Nules between Coastal Lagoon, Beach and Culture

Nules combines a long pebble coast with an unusual lagoon landscape, Roman history and traditional festivals.

Lagoon, Coast and Sea

L'Estany de Nules is a municipal nature area designated by resolution of the Generalitat on 3 December 2004. The small coastal lagoon was formed by the abundant emergence of groundwater in the marshland. L'Estany has been prepared for public use and recreation. L'Estany is an important refuge for overwintering and migratory birds: birds come there to feed, rest or nest.

The coast of Nules is long and characterized by pebbles. Breakwaters temporarily retain sand there. Nules Beach is the longest beach in the municipality; a northern section with rocks and breakwaters is suitable for surf fishing. Several sports areas, children's playgrounds, a sports circuit, facilities for sports by the sea and a fitness trail are located along the beach.

Roman Traces and Special Buildings

The Villa romana de Benicató was both an agricultural estate and a residence. It includes a courtyard surrounded by porticoes, a round basin for collecting and distributing rainwater, as well as living quarters and rooms for domestic activities. The villa was inhabited from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD and reached its heyday in the 2nd century AD.

Another historical chapter is represented by the three fully preserved Blocaos of Nules. They have funnel-shaped loopholes and an almost circular machine-gun emplacement each. The Blocaos are among the best-preserved and most significant architectural relics of the Spanish Civil War in the Valencian Community and are easily accessible. The museum is housed in the former Iglesia de la Sangre, a church from the late 16th century, and presents the history of Nules and the area of its former castle through archaeological, ethnographic and art-historical collections.

The Convento de la Sagrada Familia is a church with a Latin cross plan, dome, side chapels and ambulatory. It is considered one of the outstanding examples of Discalced Carmelite architecture in Spain. The Museo de Medallística Enrique Giner is located in the former Ermita de San Miguel from the 18th century. It houses a medal collection spanning from the middle of the 15th century to the present day and is considered the only museum in Spain dedicated to the art of medal-making.

Routes, Coastal Town and Festivals

The Ruta del Modernismo showcases 30 doors and can be experienced on a walk through the town's streets. The Ruta del Agua leads to various irrigation engines and irrigation huts in Nules and Mascarell and conveys agricultural traditions through oral history. Mascarell is considered a small fortified district that is unique in the Valencian Community. The place is protected as a BIC and became a district of Nules at the end of the 19th century. In the Poblado marítimo de Nules, many houses preserve original ceramics, wells, cisterns and ornamental details that give the settlement significant ethnological value. Guided tours of the maritime architecture are available.

The Festes de Sant Joan are traditional neighborhood festivals with bonfires, religious events and popular activities. The Festa de Les Barraquetes takes place on the eighth day after Corpus Christi and originated in the 15th century. The focus is on the municipality's children with small barraquetes made from locally collected reeds and decorated with flowers. The Festa de les Camareres is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, on the eve of the feast of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Women dressed in black with mantillas, gloves and tejas guard the Capilla de la Sangre and the belongings of the Virgen de la Soledad, the patron saint of the town. A procession is also part of the celebration: each camarera is accompanied by a man with a candle and a girl dressed in white carrying a palm frond.

The Fira Agrícola i Ramadera de Nules takes place in September. It has been granted the status of Fiesta de Interés Turístico Autonómico by the Comunitat Valenciana.

Getting There and Practical Orientation

Nules railway station is connected to the Cercanías network, with connections to Valencia and Castellón. By car, Nules can be reached via the AP-7, exit 47, or via the N-340. Several public car parks are available in the town center. Guided tours in Nules are free, but require prior reservation via the registration form for the respective route.

More Destinations for Orientation

If you would like to compare more destinations, here are the direct next stops: Burriana, Herbeset, Aín, Atzeneta del Maestrat, Ares Del Maestre, Caudiel, Benafer and Castellfort.

For the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.