The Castillo de la Atalaya crowns a hill above the inland town of Villena, in the north-west of Alicante province, and is one of the finest medieval castles in the region. Of Almohad Muslim origin and later expanded under Christian rule, it shows two different building styles in its great keep — a detail guides like to point out.
Visitors can climb through the vaulted chambers of the tower right to the top, where the views stretch out across the town and the wide surrounding countryside. The castle is reached by a short, steep walk up from the town, and tickets are bought from the nearby tourist office.
Villena itself rewards a wander, with churches, cafés and a museum holding the celebrated Treasure of Villena, a remarkable hoard of Bronze Age gold. Note the long midday closing, as much of the town keeps a traditional siesta.