Cullera, a popular resort near Valencia, sightseeing and attractions

Cullera, located on the Valencia coast, is a resort town known for its beautiful beaches with light and fine sand.

We had the pleasure of visiting Cullera several times, each at different times of the year. In the article below, I will share information on when is the best time to visit Cullera, how to plan your trip, and what attractions await you in the city and its surroundings.

Cullera’s intricate history and history of the city

Cullera, like other places on the southern coast of Spain, boasts a rich and diverse history shaped by the intersection of numerous cultures that have traversed this part of the world over many centuries. The area that is now Cullera was inhabited as early as 25,000 years ago, a fact confirmed by archaeological findings discovered by researchers in the nearby volcanic caves.

The traces of human presence in present-day Cullera indicate that thriving settlements developed here during the Neolithic period as well as the Bronze Age. However, the city experienced its greatest flourishing when the Muslims arrived at the southern coast of present-day Spain. They founded their settlements, naming the city Colla-Aeria, which can be loosely translated as “High Peak.” Over time, the name was simplified, giving rise to Cullera.

Under Muslim rule, the city underwent an extraordinary transformation, both economically and socially. An efficient irrigation system was established, and new farming methods were introduced. At the same time, in nearby Elche, the cultivation of various palm species began, creating the largest palm grove in this part of the world.

In the famous Poem of the Cid, a Spanish epic poem from the early 11th century, Cullera is mentioned under the name Gujera. The anonymous author describes a well-developed and prosperous city that spreads along the seafront as rapidly as a dammed river.

Cullera and her later fate

During the Reconquista led by the Aragonese, King James I attempted to forcefully take Cullera from the Muslims and integrate it into the Christian state. However, the plan failed, and it wasn’t until 1240, when Valencia fell and a treaty was signed, that Christians promised to respect Muslim properties in Cullera and Denia after their peaceful takeover.

As expected, the new rulers quickly forgot their promises, and after a few years, they began to oppress non-Christians, confiscating their land and accusing them of heinous crimes. In 1247, local Moors rebelled and took control of the fortress in Cullera, prompting the king to order the immediate expulsion of Muslims from the country, thus ending the era of Islamic presence in this part of the Iberian Peninsula.

Throughout the medieval period, the city went through relatively peaceful times, except for a local power struggle between Pedro I of Castile and Pedro IV of Aragon. The formidable fortress, standing proudly on a high hill overlooking the city, played a key role in these events. We climbed it, and believe me, I have no idea how knights clad in steel armour and soldiers carrying heavy iron were able to climb the fortress walls and then fight for its capture.

Another interesting event in Cullera was a pirate raid in 1550 by the Barbary corsair Dragut, who attacked the city and virtually took it over. For many weeks, pirates transported looted goods, gold, and anything valuable onto their ships. In addition, following the old pirate tradition, they murdered and raped the city’s residents and its surroundings.

Ultimately, after several months, the audacious pirate agreed to release hundreds of captured hostages for a hefty ransom, of course. The place where the exchange took place is now said to house a museum dedicated to the pirates of the Mediterranean. This event prompted King Philip II to build a series of defensive towers scattered around the city. Only the Marenyet tower has survived in good condition to this day, making it a very fascinating historical monument.

As one of the city’s residents told us, life in Cullera has never been easy; class divisions and social inequalities contributed to many problems. An example is the assassination of key figures in the city in 1911. The local judge and two officials, using their almost unlimited power, incurred the wrath of the city’s residents. In retaliation, they dragged them out of the building and murdered them.

Cullera underwent another transformation, both economically and socially, in the early 1960s. Due to the beauty of the surrounding beaches and the attractive areas around the city, Cullera became a popular tourist destination, initially among Spaniards and later appreciated by people from all over the world. Large resorts, hotels, and a complete tourist infrastructure were established, which we can enjoy today.

Cullera tour of the city and attractions in its immediate vicinity

Cullera boasts a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with an annual average temperature exceeding 18 degrees Celsius. Such a mild and warm climate is conducive to agriculture and fruit cultivation. Therefore, one of the city’s attractions is the numerous orchards filled with orange trees, rice fields, olive trees, and palm groves.

