Castillo de Bayren / Castell de Bairén
Castillo de Bayren / Castell de Bairén Bayren Castle If you feel like having a nearby excursion that incorporates a gentle hike as well as a taste of local history, then maybe a visit to the ruined Bayren Castle on the northern outskirts of Gandia could be the answer. It was probably first built as a Roman fortification and look-out post rather than as protection for local towns, and dates back further than the founding of Gandia itself around 1240. First mentioned in reference to a battle in 1097, the castle itself is now in a ruined state but has recently been the subject of a restoration project. As a result, the whole area it occupies is now very much more visitor friendly, and has been designated an archaeological park. Parc Arqueològic del Castell de Bairén You can park your car at the base of the rock and make your way up the newly-constructed trail that leads to the summit and the castle itself, with plenty of resting and viewing points along the way. After an ascent of some 106m above sea-level you arrive at the summit and are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area in all directions,…