Biar

The small town of Biar, with its monumental Arabic castle, is one of the better-preserved medieval towns in Alicante (province) and in the Valencian Community.

The name is likely derived from the Arabic word بِئَار (bi'ar – 'well'). The town has been inhabited since prehistoric times, although the current town layout dates primarily from the Moorish period. After the Christian reconquista in the 13th century the town and castle became a border post along the frontier between the kingdoms of Castile and of Aragon and Valencia.

Today the town's economy is primarily based on the production of olive oil, with a secondary focus on tourism.

• Tourist Info, Calle Cura Reig, 1, +34 965 811 177. Tu-Sa 08:30-14:30, holidays 09:00-14:00.

Tourist Info, Calle Cura Reig, 1, +34 965 811 177. Tu-Sa 08:30-14:30, holidays 09:00-14:00.

• Castell de Biar, +34 657 912 407. Mid-Sep to Jun: Tu 10:15-13:45, W-F 10:15-13:45 16:15-19:15, Sa Su 11:00-15:00. Initially built in the 12th century by the Moors, the castle was conquered by King Jaime of Aragon and eventually marked the border between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. The central tower is the oldest part of the fortification, and was constructed of masonry and rammed earth. Especially noteworthy is the Almohad ribbed dome on the tower's second floor, which is one of the oldest domes of its type in Spain and the only one used in a fortress. The outer walls were added in the 15th century. €1.
• Museu Etnogràfic Municipal, Carrer Major, 1, +34 965 812 029. Mid-Sep-Jun: Tu 16:15-19:15, W-Sa 10:15-13:45 16:15-19:15, Su 10:15-13:45. The 19th-century building houses a collection of regional historic and cultural artifacts, with a focus on ceramics. €1.

Castell de Biar, +34 657 912 407. Mid-Sep to Jun: Tu 10:15-13:45, W-F 10:15-13:45 16:15-19:15, Sa Su 11:00-15:00. Initially built in the 12th century by the Moors, the castle was conquered by King Jaime of Aragon and eventually marked the border between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. The central tower is the oldest part of the fortification, and was constructed of masonry and rammed earth. Especially noteworthy is the Almohad ribbed dome on the tower's second floor, which is one of the oldest domes of its type in Spain and the only one used in a fortress. The outer walls were added in the 15th century. €1.

Museu Etnogràfic Municipal, Carrer Major, 1, +34 965 812 029. Mid-Sep-Jun: Tu 16:15-19:15, W-Sa 10:15-13:45 16:15-19:15, Su 10:15-13:45. The 19th-century building houses a collection of regional historic and cultural artifacts, with a focus on ceramics. €1.

• Moros i Cristians. 10-13 May. Biar celebrates the Christian reconquista like many other towns in the area, complete with mock battles and bonfires.

Moros i Cristians. 10-13 May. Biar celebrates the Christian reconquista like many other towns in the area, complete with mock battles and bonfires.

• Cerámica Artística Maestre, Camino de la Virgen, 28, +34 965 810 062. M-F 10:00-13:00 16:00-20:00, Sa Su 11:00-14:00; best to call ahead. Ceramics have been manufactured in the town since the Moorish period. This workshop, founded in the late 19th century by a ceramics master from Manises, produces handmade and limited edition pieces using traditional white and blue patterns characteristic of Biar. Tours of the facility can be arranged by request.
• Mercadillo, Av del País Valencià. W mornings. The weekly street market is good for picking up fresh produce and various odds and ends.

Cerámica Artística Maestre, Camino de la Virgen, 28, +34 965 810 062. M-F 10:00-13:00 16:00-20:00, Sa Su 11:00-14:00; best to call ahead. Ceramics have been manufactured in the town since the Moorish period. This workshop, founded in the late 19th century by a ceramics master from [[Manises]], produces handmade and limited edition pieces using traditional white and blue patterns characteristic of Biar. Tours of the facility can be arranged by request.

Mercadillo, Av del País Valencià. W mornings. The weekly street market is good for picking up fresh produce and various odds and ends.

• Pizzeria-Restaurante Chao Chao, Carrer Pare Arnau, 18, +34 965 810 697. Tu-Sa 12:00-00:30, Su 12:00-24:00. A well-established pizzeria/tapas bar.

Pizzeria-Restaurante Chao Chao, Carrer Pare Arnau, 18, +34 965 810 697. Tu-Sa 12:00-00:30, Su 12:00-24:00. A well-established pizzeria/tapas bar.