Top Things to do in Villena Spain: Plan Your Next Trip

Looking for somewhere with castles, wine, and just the right amount of chaos? Welcome to Villena.
Tucked away in the Alicante province, Villena is one of those places that catches you off guard, in the best way. It’s got a towering castle, Moorish history around every corner, and a local energy that pulls you right in. Add in bold regional wines, epic festivals, and views for days, and suddenly your “quick visit” turns into a full-on love affair. From exploring the legendary Treasure of Villena to getting swept up in the Moors and Christians Festival, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Villena. And if you’re planning a wine tour in Valencia, this town deserves a solid spot on your route. Come for the culture, stay for the wine, and don’t be surprised if you start checking rental prices by the end of your trip.

What are the best things to do in Villena?

Explore the iconic Atalaya Castle

Rising high above Villena, the Atalaya Castle has been keeping watch since the 12th century, and it still knows how to impress. Built in the Almohad style, this fortress has seen both Moorish rulers and Christian kings come and go, its thick walls and square towers holding centuries of stories. Climb to the top and you’re rewarded with views that stretch across the countryside and straight into your camera roll.

Wander the streets of the old town

Villena’s old town doesn’t try to impress, it just is. Winding alleys, weathered Gothic corners, and those perfectly crooked balconies that make you stop mid-walk. Arched doorways peek out like they’ve got secrets, and every street feels like it’s been waiting patiently for someone to notice it. You won’t need a map, just follow the mood, your camera, or the smell of something good coming from a kitchen around the corner. This is where Villena quietly shows off.

Visit the impressive Church of Santiago

Right in the center of Villena, the Church of Santiago is one of those places that pulls you in with quiet confidence. Built in the 14th century, it’s all graceful Gothic arches, intricate columns, and that kind of soft, echoey calm you don’t find just anywhere. The ceiling alone is worth the stop. Even if churches aren’t usually your thing, this one has a way of making you slow down, look up, and breathe a little deeper. Plus, it’s just a few steps from everywhere else you’ll want to go.

Celebrate the Moors and Christians festival

Every September, Villena turns up the volume with marching bands, elaborate costumes, and dramatic reenactments that bring centuries-old rivalries back to life. The streets buzz with energy, color, and that proud local spirit you only get at a truly rooted tradition. It’s loud, theatrical, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable. If your trip lines up with the festival, you won’t just be watching history, you’ll be in the middle of it.

Enjoy hiking routes around Villena’s natural surroundings

Once you’ve had your fill of history and wine, lace up your shoes and head for the hills. The natural surroundings around Villena are full of scenic hiking routes that wind through pine forests, rocky trails, and peaceful valleys. You’ll pass olive groves, old windmills, and maybe even spot a wild ibex if you’re lucky. It’s the kind of landscape that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and get a different perspective on the region, one step at a time.

What are the best things to do around Villena?

Take a first stop at Biar

Only a 12-minute drive from Villena, the hilltop town of Biar is one of the best-kept medieval treasures in the Province of Alicante. With its maze of cobbled streets, arched passageways, and timeworn stone houses, it feels like walking through a living museum. At the top sits Biar Castle, originally built during the Almohad Caliphate in the 12th century, and later adapted under Christian rule. Its towers and views echo the same quiet grandeur found at Villena’s Atalaya Castle, linking the two towns through centuries of shared history.

Taste natural wine where tradition meets experimentation

Step into a rustic, no-frills cellar where wine is made with heart, hands, and hardly any intervention. Just outside Villena, this family-run project takes a bold, natural approach, organic grapes, spontaneous fermentation, and zero additives. You won’t find flashy marketing here, just honest wine and passionate people ready to show you how it’s done. Taste unfiltered reds, bright Mediterranean whites, and discover how the wild side of winemaking can still feel rooted in tradition.

Visit the city of Novelda

Located just 30 minutes from Villena, the city of Novelda is a hidden gem in the Valencian Community that deserves a spot on your list. Known for its striking blend of Modernist and Gothic architecture, this town is home to the beautiful Church of Santa María Magdalena, inspired by Gaudí, and the hilltop Castle of La Mola, featuring a unique triangular tower. Wandering through Novelda feels like flipping through the pages of an architectural storybook. While you’re here, stop by one of the local bodegas for a glass of regional wine and a slow lunch in the sun.

Wander the vineyards of Yecla

30 minutes from Villena, the wine region of Yecla is a must for anyone who likes their getaways with a glass in hand. Known for its bold Monastrell-based reds, Yecla is packed with family-run wineries where the winemaking is as heartfelt as the welcome. The landscape here is pure inland charm, rolling vines, open skies, and that quiet hum of rural life. But beyond the vineyards, the town of Yecla itself is worth a slow wander. With peaceful plazas, friendly locals, and a laid-back rhythm, it’s a refreshing contrast to the busier corners of the region. Come for the wine, stay for the atmosphere, and maybe bring home a bottle or two.

Discover Alicante on a day trip

Just under an hour from Villena, Alicante offers a vibrant coastal contrast to the quiet charm of the inland towns. With its palm-lined promenades, golden beaches, and lively tapas bars, this seaside city is ideal for a sun-soaked day out. Explore the historic Santa Bárbara Castle perched above the city, wander the colorful streets of the old town, or simply take in the sea breeze along the Explanada de España. It’s an easy day trip that mixes culture, coastline, and just the right dose of city energy before heading back to Villena’s relaxed rhythm.

Discover the best things to do in Alicante Spain, to complete your trip!

Good to Know before visiting Villena in Spain