Hiking in Castellón: the province of a thousand landscapes

With a name as poetic as Costa del Azahar, it is not surprising that tourism in Castellón focuses on its beaches. Towns like Peñíscola, Benicasim or Benicarló are enough for tourists with towels and umbrellas; but not for you. Thank goodness Castellón is not just that.

On the same coast you will find, in addition to the well-known beaches, impressive natural spaces, such as the Columbretes Islands. And if you are more of a mountain fan, no problem. This is the second most mountainous province in Spain and, therefore, the possibilities to enjoy the hiking in Castellón there are many.

Touring the province on foot you will enjoy its Natural Parks (the Sierra de Espadán, the Las Palmas Desert and Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca), you will visit beautiful towns guarded by castles or the oldest olive trees in the area. Any option is good to escape the beach crowds and dedicate a day to the activities in the nature.

More than 140 approved trails are found in the province; in addition to many others uncatalogued in all municipalities. If you want to do hiking in Castellón excuses are not valid. Should we leave the umbrella for another time? We tell you where you can start walking.

The cliffs of the Sierra de Irta

In the north of the province, the Sierra de Irta Natural Park It is an amazing mix between sea and mountains. A practically virgin area (as there have never been significant human settlements) where you can enjoy nature in all its splendor. Along 15 kilometers, numerous trails invite you to discover its coves and cliffs, and an impressive biodiversity.

The route that winds along the coast brings you the smell and even the taste of the sea. The views are also impressive, and you can even glimpse the Columbretes Islands. And it is that he interpretive hiking in the Sierra de Irta It demands enjoyment with all five senses.

The path passes by the Badum Tower, an old defensive watchtower against pirates, and runs through small coves with turquoise waters. A perfect route for the whole family where you combine history, nature, light and color.

The olive forests in the Maestrazgo

Also in the north of the province, the Maestrazgo region is a land rich in traditions where the olive tree culture has great weight. Throughout history, they have made the most of the terrain's orography. Despite being mainly rocky, its heritage of olive trees is impressive.

However, as usual, it is not the quantity but the quality that is important. And many of these olive trees are literally thousands of years old. Making a route between ancient olive trees, you will find some specimens so large that it will take three people to surround them.

You do not believe it? Check it out by taking the circular route that starts from Canet lo Roig, about 8 kilometers and very accessible. You will pass by the hermitage of Santa Isabel, the Sénia de Marimón water wheel and you will reach the Olivo del Xano, the oldest in the place.

The birth of the Palancia River

Another route of hiking in Castellón Ideal to do with the family is the one that leads to the source of the Palancia River. We are now in the south of Castellón, in a mountain area surrounded by nature. Ravines, rivers and caves mark the landscape here; dotted with some historical vestiges, such as the Roman aqueduct of Los Arcos.

Starting from the town of Bejís, the route hiking along the Palancia River It totals 8 kilometers of route through forests and waterfalls. You will pass through the resinero ravine and the Cascajar Strait Flora Microreserve. Finally, you will reach the source, where the water gushes through a large rock on the same ground.

On the way back, you can detour a little to reach Molinar; an old reconstructed town where you will also find some options to cool off.

The Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca wetlands

A little longer, although just as simple, is the route that crosses the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park. This wetland is further proof that the scenarios in which to do hiking in Castellón They are very diverse.

Neither cliffs, nor fountains, nor olive trees; Here what you will find are 900 hectares of reed beds and lagoons separated from the sea by a belt of sand and boulders. The best thing, too, is the possibility of enjoying another activity while you walk, birdwatching, since you will pass through various fauna micro-reserves.

To carry out the route of hiking through Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca it is advisable to wear waterproof boots; Well, after a few kilometers of dirt road you will have to enter a swampy area.

The castle of Aín in the Sierra de Espadán

The southernmost Natural Park of Castellón is the Sierra de Espadán. There you can take a small hiking route that starts from the town of Aín and leads to the castle of the same name. Nestled in a fertile area, surrounded by pine and cork oak mountains, this route will give you a new perspective of nature in Castellón.

It is advisable to start the walk in the town itself, to also enjoy the popular architecture. From the town hall square you can reach the Calvary, where the route begins. There you will see a sign that marks the hiking route to the castle; although first you will pass by the Molino del Arco, which today functions as a rural house.

Although it may not seem like it now, this castle was one of the main defensive fortresses of the rebellious Moors of Ahín during the 16th century. After the history lesson learned, you can modify your route to pass by the San Ambrosío Fountain, one of the many in the municipality, where you will find a picnic area where you can rest and regain strength.

Do hiking in Castellón is to visit a thousand landscapes in a single province. Forests, cliffs, fields, lagoons and rivers. From east to west and from north to south, the variety of landscapes is such that you will wonder if you have accidentally left the border. With so much to choose from, why stay on the beach?