Xilxes: Beaches, Wetlands and Paths Between Coast and History

Xilxes features a protected bay, coastal wetlands, signposted trails and historic sites. Those looking for a hotel in Xilxes can plan their trip according to whether swimming with children, nature observation, walks or local history is the main focus.

Beaches and Exceptional Coastal Landscapes

Playa Les Cases has a shallow bay protected by a breakwater, making it suitable for swimming with children. The beach contains a signposted and enclosed plant micro-reserve with sea lilies and Silene Cambedesii. Playa El Cerezo is adapted for visitors with different mobility needs, can be reached by intercity bus and includes a wetland protected for its ecological value. Playa La Marina stretches for approximately one kilometre; dunes, reed beds and heathlands shape its landscape. Playa La Marina usually has low visitor numbers.

Marjal, Birdwatching and Circular Routes

The Marjal de Xilxes is part of a coastal wetland complex that extends for several kilometres along the coast of the province of Castellón. It is suitable for hiking, cycling, birdwatching and nature photography. A self-guided birdwatching route in Xilxes enables the public to observe birds at strategic points in different habitats and with numerous bird species. The coastal dunes of Xilxes are home to distinctive flora; protected rice fields and marjales provide refuge for resident and nesting waterbirds. For a longer walk, the Ruta dels Sentits de Xilxes connects the beaches of Les Cases and El Cerezo on a 5.91-kilometre circular route; the stated duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. At the Vestigios bélicos of Xilxes, visitors can follow a short circular route through the uplands, with explanatory panels installed along the way and a signposted course.

Church, Chapel and Local Tradition

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora combines Baroque and Neoclassical stylistic features and was built at the end of the 17th century. It contains the altar of the Santísimo Cristo de la Junquera, the patron saint of the town. The Ermita del Santísimo Cristo de la Junquera was rebuilt in 2000 at the place where the image of Christ was found on 18 January 1625. A Romería takes place on the Sunday closest to 18 January, leading from the parish church of Xilxes to the Ermita.

Evidence of Local History

The Font de la Unió was Xilxes' first spring to supply residents with drinking water, beginning in 1916. The residents built it through financial contributions, their own labour and the use of their draft animals. The Antiguo lavadero municipal dates from 1924 and was used for washing clothes before drinking water was introduced into local homes. The Necrópolis Cristiana de Xilxes comprises medieval cemetery remains dating from the 13th to the 18th century. A glazed area displays six disk-shaped funerary steles; the necropolis also includes three significant coin assemblages and burial objects such as rosaries, medals and crucifixes.

More Destinations

Benicassim, Vall D'alba, Vinaròs, Figueroles, Vistabella Del Maestrazgo, Castell De Cabres, La Serra D'en Galceran, Almedíjar

To the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.