Xátiva on High

Leaving Valencia, we drove around 1 hour south to the town of Xátiva. Before we left the UK, we mentioned to a few that this funny little backwash town was on our agenda, and as you'd imagine we had a less that excitable response...hmmm was the general reaction. But I for one was extremely smug that we diverted this way, if only for the plush hip B&B we came upon here - La Maga rooms gets a big thumbs up, but only if you don't mind a liberal approach to open plan showering ;)

The town dates back to Roman times, and was once ruled by the Moors, who occupied its impressive Castle until around 1241. Beautifully preserved on its perch overlooking the old town below, this stunning fortress proved to be the royal highlight of our trip here. Lucky enough to be staying at the foot of the lofty hill on which it stands, we set out on the hot hike upwards. Although prepared for the long slog, we arrived at the top surprisingly quickly and the views didn't disappoint. We idled for a while in its walls and gardens, lookouts and dungeons before enjoying a quick bout of archery and a parting caña out on the terraza.

But this was just the beginning - on the way down, we stumbled across a cute hidden Terraza in the old church Ermita de Sant Josep. Of course, being English our 1pm hunger pang had long since arrived - for once, a true blessing that the Spaniards are slow off the mark as a petit table for two sat blinking at us in the sunshine. And gone was the afternoon, amidst local Monastrell white wine, Boquerones, Anchovies and Artichokes all doused with a typically generous glut of Olive Oil (Birdy Organic if olives float your oily boat). Oh, and not to forget the loooong siesta which must follow!

A great few days in an honest, local and understated town - trendy but truly antique - and the perfect place to recharge the batteries before the next town (and fiesta) calling.