Take a tour of the Costa del Azahar next summer

Among Spain’s more than 4,828 km (3,000 miles) of coastline, one sometimes overlooked destination is the Costa del Azahar, or Orange Blossom Coast. This gorgeous area lies along the province of Castellón in Valencian Community, Spain and stretches 120 km (75 miles) from Vinaròs to Almenara. Let's explore some of the beauty of this lovely piece of coastline, including some of the best beaches, towns worth visiting and activities available during your stay.

Best beaches on the Costa del Azahar

All these glorious beaches are within easy reach of your beautiful rural or charming accommodations, either on the coast or inland.

- Peñíscola

North Beach (Playa Norte) in Peñíscola is one of the best urban beaches in the province of Castellón. The beach runs for 5 km (3 miles) of pristine sand with amazing views of the city’s Templar Castle. On the southern coast, Russo and Pebret Beaches lie in the Natural Park of the Sierra de Irta. These two beaches are renowned for their fine sand, undulating dunes and tranquility, even in the summer months.

- El Pinar and El Gurugú Beaches, Castellón

Both beaches feature calm waters and fine, white sand. However, as can be told from its name, El Pinar is backed by a vast pine forest. Meanwhile, El Gurugú Beach, located in Grao de Castellón, is one of the best in the area – lined with restaurants, bars and terraces to spend time in summer.

- Benicàssim

Located close to the Benicàssim sailing school, Els Terrers Beach is protected by breakwaters, making it safe for families. The beach is popular during the summer months, with access to many restaurants and craft stalls during the holidays.

- La Concha and Morro de Gos Beaches, Oropesa

La Concha is the best-known beach in Oropesa. It runs for 1 km (0.6 mi) with a variety of amenities and services. Morro de Gos is the second beach in the municipality, very close to Marina d'Or and with significant activity in summer.

- La Romana Beach, Alcossebre

To the south of Peñíscola lies Alcossebre, a place that hosts 10 km (6 mi) of beautiful coastline. However, the best is La Romana, which is next to an extensive dune system of great ecological value. The dunes are also surrounded by vegetation.

Towns of the Costa del Azahar

Besides the endless, gorgeous beaches, the Costa del Azahar also features many traditional Spanish towns, with their narrow, cobblestone streets and hugged by the surrounding mountains.

- Peñíscola

Peníscola nestles on the Costa del Azahar, north of the Serra d'Irta on the Mediterranean coast. The town is a popular tourist destination with gorgeous beaches (as mentioned above). Its crowning glory is the castle where Benedict lived from 1417 until his death in 1423. The castle was restored, with new walls added, in 1960 when Anthony Mann’s film “El Cid” was partially filmed there. Nowadays the castle is a popular tourist attraction, standing above the gorgeous beaches.

- Traiguera

Heading inland, Traiguera is a rural town surrounded by orange groves, almond and olive trees. However, the town also has a traditional ceramic industry. One of Traiguera’s main attractions is the Santuari de la Font de la Salut, set in the mountains south of the town. When visiting this lovely town, stay in style in rural self-catering apartments at Casa de Olivos..

Image Santuari de la Font de la Salut - Wikimedia Commons

- Sant Mateu

Sant Mateu is located in the province of Castellón and has been declared an object of cultural interest. Of interest to visit is the Ermita de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels de Sant Mateu, nestled in the Serra de la Vall d'Àngel mountain range east of the town. The town itself still retains its medieval walls and has several palaces of interest. In the heart of Sant Mateu is a quaint square with fountains, lined by several restaurants.

- Benicarló

Located between the towns of Vinaròs and Peníscola, Benicarló is a port city on the Mediterranean coast. The town offers a good shopping and dining experience and is worth visiting throughout the year for its fresh food markets, seafood and tapas bars. Benicarló is known for the 18th century parish church of Sant Bartolomeu with its Baroque façade and octagonal bell tower.

- Vinaròs

Vinaròs is another port city on the Costa del Azahar with a working fishing harbour and is renowned for its tasty prawns. Among the sights is the Renaissance Església Arxiprestal de l'Assumpció (Archpriestal Church of the Assumption of Our Lady), built between 1583 and 1596.

- La Salzadella

The small town of La Salzadella is renowned for its cherries and is ideally located on the Via Augusta, perfect for hiking and exploring nature. In the town itself, Plaza México (Mexico Square) is worth a visit, set among many historic buildings of interest.

Things to do on the Costa del Azahar

Hiking, walking and mountain biking are available throughout the region, but are especially popular in Traiguera.

A round of Golf can be enjoyed at one of the best golf courses in Spain - Panoramica Golf is located in the town of Sant Jordi. Surrounded by olive and carob trees and with impressive lakes, the 80 hectare course is the only one of its kind designed by German professional Bernhard Langer. The resort also offers facilities for tennis, paddle tennis, football, basketball and Pitch & Putt.

Image @panoramicagolf/Instagram

With its mostly sunny climate throughout the year, the province of Castellón is perfect for mountain climbing. One particular are of interest is Devesa-Penya Alta in Morella, with its 12 tracks and walls equipped with parabolts. In Peñíscola, a wall above the sea is just waiting to be climbed, while Cervera del Maestre offers Morral de l'Àngel, an imposing precipice standing 100 meters in height at the edge of Rambla de Cervera, with a number of climbing tracks.

Scuba diving is a great adventure along the Costa del Azahar. One particularly interesting dive takes place under the historic centre of Peñíscola: Castillo del Papa Luna. Here, divers can explore the fortress from under the water and discover the route that Benedict XIII used when fleeing people who wanted to put an end to his life.

Other water sports are available in the coastal towns of Peñíscola and Vinaròs, including jet skiing, water skiing, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding.

Caving is a popular sport in the Els Ports Natural Park, including Caro Mountain, with its many caves, eddies and chasms, along with spectacular views over the area.

Image Els Ports Natural Park - Wikimedia Commons

Make a point of visiting the Costa del Azahar on your next visit to Spain, taking in all the attractions on the coast and inland, while enjoying some of the best seafood to be found in Spain.