Moraira Castle

The Moraira Castle is the first thing that catches your eye upon arriving at the coast. It stands there, steadfast and watchful, as if still fulfilling its old mission of protecting the town from attacks coming from the sea.

It was built in the mid-18th century as a defense against Berber pirates coming from the coasts of Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia. They not only boarded ships but also ventured inland in search of slaves. In 1801, it was destroyed by the British navy. What we see today is a faithful reconstruction that maintains its powerful presence and its current function of reminding us of what it once was.

It has a bull's hoof layout, with a semi-circular façade facing south. The walls measure 10 meters in height and are clad in locally worked stone. If you approach the west corner, you can still see the remains of what was a night watch post.

Inside, the spaces were divided into three. Only a few small windows let in light, just enough to see and enough to intimidate. Today, the interior hosts an audiovisual museum about the Mediterranean and the history of piracy that plagued this coast centuries ago.

In front of the entrance, there is a small hermitage, which probably was part of the original complex, and very nearby, an ancient cistern that collected water to supply the soldiers who lived between these walls.

The castle is not just a visit; it is a glimpse into the past from a privileged vantage point. And the views it offers, with the sea in front and Ampolla beach to one side, make it clear why it was built right here.