El Campello

El Campello
Municipality

Flag
Coat of arms
El Campello

Location in Spain

Coordinates: 38°25′39″N 0°24′4″W / 38.42750°N 0.40111°WCoordinates: 38°25′39″N 0°24′4″W / 38.42750°N 0.40111°W
Country  Spain
Autonomous community  Valencian Community
Province Alicante
Comarca Alacantí
Judicial district Sant Vicent del Raspeig
Government
 • Alcalde Juan Ramón Varó Devesa (2007) (PP)
Area
 • Total 55.27 km2 (21.34 sq mi)
Elevation 26 m (85 ft)
Population (2008)
 • Total 26,043
 • Density 470/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
Demonym campeller(a) (Valencian)
campellero/a (Spanish)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 03560
Official language(s) Valencian
Website Official website

El Campello (Valencian pronunciation: [eɫ kamˈpeʎo], Spanish: Campello) is a town on the Costa Blanca of Spain, within the Valencian Community. It is a 20-minute tram ride from Alicante city. There is a busy marina and fish market.

The tower overlooking the harbour was built in the 1500s as a lookout for Berber pirates. During the day, smoke signals warned other towers along the coast of the pirates' pending arrival, and fires were lit when it was dark.

During October each year, the town holds its moros i cristians (Moors and Christians) festival. The festival includes daily "battles" through the town, where arquebuses are extensively used. There are numerous parades and late night fireworks displays. The evening parades through the centre of the town are resplendent with extravagant costumes.

Places to visit

There are archaeological remains at 'La Isleta', beside the harbour, where circular cabins dating back to 3000 BC have been found. Also known as 'Banyets de la Reina', the he remains of Roman-era fish factories can be seen.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to El Campello.