Xivert Castle
Castell de Xivert
Ruins of an Islamic and Knights Templar castle on the Serra d'Irta ridge, with crumbling walls around an abandoned village and views over the coast and inland plains.
Xivert Castle sits on the ridge of the Serra d'Irta near the town of Alcalà de Xivert. It began as an Islamic fortress between the 10th and 12th centuries. After the reconquest in the 13th century it was handed to the Knights Templar and later passed to the Order of Montesa. The site includes walls, towers, cisterns and the abandoned Muslim village below the castle. It has been partly restored in recent years and has information panels. From the top you can see the Mediterranean coast and the inland plains at the same time. To reach it, drive from Alcalà de Xivert along a mountain road to park below the castle, then walk about 10 minutes uphill. The site is open, with free or low-cost admission depending on the day, so check locally. It is about 25 km from Peñíscola.
Opening hours
Open all day (ruins); daytime visits recommended
Nearby sights
- Serra d'Irta Natural Park
- Torre Badum
- Playa Sur
- Playa Norte
- Port of Peñíscola
- Peñíscola Old Town
- Artillery Park
- El Bufador