Castellón (province) Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Castellón (province), including natural attractions, cultural landmarks, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, places to stay, and how to get there.


Introduction to Castellón (province)

Castellón (province) is located in the Valencian Community of Spain, on the eastern coast of the country. The province is known for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, natural parks, and charming old towns. It is a great destination for those looking for a relaxing holiday or to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Spain.

List of Places to Visit in Castellón (province)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castillo de Peñíscola: A historic castle and fortress located on a rocky peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea, it was the setting for the film El Cid.
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria: A Gothic cathedral located in the city of Castellón, famous for its stained-glass windows and religious artifacts.
  • Museo de Bellas Artes de Castellón: A fine arts museum in Castellón featuring works of art from Valencia, as well as pieces by international artists.
  • Sagunto Roman Theatre: A well-preserved Roman theatre in Sagunto that dates back to the 1st century BC.

Natural Attractions of Castellón (province): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parque Natural de la Serra d’Irta: A beautiful natural park situated along the Mediterranean coast, known for its stunning views, hiking trails, and hidden coves.
  • Parque Natural de la Sierra de Espadán: A mountainous natural park with scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Els Ports Natural Park: A rugged mountainous area on the edge of Castellón that is popular for hiking, exploring caves, and spotting wildlife.
  • Playa de Norte: A beautiful sandy beach that is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying sea views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Castellón (province)

Castellón has many scenic hiking and biking trails, and here are just a few:

  • GR-33: A long-distance walking trail that crosses Castellón, perfect for a multi-day hiking adventure.
  • Greenway Ojos Negros: A 160 km paved bike path that starts in Valencia and ends in the heart of the Sierra de Espadán natural park.
  • Camino del Cid: A 1,400 km cultural cycling route inspired by the life and travels of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid.

Best Things to Do in Castellón (province): Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting Tour: Castellón is known for its local wine, and a tour of a local vineyard is an excellent way to enjoy the scenery and taste the wine.
  • Water Sports: Castellón’s Mediterranean coast is perfect for water sports like swimming, snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: A breathtaking way to see Castellón’s natural beauty from above.
  • Tapa Tour: A food lover’s dream, Castellón has many restaurants and markets to explore and sample.

Week-Long Itinerary for Castellón (province)

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Arrive in Castellón and check into your chosen accommodation to take it easy on the beach.

Day 2: Exploring the City of Castellón

Explore the city’s museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks, including Cathedral of Santa Maria and Museo de Bellas Artes de Castellón.

Day 3: Visit the Natural Parks

Hike in the Parque Natural de la Serra d’Irta to reach some of the hidden coves or explore the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Espadán for its waterfalls and diverse fauna.

Day 4: Visit the Historic Castle

Visit the famous Castillo de Peñíscola and enjoy the sea and mountain views from the castle walls.

Day 5: Cycling Tour

Embark on a cycling tour along the Greenway Ojos Negros to explore the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park.

Day 6: Water Sports

Try water sports like snorkeling, diving, or paddleboarding at the popular Playa de Norte.

Day 7: Go Shopping or Relax on the Beach

Spend the day shopping in the local markets or relaxing on the beach before departing.

Food and Drink Scene of Castellón (province)

Must-Try Dishes

  • Paella Castellonense: A traditional paella that uses rabbit meat, fresh vegetables, and local rice.
  • Arros amb fesols i naps: A stew of rice, beans, and turnips, a popular winter dish in Castellón.
  • Coques de recapte: A typical snack that is served in Castellón featuring flatbreads topped with vegetables, sardines or meat.

Local Beverages

  • Red and White Wine: Castellón has a long history of wine-making, with a Fuentes de Ayódar one of the known wine regions.
  • Licor de hierbas: A herbal liqueur in Castellón usually served after meals.
  • Horchata: A popular milk-like drink made with ground chufa nuts and sugar.

Where to Stay in Castellón (province): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Castellón has a wide range of accommodation options, such as:

  • Corinthia Castellón Hotel: A luxurious hotel with modern amenities and sea views.
  • Casa Rural del Mas de la Parra: A rustic guesthouse located in the heart of Sierra de Espadán.
  • Onda Campus - University Residence: A budget hostels situated in the town of Onda.

What to Buy in Castellón (province): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Ceramics: Castellón is known for hand-crafted ceramics.
  • Tilework: Colorful tiled decorative installations are often found in Castellón streets.
  • Local Produce: Dried fruits, preserved olives, and figs are few of the items sold in markets in Castellón.

Local Culture and Customs of Castellón (province)

Castellón festivals are richly cultural and spectacular with Les Danses de Sant Vicent Ferrer (Sant Vicent Ferrer Dances) among others.

Best Time to Visit Castellón (province)

The best time to visit Castellón is during summer (June-August) when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, in the winter, visitors can still enjoy the region’s natural beauty and take part in winter activities such as skiing

Do’s and Don’ts of Castellón (province)

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases before visiting.
  • Enjoy the food and wine of the region.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables in plain sight while traveling.
  • Smoke or litter in public places.
  • Hesitate to ask locals for recommendations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Castellón (province)

Castellón is a safe province with low levels of crime. However, visitors are expected to take normal precautions to ensure their personal safety.

Health in Castellón (province)

Tourists are required to have comprehensive health insurance when traveling to Castellón province as the health care system for foreigners is very costly. Drinking water is safe for consumption and It is recommended to take insect repellents for hiking and outdoor activities.

Getting to Castellón (province): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Castellón (province)

The Castellon-Costa Azahar Airport is the closest airport serving Castellón and offers daily flights from various parts of Europe.

Bus Stations Near Castellón (province)

There are several bus stations in Castellón, providing regular service from Valencia and other nearby cities and towns.

Other Options

Travelers can also reach Castellón by train or car. The province is well connected to other regions in Spain and Europe by roadways and highways.

How to Get Around in Castellón (province)

Public transportation in Castellón is limited, so it is best to rent a car or bike to explore the region freely.

Where to Go Next from Castellón (province): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Valencia: The nearest city to Castellón, Valencia is home to many historic landmarks, museums, and stunning beaches.
  • Tarragona: A historic city on the Mediterranean coast, known for its Roman ruins and beautiful beaches.
  • Barcelona: The capital of Catalonia and one of the most popular destinations in Spain, Barcelona is famous for its architecture, art museums, food, and nightlife.

Conclusion

Castellón is a hidden gem in Spain, offering visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and delicious food. With its beautiful beaches, mountainous parks, and historic landmarks, this province has something for everyone, and we hope this travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Castellón.

Peñíscola (Castellón) Peñíscola (Castellón) Torrenostra (Torreblanca) Torrenostra (Torreblanca)


    Castellón
    Peñiscola
    Villarreal