Estany de Cullera Lagoon is a real water paradise

The Jucar River is a major attraction in the city. There are not many cities in this part of Spain that can boast having a navigable river. Thanks to the river, the city also has a beautiful lagoon open to the sea, situated as a transitional zone between marshes and the coast. It lies at the river’s mouth and is filled with a mixture of saltwater and freshwater.

All of this makes the Estany lagoon a space of exceptional ecological richness with a tremendous biodiversity, both in terms of plants and animals. There are real dunes and many species of waterbirds, including swans and ducks, which are not very commonly seen in Spain.

At a certain point, the Jucar River widens, forming a stunning lake. Trust me, it’s a true paradise, especially on hot days. Strolls near the lake and along the river were my favourite pastime during my stay in Cullera. It’s so beautiful here that photos practically take themselves, and the tranquillity, silence, and beautiful nature. I really miss this place.

An additional bonus is that most tourists stay on the city’s central beaches and don’t venture so far. Thanks to this, I often wandered around without encountering a soul. Moreover, in the vicinity, you’ll find some local bars where you can taste the wonders of the local cuisine.

Strolls are not the only attraction in this part of Cullera. If you enjoy kayaking or fishing, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise here.

The beaches in Cullera are the city’s most valuable treasure

Cullera boasts an impressive 15 kilometres of beautiful and diverse beaches, most of which are covered in fine sand. Closest to the city is the wide Playa de San Antonio. It’s massive, with a width exceeding 100 meters at its broadest point, capable of accommodating even the largest crowds.

I recommend, however, heading to Playa El Dosel, where there are no buildings or tourist infrastructure. This area is part of the Albufera Nature Park and stands out for its scenic beauty with incredible dunes, considered the most beautiful in the entire Valencian Community. Remember that the dunes have high ecological value and are protected, so I advise against crossing the rope lines separating the dunes from the beach, as it can result in a hefty fine. Additionally, the dunes serve as a natural barrier against coastal erosion.

Another cool beach is Playa Escollera, located next to the mouth of the Jucar River. It’s a large and relatively quiet beach where you can peacefully enjoy the sun and sea. You’ll find special boardwalks for people with limited mobility, as well as ramps and umbrellas providing shade during the hottest part of the day.

For water sports enthusiasts, the best beach is Cap Blanc, where windsurfing enthusiasts gather. The sand on the beach is soft and fine, forming small dunes, and the sea waves are particularly high here.

Cullera’s beaches are considered among the most beautiful and cleanest on this part of the Spanish coast. Six of them have been awarded the Blue Flag, signifying exceptional cleanliness, safety, and attractiveness. Not many cities in Europe can boast such recognition.

I’m not usually a fan of lying on the beach, but in Cullera, I did it with genuine pleasure.

Cullera and a trip to the mountains

Cullera is situated almost exactly in the middle of the Valencia Coast, nestled between the beautiful and warm sea and the mountains. It’s a configuration that I, personally, consider optimal, where mountains and the sea complement each other perfectly.

So, when you’ve had your fill of beach lounging or seaside strolls, I encourage you to venture into the mountains. Near Cullera, there are several interesting hiking trails. The most intriguing ones lead to the summit of Montaña de Cullera, where the Romans extracted gold thousands of years ago. Another trail worth exploring is Senda de la Lloma, offering breathtaking views of the entire coastline and the city. However, keep in mind that this trail is quite challenging, with steep paths.

We debated for a long time about the best vantage point overlooking Cullera. Eventually, we concluded that the viewpoint near the meteorological station provides the most stunning views. The advantage is that you can drive up there, although the road is very difficult and steep. So, consider whether you’re a skilled enough driver, and if your vehicle is up for the challenge. Our Jeep Grand Cherokee had no issues, but I’ve seen cars struggling.

Castle of Cullera

The most famous monument in Cullera is the castle built by the Arabs in the 10th century. It was later rebuilt in a European style three centuries later, following the Aragonese takeover of the surrounding lands after the conquest by King James I. The towers have remained in good condition. Most of the once imposing defensive walls were destroyed over the centuries, but the towers have remained in good condition.

