Castell de Benissili

Castell de Benissili is a medieval hilltop fortress in the municipality of La Vall de Gallinera, in the province of Alicante, perched on the rocky outcrop of Penya Grossa at nearly 785 metres above sea level.

How to get there?

The castle sits in the northern part of Alicante province, in the Marina Alta comarca, close to the village of Benissili, one of the eight small settlements that make up La Vall de Gallinera. No road reaches the ruins themselves — visitors follow a marked footpath up the rocky slope. The climb is steep and calls for sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness, but it rewards the effort with sweeping views over the valley.

What will you see?

The fortress follows the classic layout of Islamic-era castles in this region: a celoquia, or main citadel, flanked by two albacaras, large fortified courtyards once used to shelter people and livestock during a siege. Together these three enclosed, interlinked sections form a single defensive complex that closely follows the shape of the rocky ridge, giving the castle an unusually large footprint. The sheer natural cliffs of Penya Grossa give the whole site a genuine eagle's-nest character, a stronghold that looks almost impossible to take by force.

The site's fame rests largely on Al-Azraq, the Muslim leader who used it as a base in his long resistance against the forces of King James I of Aragon. The earliest written record of the castle dates to 1245, tied to the signing of the Pouet agreement between James I and Al-Azraq. The fortress finally fell to the Aragonese crown on 1 June 1258, closing one of the last chapters of organised Muslim resistance in this part of the former Kingdom of Valencia.

When to visit?

La Vall de Gallinera is best known for its extensive cherry orchards, which blanket the hillsides in white blossom toward the end of winter and draw the valley's biggest crowds of visitors at that time. In summer, the exposed rocky approach to the castle can get very hot, so an early morning start or a cooler season is a better choice for the climb. Clear days offer the best panoramic views over the valley from the summit, whatever the time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the climb to the castle difficult? Yes — access is on foot only, along a steep path over rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are needed.

Who is most associated with the castle? Al-Azraq, the Muslim leader who held out here against King James I of Aragon before the castle fell in 1258.

How long did the final siege last? Sources don't specify the length of the siege, only that the castle was taken on 1 June 1258.

What can you see on site? Surviving wall sections of the celoquia and its two albacaras, plus panoramic views over La Vall de Gallinera from the summit of Penya Grossa.