Castillo (Bacares)

Castillo de Bacares is a medieval fortress overlooking the village of Bacares in the province of Almería, close to the hamlet of El Cortijuelo. Perched on a small hill at the edge of the settlement, it commands sweeping views over the valley and the Sierra de los Filabres.

How do you get there?

The castle stands on Calle Peanilla in Bacares. It's reachable only on foot, via a steep, rocky path leading up to the hilltop, so comfortable footwear is a must. The village itself sits deep within the Sierra de los Filabres, well off the coastal tourist trail of Almería — a remoteness that many visitors count as part of the appeal, since the site tends to stay quiet even during the visit.

What will you see?

The fortress was built mostly in the 13th century, though some sections of wall may date back as far as the 11th century. It formed part of the defensive network of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, guarding access to the Sierra de los Filabres and controlling movement through the valley below — its position was chosen to protect the routes leading deeper into the mountains.

The castle's layout follows the "calahorra" defensive model, typical of 13th-century military architecture in the region. Its plan includes five square towers plus one larger rectangular tower serving as the keep. Inside the walls, traces of seven rooms survive, arranged around a small parade ground (patio de armas) where the garrison would once have gone about daily life.

Following the Christian conquest in the 15th century, the fortress continued to serve defensive and administrative purposes for a time. In 1506, Gutiérrez de Cárdenas ordered its restoration, but by the 16th century the castle had begun a slow decline, eventually settling into the picturesque ruin seen today.

Modern conservation work has focused on consolidating the surviving walls, clearing invasive vegetation, and installing a raised viewing walkway 1.20 meters wide, built from steel and teak wood. This addition lets visitors move safely among the ruins without disturbing the fragile original structure.

When should you visit?

Given the steep approach and the lack of shaded areas within the ruins, it's best to plan a visit during the cooler parts of the day — morning or late afternoon — especially in summer, when temperatures in the Sierra de los Filabres can climb quite high. Spring and autumn bring milder weather and better conditions for exploring the surrounding paths, with clear air that makes the most of the valley views stretching out below the walls.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? Access follows the rules for an open-air heritage site — it's worth checking current details locally or at the tourist information point in Bacares, as arrangements are occasionally updated.

How long does a visit take? Given the ruins' modest footprint, walking the castle and its viewing gallery typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, though you should allow extra time for the steep climb up.

Is the castle suitable for children or older visitors? The steep, foot-only access and uneven terrain can be challenging for anyone with limited mobility or for very young children, so it's worth factoring that into your plans.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The village of Bacares itself, ringed by the Sierra de los Filabres, offers further hiking trails and mountain views that pair naturally with a visit to the castle.