Discover Castellón: coast, towns and nature

• Location: Northern part of the Valencian Community, bordering Tarragona, Teruel, Valencia and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Coast: Costa del Azahar, with seaside resorts, ports and beaches with varying levels of development.
• Cities and culture: Castelló de la Plana, Peñíscola and Morella offer very different urban experiences.
• Nature: Coastal mountains, protected coves and inland mountain landscapes.
• Planning: Coastal towns are not automatically a good base for remote mountain destinations; check journey times and seasonal services in advance.

The Costa del Azahar is not one continuous stretch of identical beaches. In and around Peñíscola, beach holidays go hand in hand with the old town and its castle. Farther south, Orpesa and Benicàssim are known for beach stays and long seafront promenades. Alcossebre makes a good base for exploring the coast and the Serra d’Irta natural area; farther north are Benicarló and Vinaròs, with their harbours and town life.

When choosing where to stay, think about the kind of daily routine you want: do you want easy access to the beach, are visits to old towns important, or are you planning excursions inland? The local destination pages can help you compare. Beach access, parking and available facilities may vary by location and season. If you are travelling in summer, plan your transport and accommodation well in advance, especially for popular coves and events.

Peñíscola’s old town sits on a rocky headland jutting into the sea. Narrow streets, walls and the castle shape the walking route, while the beaches and modern town stretch out below. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the old town with a swim. In peak season, it is a good idea to explore the old town during the cooler parts of the day and allow plenty of time for the journey there.

The landscape to the north and south of the town is another reason to stay longer. The Serra d’Irta is one of the region’s last largely undeveloped coastal mountain ranges; the Generalitat describes it as a protected landscape of cliffs and coves. Not all paths and access roads are suitable for every vehicle or level of mobility. Before setting out on a hike, check the latest information on closures, weather, water and trail conditions.

The provincial capital, Castelló de la Plana, is a good choice if you want to combine city life, squares and cultural visits with a coastal stay. The city centre’s main landmarks include Plaça Major, the church of Santa Maria and the freestanding bell tower El Fadrí. It is also a convenient stop when travelling between the coast and inland areas.

Farther north, Morella combines a dramatic hilltop setting with a walled old town and a castle visible from far away. This is less a place for a quick detour from the beach and more a destination for exploring lanes, views and architecture. Allow plenty of time for the drive into the mountains; weather and temperatures can differ considerably from those on the coast.

The inland region is not merely a contrast to the beach, but a destination in its own right. Around Segorbe, historic streets and the landscapes of Alto Palancia shape the experience. The mountain areas and protected natural spaces offer hiking and cycling opportunities. Choose routes according to their length, elevation gain and your experience; in summer, shade and plenty of water are especially important.

If you want to move between the coast and inland areas, you can split your trip into stages: spend a few nights on the coast, then stay in a historic town or the mountains. This avoids long return journeys. For more remote places, having your own vehicle is usually the most flexible option; before setting off, though, check current road conditions, parking and public transport for your chosen dates.

The province’s cuisine brings together produce from the sea and the land. Fish and seafood feature on many coastal menus, while rice dishes, vegetables, olive oil and regional meat dishes are common inland. The exact selection depends on the place and the season. Markets and small producers are a great way to discover local products. When dining out, it is worth asking about regional dishes rather than assuming menus are the same everywhere.

The warmer months are an obvious choice for a beach holiday, but popular coastal towns are also busier then. Spring and autumn are often better suited to city visits, hikes and touring holidays, provided the weather and opening hours work in your favour. In winter, some coastal towns are quieter or have limited services; inland, cooler temperatures and changeable conditions may be a factor. Before booking, check which facilities and transport services are actually available.

The best way to get around depends on your destination. Train and bus services connect the larger towns, but reaching smaller stretches of coast or remote natural areas may require extra planning. A rental car makes touring easier, but it is not essential for every holiday: if you stay in one place and choose your excursions carefully, you can also enjoy your trip without driving every day. Always check current timetables, fares and road conditions for your specific travel dates.

For families, a base with short distances to the beach, accommodation and shops is often more practical than a particularly remote place to stay. Historic old towns such as Peñíscola and Morella have some steep paths, steps and uneven surfaces, which may be difficult to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair. Beach access and available assistance also vary. Ask the local destination directly about current facilities, and plan for breaks and shade.

Which places are best for a first visit?

Peñíscola is a good combination of beach and old town. Benicàssim, Orpesa and Alcossebre are alternatives, depending on the kind of beach holiday and excursions you want; Castelló de la Plana is better suited to a city break.

Is an inland excursion worthwhile?

Yes, if you want to experience historic towns and mountain landscapes as well as the coast. Morella and Segorbe show different sides of the inland region. If you are visiting several places, an overnight stay away from the coast is often more relaxing.

Do I need a rental car?

Not necessarily if you are staying in one well-connected coastal town. A car offers more flexibility for a touring holiday or visits to remote natural areas. Always check public transport connections for your specific travel dates.

What should I bear in mind when hiking?

Choose a route that suits your fitness and equipment, check the rules for protected areas and current trail conditions, and take plenty of water. Heat, wind and seasonal closures may affect your plans.

Where can I find up-to-date information about places and activities?

The official tourism portal for the province of Castellón offers information about municipalities, culture, nature and activities. For opening hours, events and transport, also check with the relevant provider for the day of your visit.