Castellon

Located in the north of the Valencian Community, Castellon de la Plana has 174,264 inhabitants. The city is fantastic and is located within spitting distance of some of the busiest and best-known towns on the Costa del Azahar.

What is there to see in the capital city of Castellon?

Urban Art

The streets of Castellon are decorated with around 200 works of art, which have turned the city into a grand open-air museum of enormous cultural value. Ceramic is a material closely associated with this Valencian city, and it can be seen in countless buildings and facades.

Architecture

Castellon is a city brimming with history, which is reflected in the number of historical monuments lining the streets. The “Mediterranean Gothic” style takes pride of place, which arose in the 14th and 15th centuries and features in important public buildings such as the Town Hall, the Co-Cathedral and Torre del Fadrí.

Columbretes Islands

The Columbretes Islands Nature Reserve is a small volcanic archipelago located a mere 30 miles off the coast of Castellon. This large marine nature reserve is said to have been a refuge for fishers, pirates and smugglers in the past, the perfect platform on which to base tales and legends. The islands can be reached by private boat (free sailing) or by taking a small guided cruise departing from Castellon and other nearby towns.

What is there to see in the province of Castellon?

Castellon is the northernmost province of the Valencian Community. The region has multiple attractions for visitors: wide sandy beaches, rugged inland areas, nature reserves, medieval mountain towns and bustling coastal villages.

You will have a wide range of options to choose from on your visit: more energetic individuals can visit the region´s beaches or the spectacular Sierra de Irta (a coastal strip of steep cliffs and coves dotted with olive trees and ancient castles), or take a walk along the GR-7 trail leading to an old pilgrim route beginning in Castellon.

Moreover, Castellon airport (flights from the United Kingdom take 2 hours) provides the perfect opportunity for getting to know this corner of the Valencian Community.

Morella

Morella is a fortified medieval town located atop a hill. It was built as a Roman garrison, and its history is intertwined with the Muslim occupation, with Moorish influences evident in both the local cuisine and indigenous architecture. This beautiful town also sports evidence of sheep farming and wool production, drivers of the local economy for centuries.

If you go to Morella, we suggest you explore the cobbled streets and pay a visit to the striking castle. You can savour delicious traditional dishes such as homemade sausages, honey and mouthwatering cakes, and sweet foods in the town itself.

Peñíscola

Peñíscola has connections with the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Templars, Carthaginians and Moors, all of which have left their legacy in the town in one way or another.

Historically, this was a strategic place that played a vital role in the domination of the trade routes of the Mediterranean Sea. This has given rise to one of the most attractive coastal towns in Spain, featuring robust walls designed to fiercely guard the town centre, where, in addition to narrow streets, you will find dozens of tempting restaurants and small shops.

Taking a trip along the coast of Peñíscola by boat will enable you to enjoy beautiful views of the peninsula and the old town, with the castle clinging defiantly to the top of the hill.

Benicassim

Benicassim is one of the main tourist destinations in the province of Castellon and the Valencian Community. This coastal town came to life in the late 19th century following the construction of a new railway line linking Castellon and Tarragona. We recommend visiting the seafront promenade at night to see the Victorian mansions, famous for their lavish parties and ornate gardens, in addition to stunning nighttime views of the bay.

Benicassim has acquired recent fame due to the fact the FIB, one of the most important music festivals in Spain, is now held there, and If you´re looking for a different kind of tourism, we suggest you go to the north of the city to the so-called Desierto de las Palmas, a beautiful, peaceful natural spot amid nature surrounded by tall pine trees, that once served as a spiritual refuge. The ruins of a Carmelite monastery attest to this fact. This area is perfect for walking, hiking and immersing yourself in the peace and quiet.