The
relatively
undeveloped Costa del Azahar has
become a
haven for those who want to get
away from the hustle
and bustle of modern life,
without losing any of its conveniences.
The beaches along this coast are
among the best in the country and
the waters are clear and warm.
Away from the orange groves of
the coast, the interior landscape
is mountainous and offers all types
of outdoor activities. Within this
lovely region surrounded by acres
of orange groves and protected
by the mountains, you’ll
find the two neighbouring villages
of Las Fuentes and Alcossebre just
north of Valencia. Steeped in history
and full of charm, the contrasts
of this region are a result of
its geographical layout. Although
the capital is called Castelló de
la Plana or “Castelló of
the plains”, in fact the
province has more mountainous areas
than flat ones. The most northerly
point Vinaros and Benicarlo are
key fishing ports of the area supplying
the local restaurants daily with
fresh seafood such as prawns and
date mussels.
A region
rich in history and monuments, one should take time
out to see the
Castillo de Peñíscola
(Peñíscola Castle),
a 13th century castle built in a
Romanesque style and situated on
the highest point in the town. The
castle was built by the Templars
on the remains of an old Arab citadel,
and constructed with stone work walls.The
majority of the rooms have barrel
arch roofs. After his transfer to
Peñíscola in 1411,
the Papa Luna converted the castle
into pontifical palace and library.
Declared a World Heritage site
in 1924, don’t miss the Cova
del Cavalls and its cave paintings.
Cave
painting sites have been declared
World Heritage sites by UNESCO, and
the works of the prehistoric period
from the Mediterranean Basin in eastern
Spain are one of the largest collections
of cave painting art in all of Europe.
Of course with more than 300
days of sunshine each year, the
fine sandy
beaches of the Costa del Azahar are
not to be missed including Sud de
Benicassim, La Conxa, Sud de Penyiscola
(Peñíscola) and more.
For golf enthusiasts, try the 18
hole Golf & Country Club Panoramica
, Club de Golf Costa de Azahar (a
9 hole course right on the coast)
or Club de Campo del Mediterráneo
in Borriol.
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There are
flights to Valencia airport and
Reus being an hour south and north
respectively, but most people fly
into Alicante Airport in the north
with a greater choice of flights.
Barcelona, approximately two to
three hours away, is always a reliable
alternative.
Depending on your final destination
in the region, discount airline
Ryanair flies to Reus from Stansted,
or Girona
which is approximately 3 hours
north by car. Easyjet airlines
also fly
to Barcelona and Valencia.
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