Cullera

Cullera has been inhabited since Neolithic times, as attested by a large number of remains and archaeological sites in the area. In modern times the city is known for its gastronomy and for its burgeoning tourism sector, and serves as a popular getaway for both domestic and foreign visitors.

• Tourist Info Cullera Centro

  phone: +34 961 720 974
  address: C/ del Mar, 93
  Cullera's primary tourist office.

• Tourist Info Cullera Playa

  phone: +34 961 731 586
  address: Plaza Constitución, s/n

By plane

Valencia has the closest airport, at 40 km away.

By train

• Estación de Tren de Cullera

  phone: +34 902 240 202
  address: Carretera Sueca, s/n
  From Valencia, Renfe regional train line C1 connects Cullera with Estació de València Nord and Gandía. Trains depart hourly and the journey from Valencia lasts 34 minutes.

By bus

Alsa operates a route connecting all major coastal settlements between Valencia and Alicante, including Cullera, Gandía, Oliva, Dénia, Calpe, Altea, Benidorm, and Villajoyosa. Buses stop at .

Autocares Ribera (tel. +34 961 721 012) operates a circular bus route between the city and beaches; a schedule is available here.

• Castell de Cullera

  phone: +34 961 732 643
  Built by the Moors in the 10th century, the castle was taken in 1239 by King Jaime I of Aragon. In the 16th century it played an important role in the defense of the city against Barbary pirates, and saw action again in the 19th century during the Spanish War of Independence and the Carlist Wars. The castle has been fully restored, and offers great views of the bay, the mouth of the Júcar River, and the region.
  The castle can be accessed by the Camino del Calvario ('Way of the Calvary'), a steep footpath which zigzags up the side of the mountain and has 14 stations of the cross.

• Santuario de la Virgen del CastilloThis neo-Byzantine chapel was built at the end of the 19th century, and is dedicated to Cullera’s patron saint, the ‘Mare de Deu del Castell’. Especially noteworthy inside is a 14th-century Gothic painting of the Madonna.

• Torre de Santa AnaAlso known as Torre de la Reina Mora ('Tower of the Moorish Queen'), this 13th-century tower was originally part of the defensive perimeter for the Moorish castle and served as part of the main gate. It was heavily modified in the 16th century to defend against Barbary pirates, but the structure has since been restored to its original design. Inside there is now an exhibit devoted to the history of the tower and the castle.

• El Fort

  address: Pla dels Pics
  Two ruined fortifications from the first Carlist War, which were built atop a Moorish citadel. At 210m above sea level, great views can be had from this spot.

Museu Cova del Dragut

phone: +34 961 746 700

address: Plaça Doctor Fleming, s/n

In 1550, Dragut, a close associate of the dreaded pirate Barbarossa, attacked and laid waste to Cullera, after which the town was virtually abandoned for several decades. According to legend this cave was the site of a prisoner exchange during the siege, and is now used as a museum devoted to Mediterranean piracy in the 16th century.

Torre del Marenyet

phone: +34 961 732 643

This watchtower was built in 1577 as part of a coastal network of watchtowers used to defend against Barbary pirates, following the devastation brought on Cullera by Dragut in 1550. It now has a number of displays demonstrating the use of the watchtower and illustrating the problem of piracy in the 16th century.

Refugio Museo de la Guerra Civil

phone: +34 961 732 643

address: Plaça de la Verge, s/n

This bomb shelter was built by Republicans during the Spanish Civil War. It was never completed or used, but has been fully restored and has displays on life during the war. It is open to the public by guided tours which last between 20-30 minutes.

Barri del PouThis charming neighbourhood with whitewashed houses marks the location of the original Arab settlement of Qulayra, and the layout of narrow streets remains practically unchanged since that time.

Botánic Cullera

phone: +34 637 482 548

address: Crta Nazaret-Oliva, km 27

The gardens have more than 2,500 plant species. Also on the grounds is a restored 19th-century farmhouse, now used for a small ethnological museum to display traditional farming tools.

Beaches

Cullera has over 15km of sandy beaches. (Playa de San Antonio) is the most urban beach, while (Playa del Racó) is somewhat more sedate; both beaches have loungers for rent as well as snack bars and restaurants. (Playa Cap Blanc) is well-suited for wind-surfing, while (Playa de los Olivos) is good for families. The small cove of (Playa del Faro / Lighthouse Beach) is good for diving, while dogs are permitted at the more isolated (Playa de la Escollera / Breakwater Beach). In July and August these beaches all have disabled access with lifeguards, toilets and foot-washing stations, and first-aid stations, except for Platja de l'Escullera which has no disabled access.

Festivals

• FallesLike its much larger neighbour Valencia and a number of other towns in the Valencian Community, Cullera celebrates Fallas with the construction and burning of falla monuments in the streets

• Mercadillo

  address: Plaça de la Verge
  A weekly street market for local produce and other goods.

• Restaurante Casa Salvador

  phone: +34 961 720 136
  address: Carretera Estany, s/n
  This highly-regarded restaurant serves traditional Valencian cuisine with a focus on seafood. The rice dishes are especially recommended, and there is an extensive wine selection. Casual in summer, smart casual in winter; reservations by telephone only.

• Restaurante Eliana Abiach

  phone: +34 961 732 229
  address: Carrer del Peset Alexandre, 2
  A small restaurant with modern decor, serves both traditional Valencian rice dishes and creative modern European cuisine.

• Restaurante El Rincón del Faro

  phone: +34 961 724 563
  address: Carrer Ciutats Unides, 1
  Established for 30 years, the large restaurant is known for original creative cuisine, but also serves some more traditional dishes. It also has some good vegetarian options, as well as a large wine selection and creative cocktails.

• Restaurante Tok Tok

  phone: +34 961 723 675
  address: C/ Músico Salvador Giner, s/n
  This popular place specializes in seafood and traditional Valencian fare. Reservations recommended.

Camping

• Camping Bungalows Santa Marta

  phone: +34 961 721 440
  address: Avda del Racó, 25
  Has plots to accommodate tents, campervans, and caravans, as well as bungalows. Facilities include onsite swimming pool, cafeteria, supermarket, laundromat, and playground. Refrigerators and Wi-Fi are available for an extra fee, and pets are permitted for €1.50-€3/day, depending on season.

Hotels

• Hotel Imperial

  phone: +34 961 732 730
  address: C/ Rellano de San Antonio, 4
  Free Wi-Fi, parking €12/day.

• Hotel Santamarta

  phone: +34 961 738 029
  address: Avda del Racó, 52
  A large hotel with 200 rooms on 12 floors. Has an outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. Parking €9/day.

• Hotel Sicania

  phone: +34 961 720 143
  address: Avda de Joanot Martorell, 14-16
  A family-oriented hotel with 116 rooms, nonsmoking throughout the building. Has an outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.