Capital of Castellón province in the Valencian Community of Spain, Castellón de la Plana looms over the Mediterranean Sea and is backed by the splendid Desert de las Palmes Mountain range. A mixture of old and new, Castellón has plenty of historic sites and colorful buildings to visit, as well as welcoming green spaces, dotted around the city and ideal for relaxation after exploring the town.
Castellón is also surrounded by several beautiful beaches and has its own marina, with bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy the traditional cuisine of the region. The town is definitely a worthwhile visit on the lovely Costa del Azahar and the following are several must-see places to go and things to do while visiting Castellón de la Plana.
1. Costa del Azahar - beaches of Castellón
Castellón de la Plana offers three lovely beaches, stretching down the Costa del Azahar on the Mediterranean coast. All beaches currently have Blue Flag status, meaning the water quality is excellent, as is the cleanliness of the beach and services and amenities available to visitors. The beaches are close to the city centre, making for convenience during a stay in the town. Visit Pinar Beach, Gurugú Beach and Serradal Beach for fun in the sun, relaxation and enjoyable water sports, with convenient beach restaurants, sunbeds and parasols and bathroom facilities.
Castellón de la Plana beaches
Website: Castellón beaches
2. Columbretes Islands
The Columbretes Islands are a natural reserve with much ecological significance in the area. There are several islets and reefs, all within 30 miles (56 km) of Castellón’s coastline. Only l’Illa Grossa is inhabited, while the other groups of islands, Carallot, Ferrera and Foradada are left as nature intended. A fascinating marine reserve surrounds the archipelago, where scuba divers will find much of interest to see.
Columbretes Islands
Website: Columbretes Islands
3. Parque Ribalta
The Ribalta Park is a lovely green and forested area with a large pond and a bandstand, surrounded by columns and with a semicircular dome. The dome has been decorated with bas-reliefs showing musicians and percussion instruments, along with the names of various contemporary Spanish musicians. Musical entertainment is provided in the bandstand on occasion. There is a playground in the park as well as various interesting monuments.
Parque Ribalta
Website: Parque Ribalta
4. Castellón Cathedral and El Fadrí bell tower
The Cathedral – or Church of Santa Maria la Mayor as it is known – was originally a Gothic church dating back to the 12th-century. The Cathedral is classified as an asset of Cultural Interest in the city. While the exterior is mainly Gothic, there is an 18th-century image of the Immaculate Conception inside, along with many Baroque images and other ornaments.
El Fadrí is a stand-alone bell tower, located in Plaza Mayor, right next to the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor. The tower consists of four sections – the clock, the house of the ringer, the chamber of the bells and the ecclesiastic prison.
Castellón Cathedral
Address: Plaza Mayor s/n, 12001, Castellón
Website: Castellón Cathedral
El Fadrí
Address: Plaza Mayor s/n, 12001, Castellón
Website: El Fadrí
5. Museo de Bellas Artes de Castellón
The original Fine Arts Museum in Castellón dates back 150 years, but moved into its current, more avant-garde modern premises in 2001. The new building has won several architectural awards. The museum combines several art collections from around the area and focuses on paintings, sculptures, and pottery from Valencia dating back to the 16th and 19th-centuries, as well as ethnology and archaeology.
Museo de Bellas Artes de Castellón
Address: Av. Hermanos Bou 28, 12003, Castellón
Website: Museo de Bellas Artes de Castellón
6. Rafalafena Park
Rafalafena Park is in the city centre of Castellón, in the district of the same name. The park is well known for hosting the largest number of species of trees, with 105 different species to be seen. This leafy and restful park offers a café and amphitheatre, as well as an attractive pond.
Rafalafena Park
Address: Av. de la Mare de Déu del Lledó, 12004 Castellón de la Plana, Castellón
Website: Rafalafena Park
7. Fundació Caixa Castelló
Posted by Fundació Caixa Castelló on Saturday, 20 May 2017
Fundació Caixa Castelló is a non-profit, avant-garde art gallery located in the centre of Castellón de la Plana. Many art exhibitions are held here, including live art installations.
Fundació Caixa Castelló
Address: Calle Enmedio, 82, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
Facebook: Fundació Caixa Castelló
8. El Ficus Centenario
El Ficus Centenario is a historic landmark located in the Plaza de María Agustina in Castellón de la Plana’s City centre. The huge tree is surrounded by an attractive ceramic wall with a plaque offering “poetic homage” to the ficus centennial during the tree festival in March 1984 and a plaque embossed with the city’s crest.
El Ficus Centenario
Address: Plaza de María Agustina, 12003 Castellón de la Plana, Castellón
9. Mercado Central
Opened in December 1949, the central market is a popular meeting place in the town where locals shop for fresh fish, vegetables and fruit and regular flea markets are also held here, where many a bargain can be found. For convenience, the market offers underground parking. The market is located in the Plaza Mayor, right in the centre of Castellón.
Mercado Central
Address: Plaza Mayor s/n, 12001 Castellón
Website: Mercado Central
10. Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is one of the most important squares, right in the heart of Castellón de la Plana, with many monuments on display. This pedestrian square is used to host various celebrations and fiestas in the town and there are many shops, bars and restaurants in the surrounding streets.
Plaza Mayor
Address: Plaza Mayor, Castellón
Website: Plaza Mayor
Enjoy your visit to Castellón de la Plana on the Costa del Azahar!
With its colorful buildings, history, cuisine and wonderful beaches, Castellón de la Plana is a must-see stop on your Costa del Azahar tour.
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