Castell de Vilallonga

Castell de Vilallonga is a medieval hilltop fortress overlooking the small town of Vilallonga in the province of Valencia, within the La Safor region.

How do you get there?

The ruins sit roughly 1.5 kilometres southeast of the town centre, perched on a steep hill rising to 250 metres, part of the Serra de les Fontelles range within the wider Serra Gallinera. A walking path climbs from the town and takes under an hour to reach the top; sturdy footwear is worth packing, since the final stretch runs over rocky, uneven ground. Cars can only reach the base of the hill — the rest of the way is on foot.

What will you see on site?

Known locally as the "castell dels Moros," the fortress is an irregular structure carved into the rock, made up of two partially concentric, terraced defensive enclosures roughly 90 metres long and 40 metres wide. Surviving remains include sections of the outer walls, a water cistern, and terraces that once served as watch positions. Although much of the structure lies in ruins, its layout still traces the original plan of a stronghold stretched along the ridge to make full use of the hill's natural defences. From the summit, the view opens onto the Vilallonga valley, the surrounding Serra Gallinera hills, and, on a clear day, toward the Mediterranean coast.

What is the history behind the castle?

The fortress dates from the Muslim era and guarded the Vilallonga valley for centuries. In August 1240, King James I of Aragon conquered the valley and granted the castle and its lands to Diego López III de Haro, Lord of Biscay. In 1269, by a charter issued at Castellfabib, the king — who himself described it as a "castle of great and strong rocks" — granted lordship over the fortress to the knight Arnau Romaní. The estate later passed to Juan Llansol, and a surviving 1406 document records the granting of the castle's stewardship to a certain Just de la Porta. In the early 17th century, Pedro Franquesa Esteve, secretary to King Philip III, acquired the lordship and turned it into a barony; after his property was confiscated, the estate came under the control of the Royal Audience of Valencia. In 1621, King Philip IV sold the fief to the Borja family of Gandia, who held it as part of their ducal estates until the mid-19th century, when the castle finally lost its defensive role and fell into ruin.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the climb, when temperatures in the La Safor region are milder than the height of summer and the trail isn't exposed to harsh sun. Because the terrain is rocky and steep in places, it's worth avoiding the hike after rain, when the path becomes slippery. The castle is accessible year-round and requires no advance booking, since it's an open, unguarded site on public land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the climb to the castle difficult? The route is short, but its final stretch crosses uneven, rocky ground, so a basic level of fitness and proper hiking shoes are recommended.

Can you see the sea from the castle? On clear days, the coastline is visible in the distance, though the main view is of the Vilallonga valley and the surrounding Serra Gallinera range.

Where does the name "castell dels Moros" come from? It's a local name referring to the fortress's Muslim-era origins, predating the Christian conquest of the valley in the 13th century.

Are there other attractions nearby? The town of Vilallonga itself, at the foot of the hill, showcases typical La Safor architecture and makes a convenient base for exploring the wider Serra Gallinera range.