The castle stands atop Raboses Hill, giving it a commanding presence over the city and a truly majestic appearance. The hill has an elevation of over 200 meters, allowing you to enjoy an incredible view from the castle of almost the entire Cullera, the surrounding La Ribera plain, as well as the nearby hills, orchards, and the Jucar River.

Within the fortress grounds, there is the sanctuary of Virgen del Castillo (Virgin of the Castle) from the 19th century, whose festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year. While exploring the castle, you’ll see many interesting artefacts unearthed during excavations around the castle walls. Inside, there is a small museum and castle chambers. However, the view of the city and coastline below is the main attraction of this place.

You can drive up to the castle, although there may be parking issues during more touristy times of the year. If you plan to stay in Cullera for a longer period, consider a hiking trip to the castle; I promise you won’t regret it.

Other interesting monuments in Cullera and the surrounding area

• The Church of St. John is a neoclassical temple from the 17th century, built on the ruins of an older Gothic church. The temple has recently undergone restoration.
• Torre del Marenyet is an ancient watchtower built in the 15th century as a defence against Berber pirates.
• The Dragut Cave, containing a small museum commemorating the pirate invasion of Cullera.
• The Air Raid Shelter, part of the Municipal Museum, built during the Spanish Civil War.
• The Hermitage of the Stone Saints (Abdon and Sennen) is a building located on a hill surrounded by rice fields. It houses a museum dedicated to rice, which plays a significant role in dishes from Valencia.
• The Abric Lambert cave paintings, named after the discoverer Lambert Oliver. The paintings depict several figures interpreted as animals and humans.

While in Cullera, be sure to visit Valencia, where exciting attractions await you, such as:

• The Science Museum in Valencia, which is part of the vast project called the City of Arts and Sciences.
• The Oceanarium in Valencia, one of the largest attractions of its kind in Europe.

Kitchen in Cullera

The cuisine in Cullera is typical Mediterranean, characterized by a rich selection of vegetables and fruits sourced from local orchards and plantations. You can find local mandarins, oranges, and lemons at every turn.

In line with Mediterranean culinary traditions, Cullera offers various seafood and rice, which is a crucial part of the diet in the Valencia region. In the morning, it’s common to enjoy croissants or pastries with jam and chocolate, accompanied by coffee. In the afternoon, heartier dishes are favoured. Snacking on tapas or bocadillos (sandwiches with ham and Spanish cheese) is popular. Dinner is usually served around 4 p.m., often enjoyed outside the home with friends and family.

Personally, my favourite elements of the cuisine in the Valencia region are the local cheeses, olives, and various tapas, which pair perfectly with beer or wine. For more substantial dishes, be sure to try fideua, resembling paella but using small noodles instead of rice. I also recommend grilled squid, ceviche, Andalusian-style squid, and pasta with shrimp and vegetables.

Vegetable soups, potatoes in vegetable sauce, and baked vegetables with cheese are dishes that Magda found particularly delicious, emanating enticing aromas. Of course, local beer and young wine are a must. For dessert, indulge in coffee and the sinful sweetness of crema catalana from Catalonia.

The cuisine of this part of Spain deserves a separate article.

Cullera facts, information, and curiosities

• Cullera is inhabited by over 22,000 people. However, during the summer, the population can reach several hundred thousand.
• Cullera belongs to the province of Valencia.
• In Cullera, there is a nudist beach. If you enjoy strolling along the beach in the buff, look for Playa Marenyet.
• Cullera is a typical agricultural region, although tourism began to generate the highest income in the second half of the 20th century.
• The town features the Puerto de Cullera port and an adjacent fish market where you can purchase fresh seafood.
• In the year 1911, an enraged crowd killed a judge and two officials who attempted to conscript striking workers into the military and send them to the ongoing war in Morocco.
• Cullera is home to Mount Munt de l’Or or Muntanya de l’Or, the last mountain on the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
• Cullera is situated within the Natural Park of Parc Natural de l’Albufera.
• The distance from Cullera to Valencia is 40 kilometres, and to Valencia Airport, it’s 56 kilometres.
• Neighbouring towns to Cullera include Sueca, Corbera, Llauri, Favara, Alzira, and Tavernes de Villdigna.

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