6 Things To See And Do In Cullera
In the east of Spain and facing the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Cullera is a beautiful municipality in the province of Valencia, perfect for disconnecting on its beaches and discovering other attractions. We tell you what to see and do in this town, located just 30 kilometers from Valencia capital and very close to the Júcar river.
Cullera is one of the best known towns on the Valencian coast. It is one of the great tourist destinations for those looking to enjoy a relaxing vacation by the sea. In fact, Cullera has 15 kilometers of fine sand beaches.
However, those who do not know this beautiful town may be pleasantly surprised, since in Cullera there are great natural attractions and many things to do and visit. We show you some of its attractions, so you can plan unforgettable days.
1. Castle
How could it be otherwise, the castle of Cullera is located on top of a mountain (that of Raboses). It was built by the Muslims next to the defensive walls. From its viewpoint 200 meters high we can enjoy wonderful views of the bay that opens to the Mediterranean.
The original building dates from the 10th century, but later King Jaime I expanded and reformed it. The enclosure is made up of 5 towers, the fortress and a fort built in the 19th century, at which time the sanctuary of the Virgen del Castillo was also annexed. Today it houses a museum and a weapons room.
2. Lighthouse
It was built in 1858, 22 meters from the seashore on an elevation of 20 meters. The lamp used in its beginnings was fed with olive oil, then with paraffin and later with oil. The electrification of the system did not take place until 1931.
During the Spanish Civil War the lighthouse lighting was turned off and a telephone exchange was installed. The building, all painted white, is circular in shape with a conical tower with a railing.
3. Albufera Natural Park
Although it is not exclusive to Cullera, since it includes several municipalities, it can be an excellent excursion to get in touch with nature during our stay. The Albufera has an area of 24 km² and a hydrographic basin that reaches a thousand meters above sea level.
It is really important at an ecological level, since it shelters species of fish in danger of extinction, as well as several local species of birds: herons, herons, terns and seagulls.
4. Sierra de los Zorros
Also called “Cullera mountain” is a rise above the old town of the town and that goes down to the area of the lighthouse. It allows us to see different cliffs towards the Mediterranean. It bears the name of “Sierra de los Zorros” because that species was very common.
We can choose different routes to travel it, including “the ecotourism route” to the lighthouse. In the town you can do other routes, such as the rice fields, the Lloma path or the Estany path.
5. Torres de Cullera
There are three constructions of this type. One of them is the tower of Santa Ana or de la Reina Mora, of Muslim origin, in the neighborhood of El Pozo and which is part of the castle’s surroundings.
The second is the Marenyet tower, circular and used as a lookout for the Júcar river in the 16th century to prevent pirate attacks. The same mission had the Cabo de Cullera tower, which has been replaced by a viewpoint on the coast.
6. Dragut pirate museum
The Ottoman admiral Turgut Reis, known as Dragut, appears in Spanish literature thanks to Miguel de Cervantes and Luis de Góngora. This pirate sailed the Mediterranean Sea with several galleys and an elite troop to take over the lands claimed by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
In Cullera we can feel part of the history of Dragut in a museum in his honor, located in a natural cave. Without a doubt, an ideal educational visit if we go with children. It houses maps, treasures, pirate costumes and a life-size brig.
