"Our Pirate Route" is a journey that will allow you to explore the historic and emblematic sites of the Moraira coast, immersing yourself in the fascinating stories of Barbary pirates and local defenders. On this tour, you will discover fortresses, secret caves, and watchtowers that have witnessed countless raids and battles in the Mediterranean. Learn about the exciting history of this region through its landmarks and uncover the hidden treasures of the Moraira coast!
- Moraira Castle: It was a fortress/refuge for the people who lived in the area. It was built to defend against the continuous and cruel attacks of the Barbary pirates. Hence the expression "There are no Moors on the coast."
- Moraira Port: Pirate expedition base.
- Cap d'Or watchtower: It was a lookout point where fires were lit to warn the inhabitants of pirates.
- Llebeig cove: It was a spot where pirates would land, sheltered by the cliffs, to carry out their misdeeds.
- Tiestos cove: It was a shelter with a perforated opening where fresh water could be collected, a practice already used by the Romans. This is the origin of the name "Tiestos" or amphorae.
- Cave of Morro de la Blanca: Es una pequeña cueva donde refugiarse y preparar las incursiones.
- Cala Granadella: The Granadella inlet, due to its depth, was a preferred landing spot. As a result, the fort was built on the Granadella cape.
- Sea Lion Cave: Another cave where you can hide from attacks.
- Discoverer's Tower: Facing the Island of the Discoverer is this tower, absorbed by a chalet, which is another of the lookout points of this corner.
- Cave of the Organs and Cape of the Ship: It is the largest of the caves we have. Several ships took refuge in this cave, and they could also collect fresh water there. It is a landmark for sailors who sailed these coasts when coming from Algeria or the Balearic Islands.
- Black Cape: Here we have another watchtower, although it is difficult to appreciate from the sea, which warned the neighboring town of Jávea of pirates.
- Tobacco Cave: It is a cavity where smugglers hid the tobacco and valuables they were transporting.
- Portichol Watchtower: Where, upon sighting pirates, they would warn the population of Jávea.
Our Pirate History:
Jeireddín Barbarroja:
Let's start by awakening your pirate curiosity: the most famous pirate to sail this coast was Barbarossa, who sailed in the 16th century with the fastest ships of the time, the galleots. These ships took three days to reach these shores. His base was on the island of Djerba in present-day Tunisia. He was appointed Admiral of the Ottoman fleet by Suleiman I after the conquest of the island of Rhodes (Greece) in 1522. In that battle, they stripped the Knights Hospitaller of the island of Rhodes thanks to a brilliant Ottoman strategy. He always sailed with his brothers and lieutenants, Bragut and Cachidiablo.
After capturing three galleons that had arrived from the New World (America), and with King Charles I more concerned with receiving money and silver from America, the pirate Barbarossa became more entrenched on the Costa Blanca, thanks to the terrain and the exiled Moriscos who supplied him with all kinds of goods. With their help, he terrorized the entire region, carrying out raids from Benissa to Teulada, from Teulada to Jávea, and from Jávea to Denia.
In such places he terrorized and imprisoned the population to sell them as slaves to the lords of the Ottoman Empire.
Other stories about pirates:
In the summer of 1595, the town of Teulada was declared ruined due to the devastation caused by pirates. For several years, Teulada was exempt from paying taxes because of the economic hardship it faced.
In 1637 the town of Calpe had about 350 inhabitants, of whom around 290 were captured and spent 5 years in prison in Africa until they were exchanged for gold.
In 1679, Jávea suffered one of its most violent episodes. The battle took place between eight Turkish ships and four Genoese ships. About 40 travelers died on the Genoese ships, all retired soldiers from the Italian city of Messina. But the Moorish side lost more than 500 men. The battle is remembered for the bravery of the Genoese captain, known as Saint Jerome.
In 1779, an Algerian vessel attacked two Catalan boats carrying wine and brandy. The Christians took refuge in the Cala de la Granadella. From there, more than 50 armed men with shotguns managed to repel the attackers and inflict two casualties, although they suffered three losses.
