Castellón Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Castellón with this comprehensive travel guide, including a list of places to visit, best things to do, where to eat and stay, local culture, and transportation options.


Introduction to Castellón

Located in the Valencian Community, in Eastern Spain, Castellón is the capital of its province and a charming city boasting a laid-back atmosphere, rich culture, and spectacular natural beauty. Known for its beautiful coastline, stunning mountain ranges, and vibrant city life, Castellón offers something for every traveler, whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie.

List of Places to Visit in Castellón

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Castellón Cathedral: A gothic-style cathedral located in the heart of the city, dating back to the 13th century.
  • The Fadrí Tower: An iconic landmark of Castellón, this tower is part of the remains of the former church of Santa María del Mar, and offers stunning views of the city.
  • Museum of Fine Arts Castellón: A museum showcasing the artistic heritage of the province, with a collection of works ranging from the 16th century to contemporary art.

Natural Attractions of Castellón: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • El Grao de Castellón: A beautiful beachfront with several restaurants and bars, perfect for relaxing.
  • Parque Natural de la Sierra de Espadán: A stunning mountain range with several hiking trails, scenic viewpoints and the Almonecir waterfall.
  • Desert de les Palmes Natural Park: This park encompasses several mountain ranges and a desert landscape, with hiking trails and scenic drives.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Castellón

  • Vía Verde Ojos Negros: A 65-kilometer-long bike trail running parallel to the old railway line from Teruel to Sagunto.
  • Montanejos Hiking Trail: A trail that takes you through lush forests and canyons to an idyllic mountain village in the province of Valencia.

Best Things to Do in Castellón: Activities and Tours

  • Exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife scene: Castellón has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and parties.
  • Visiting the Mercado Central: A popular food market located in the heart of the city, with a wide variety of local products and dishes to try.
  • Taking a boat tour along the coast: A leisurely boat tour around the coast of Castellón offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and the city skyline.

Week-Long Itinerary for Castellón

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore the city’s old town, including the Castellón Cathedral and Fadrí Tower
Day 2 Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and take a bike tour of the city
Day 3 Spend the day at El Grao de Castellón beach
Day 4 Take a guided tour of the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Espadán
Day 5 Visit the Desert de les Palmes Natural Park
Day 6 Try out water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking along the coast
Day 7 Indulge in a food tour of the city’s best restaurants and bars

Food and Drink Scene of Castellón

Must-Try Dishes

  • Paella: A classic Valencia dish, rice cooked in saffron broth with various meats, veggies, and seafood.
  • Fideuà: A seafood dish made with vermicelli pasta cooked in a fish broth with paprika, garlic, and tomatoes.
  • Ximo: A local green vegetable grown in the area, usually served sautéed with garlic and olive oil.

Local Beverages

  • Horchata: A local drink made with tiger nuts, water, and sugar, often served with a sweet pastry or a salty snack.
  • Agua de Valencia: A cocktail made with champagne, orange juice, gin, and vodka, typically served on special occasions.

Where to Stay in Castellón: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • NH Castellón Mindoro: A centrally located hotel with a modern design, conference rooms, and a gym.
  • Hotel Intur Castellón: A 4-star hotel located on the outskirts of the city with a large pool and beautiful gardens.
  • Hostal Casa Lola: A traditional guesthouse in the heart of the old town, with cozy rooms and a homey atmosphere.

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

  • Ceramics: Castellón has a long tradition of ceramic production, with some of the best ceramicists in Spain offering unique pieces of pottery.
  • Wine: The province of Castellón produces some of the finest wines in Spain, with several vineyards offering tours and tastings.
  • Olive Oil: The region is famous for its high-quality olive oil, with many traditional mills offering tastings and tours.

Local Culture and Customs of Castellón

Castellón has a proud heritage of culture and customs, with several festivals and traditions celebrated throughout the year. One of the most important is the Fiestas de la Magdalena, a week-long festival featuring parades, music, and fireworks in honor of the city’s patron saint.

Best Time to Visit Castellón

The best time to visit Castellón is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches and outdoor attractions are at their best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Castellón

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink, including paella, horchata, and agua de Valencia.
  • Explore the old town, including its museums, historical buildings, and narrow streets.
  • Visit the stunning natural parks and enjoy the outdoor adventures on offer.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the summer heat, bring sunblock, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Be disrespectful of local customs and traditions, such as the Fiestas de la Magdalena.
  • Expect the nightlife scene to start too early, things usually start happening after midnight in Castellón.

Safety and Health

Safety in Castellón

Castellón is a relatively safe city with low crime rates, but it’s still important to take common-sense precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended or walking alone late at night.

Health in Castellón

The medical infrastructure in Castellón is good, with several public and private hospitals, as well as pharmacies and clinics, available throughout the city.

Getting to Castellón: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Castellón

  • Castellón Airport (CDT): Located 30 minutes from the city center, the airport connects flights from several European destinations, including London, Bristol, and Sofia.

Bus Stations Near Castellón

  • Castellón Bus Station: The city’s main bus station, located in the center of the city, with regular connections to major cities in Spain.

Other Options

  • Train: Castellón has a high-speed train station connecting the city with Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.
  • Car: The city is well-connected by road, with a major highway running along the coast and connecting to other destinations in Spain.

How to Get Around in Castellón

The best way to get around Castellón is by foot or bicycle, as the city is small enough to explore on foot, and many bike lanes and rental options make cycling an efficient mode of transportation.

Where to Go Next from Castellón: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Valencia: The vibrant city of Valencia is just a short train ride or drive away, offering a wide variety of cultural activities, gastronomy, and nightlife.
  • Peniscola: A picturesque coastal town located just north of Castellón, known for its beautiful old town, beach and castle.
  • Columbretes Islands: A small archipelago located off the coast of Castellón, featuring mesmerizing volcanic landscapes, and exceptional marine wildlife, it is a diver’s paradise.

Conclusion

Castellón is a captivating destination that has everything you could wish for in a Spanish vacation. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach getaway, an adventure in the great outdoors, or a cultural journey through Spain’s rich history, Castellón is sure to delight and inspire you. Pack your bags and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime in Castellón!

Plaça Major Plaça Major Bicicas Bicicas Ajuntament de Castelló de la Plana Ajuntament de Castelló de la Plana Museu de Belles Arts Museu de Belles Arts Torre dels Alçaments Torre dels Alçaments Mercat Central Mercat Central