Free walking tours in Almansa and what to see

Must-sees

Almansa can be recognised from afar by its castle, built on a limestone crag overlooking the plain. You can climb up and walk its towers and walls, with good views of the town. At its foot is the church of the Asunción, which mixes several styles, and the palace of the Counts of Cirat, known as the Casa Grande, with a Renaissance doorway. It now houses the town hall.

In 1707 the Battle of Almansa was fought here, a key episode of the War of the Spanish Succession. A monument marks the site on the outskirts. Another curious visit is the Almansa reservoir, with a historic dam considered one of the oldest in use in Europe. The town has a shoemaking tradition, and its Moors and Christians festival, in early May, draws the biggest crowds.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours are not common in Almansa. The usual options are guided visits to the castle and the old town, sometimes run by the tourist office. There are also themed routes on the 1707 battle, covering the battlefield and its historical context. From Almansa you can plan trips to other castle towns in the area, such as Chinchilla de Montearagón, or to nearby villages in Valencia.

How long to spend

In half a day you see the main sights: the castle, the Casa Grande and the church of the Asunción, all very close together. If you want to visit the reservoir and the battle site, give it the whole day and go by car. If you coincide with the May festival, allow more time.

Where to stay

The best choice is to stay in the centre, between the Casa Grande and the main street, to have the castle, bars and shops close by. There are also hotels at the motorway exits, useful if you are passing through between Madrid and Valencia or Alicante. During the festival occupancy is high, so book well ahead.