Castellón travel information and video

Holiday information, facts, photos and video about Castellón

Castellon

Castellon is a province in the northern part of the autonomous community of Valencian on the Costa Azahar. It borders the provinces of Valencia, Teruel, Tarragona and the Mediterranean Sea.

Stretching 112 kilometres along the coast, Castellon is one of the most popular touristic regions of Spain, who visit the beautiful beaches, rural inland areas and charming seaside
towns.

It is a bilingual territory, with almost all inhabitants speaking Spanish, and very many also speaking the local official Catalan language of Cataluña.

The region is one of the most mountainous in Spain and visitors fall in love with the sleepy mountain villages and natural surroundings.


History
The famous Fadrell’s Moorish Castle in Castellon is where the region began, this is where historical records depict the first inhabitants occupied the region. From there it was conquered in 1233 by James I and its capital city Castellon de la Plana dates from the Middles Ages (13th Century).

Castellon Towns and Villages
The provinces capital is Castellon de la Plana, a historical city, situated between the Mediterranean
and the Desert de la Plana mountain range. The city is blends well its history with its modern day culture. The old quarter has many sites of architectural interest, around the Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Santa Clara and the Plaza de la Pescaderia.

The village of El Port, and its neighbouring villages of Forcall, Morella and El Maestrazgo de San Mateo are ancient inland villages, very popular with those seeking a more rural destination.

The coastal villages of La Plana, Benicassim and Oropesa de Mar are home to some beautifully relaxing beaches during the day and some upbeat nightlife for evening entertainment. The medieval town of Vilaframes is home to the wonderful Contemporary Art Museum.

In the coastal area known as La Plana Baja (the low plain) you find the charming town of Burriana with its pretty gothic church and the Orange Museum. Close by are the ancient caves in the town of Vall d’Uixo. There are also several beach resorts in Plana Baja the natural reserve of L Estanyol.

The tourist hotspots of Alcossebre, Benicarlo, Peñiscola and Vinaros are blessed with a wonderful coastline and are delightful villages and towns. The area also has a fishing industry and here you will find some of the most succulent prawns in Spain.


Beaches
The wide, clean beaches of Castellon and the Costa de Azahar with their fine sand attract thousands of visitors ever year.

Places to visit
There are hundreds of things to do in the region and visitors can settle for a lazy beach holiday or an active or cultural vacation, or of course, combine them.

For those interested in the history and culture of Castellon, you will find interesting sites in nearly
every town in the region. Of special interest is the Moorish town of Bencarlo with its medieval centre. The beautiful town of Peñiscola with its majestic castle dating from the 13th century. This is the most visited tourist city in the community of Valencia.

The Moorish village of Benicassim, which is now more famous for hosting the FIB International Music Festival annually in July.

In the capital of Castellon de la Plana you can visit the 16th Century El Fadri bell tower and
the old central quarter.

Aside from cultural and historical visits, in the capital you can visit the Planetarium or partake in a spot of sailing, fishing, windsurfing, hiking horse riding and much more.


Golf
There are three golf courses in the local region, 1 in Castellon and 1 in nearby Borriel.

Cuisine
The local cuisine, like most of Valencia, is largely based on fish and rice dishes. Specialities include
locally caught prawns, sardines and anchovies, as well as the famous Paella and the Tombet del Maestrzgo, which is a delicious soup.

Climate
Castellon and the Costa Azahar in general enjoys a mild climate, with warm dry summers and temperate winters. Ideal for all year visits.