspedes offers child-friendly amenities including a playroom and nightly storytime. On sunny days, visit Playa de Castellón, a gently sloping beach with lifeguards, shaded rest areas, and shallow waters—ideal for safe swimming and seaside fun.

The Old Town Plaza transforms into a vibrant open-air stage at night, hosting street performers, impromptu jazz sets, and outdoor cinema screenings under the stars. For romance, book a riverside dinner experience at the rooftop terrace of Casa de Huéspedes, complete with a custom menu and live guitar serenade. Every evening at 7 PM, the Church of Santa María de la Asunción illuminates with a stunning light show, its golden dome glowing against the night sky—perfect for photos. Some local bars also host poetry nights, blending regional wines with spoken-word artistry, creating a uniquely poetic ambiance.