Castellón de la Plana-Castelló de la Plana

The capital of the province of Castellón, on the Costa del Azahar, is a peaceful yet vibrant and lively city.

Numerous squares, perfect for enjoying its mild temperatures, orange groves, and a promenade that stretches to the sea, criss-cross this city of medieval origins. The city centre is bustling, with entertainment venues surrounding a series of close-knit squares, such as the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de la Pescadería, each with its own distinct character. In the arcaded Plaza de Santa Clara stands the enormous slab with relief figures, "Homage to Castellón," weighing almost 600 tons, which commemorates the city's founding in the 13th century. This anniversary is also the origin of its renowned Magdalena Festival, celebrated around March. Several of its main events take place in the Plaza Mayor, where the Town Hall, with its Tuscan-style façade, and the Co-cathedral of Santa María la Mayor are located. El Fadrí, its bell tower, almost 60 metres high and separate from the rest of the building, is a symbol of the city.Nearby, you'll find the Baroque-style Llotja del Cànem (Hemp Exchange), as well as more modern buildings such as the Neo-Mudéjar style Correos post office building; the Central Market, where you can buy a wide variety of fresh produce; and the Real Casino Antiguo (Royal Casino). In Plaza de Tetuán you can also visit an interesting restored air-raid shelter.The Ethnological Museum is housed in an 18th-century manor house and displays more than 2,000 artefacts, while the Museum of Fine Arts features works from Zurbarán's workshop and a valuable collection of Valencian ceramics from the 16th to 19th centuries. In fact, ornamental ceramic tiles are part of Castellón's history, with many examples visible right on the streets. There are several routes focused on local ceramics that will show them to you. The Ribalta Park is an ideal place for strolling and enjoying the modernist architecture.Just outside the city lies the mountainous area of ​​the Desierto de las Palmas Natural Park, where you can take numerous excursions without venturing too far from the city. Among the heritage sites outside the city walls, the Basílica del Lledó, with its Renaissance façade, is also noteworthy.On the seafront is Grau de Castellón, the port area, with a leisure zone around Plaza del Mar, restaurants serving typical seafood and meat dishes, and tourist boats that enable you to explore the coast and even the Columbretes Islands, about a two-hour sail away. Here you will also find a planetarium and a number of pleasant beaches such as Gurugú, El Pinar and El Serradal. Nearby you can enjoy other wonderful beaches in towns such as Benicàssim, home to one of Spain’s most famous music festivals, as well as Oropesa del Mar and Alcossebre.