25 Best Things to See and Do in Castellón

If you're considering new vacation destinations, have you thought about a getaway to Castellón? Exploring the Community of Valencia is always refreshing. Castellón, one of the Mediterranean's lesser-known provinces, is brimming with charm and captivating experiences. In this guide, we’ll unveil 25 things to see and do in Castellón that will surely make your trip unforgettable. 🙂

Are you looking for a peaceful yet vibrant place? Castellón offers a perfect blend of cultural visits, beautiful beaches, and picturesque villages. Plus, it's a food lover's paradise where you can indulge without restraint. Get ready to uncover the wonders of this stunning region!

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  1. Exploring the must-see spots in Castellón
  2. What to see in the province of Castellón
  3. Other things to see and do in the Community of Valencia

Exploring the must-see spots in Castellón

Let’s dive into the highlights that you cannot miss during your visit. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the culture and history of Castellón.

1. Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor serves as a central hub in Castellón, showcasing impressive monuments like the City Hall and the majestic Lonja del Cáñamo. This Baroque building is now a cultural center for the Jaume I University. Don't forget to take a moment to soak in the lively atmosphere of the square.

Tip: If you're short on time but eager to see the highlights of Castellón, consider joining a free tour. It's a fantastic way to learn about the city, and you only need to tip your guide at the end.

2. Concatedral de Santa María

Another gem is the Concatedral de Santa María, which has a tumultuous history; it was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1936 and reopened in 1999. Today, its stunning Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture makes it one of the most beautiful buildings in Castellón.

3. El Fadrí

Next to the cathedral is El Fadrí, a striking bell tower that is a symbol of the city. Climbing its 200 steps rewards you with breathtaking views of Castellón. The best part? Admission is free from Tuesday to Saturday, between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.

Fun fact: the tower is completely detached from the cathedral, and "fadrí" means "bachelor" in Valencian, making it an intriguing part of the city's history.

4. Mercado de la Plaza Mayor

No visit is complete without exploring the Mercado de la Plaza Mayor. This vibrant market is particularly lively in the morning. Be sure to buy some local bread, olive oil, and hanging tomatoes for a delicious snack.

5. Bar del Mercat

Need a break? Head to the Bar del Mercat, run by the Bonet family since 1972. Join the Saturday vermouth session at 1:30 PM for live music and a great atmosphere. Check out more details here.

6. Fiesta de la Magdalena

If you visit in March, don’t miss the Fiesta de la Magdalena. This week-long celebration features concerts, food stalls, children's activities, and traditional mascletás. The event is recognized as a festival of international tourist interest and is more laid-back compared to the Fallas festival in Valencia.

7. Ermita de la Magdalena

During the Fiesta de la Magdalena, you can participate in the Romería de les Canyes, a beautiful pilgrimage to the Ermita de la Magdalena. If your visit coincides with this event, it promises to be a unique experience.

8. Festival Internacional de Benicassim

Music lovers should check out the International Benicassim Festival (FIB), held in mid-July. This festival features a stellar lineup of pop, rock, indie, and electronic artists from around the globe. After enjoying the music, spend some time relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Castellón.

For updates on city events, visit Turismo de Castellón to explore the current agenda.

9. Museums to visit in Castellón

Rainy day? No problem! Head to one of the city's many museums. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Museum of Fine Arts and the Contemporary Art Space. For a unique experience, visit the Etnographic Museum or the Sea Museum. Families traveling with children shouldn’t miss the Planetarium for a fun and educational outing.

10. El Grao

Venture out to El Grao, Castellón's most charismatic district, located about 4 km from the city center. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and savor the local cuisine; it’s one of the best things to do in Castellón.

11. The best arroz a banda in Castellón

While in El Grao, don't miss the chance to enjoy an authentic arroz a banda. One of the best places to indulge in this dish is Restaurante Mediterráneo (around €20). Pair your meal with fresh fish like tuna, sea bass, or dorada, grilled to perfection.

12. Bar Las Planas

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to try some tapas, Bar Las Planas is a great choice. They serve delicious dishes like grilled cuttlefish and mussels at very reasonable prices.

13. The best beaches in Castellón

When the weather beckons, take a stroll along Castellón's stunning beaches, featuring over 10 km of coastline. Choose from Playa del Pinar, Playa de Gurugú, and Playa de Serradal, all of which proudly hold Blue Flag status.

14. Going tasqueo, a must-do in Castellón

In Castellón, you don’t just go for tapas; you go for tasqueo. Enjoy a casual evening sampling local beers, montaditos, and plates of mussels among lively bars, especially vibrant on Thursdays and weekends. Recommended spots include Tasca la Necora and Tasca la Guindilla, located near Calle Barraques and Calle Isaac Peral.

And if you’re in town during autumn, be sure to check out the Muestra de Tapas de Castellón, where top restaurants showcase their best tapas creations.

15. Parque Ribalta

Considered the Central Park of Castellón, Parque Ribalta offers a tranquil escape to relax among trees and sculptures, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely break.

What to see in the province of Castellón

If you have a few days, consider venturing out to explore some of the stunning excursions available:

16. Peñíscola, one of Castellón's jewels

Don’t miss visiting Peñíscola, a picturesque town about an hour from Castellón de la Plana. Fans of *Game of Thrones* will recognize it as a filming location for scenes set in the free city of Meereen. However, even if you’re not familiar with the series, Peñíscola's charm will captivate you.

17. Coves de Sant Josep

A must-see in Castellón are the Coves de Sant Josep, where you can navigate Europe’s longest underground river. Although only 800 meters are accessible by boat and 300 meters on foot, the experience costs around €10. For more details, visit this link.

18. Desierto de las Palmas

Surprisingly, Castellón is home to a desert—the Desierto de las Palmas. This natural park, located between Castellón and Benicassim, features lush palm trees. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, and you can also visit the ruins of the Ancient Carmelite Monastery.

19. Sierra de les Conteneses

Just 16 km from the desert lies the village of Villafamés, known for its historic streets and buildings that reflect its Arab origins. Key attractions include the castle and medieval walls, as well as the Castle Shelter, which houses UNESCO-listed rock art.

20. Morella

Another delightful excursion is to Morella, one of Spain's most beautiful villages. Its majestic walls and castle are the main attractions, and if you're traveling with children, they will surely love the Dinosaur Museum!

21. Comarca del Maestrat

In the northern part of Castellón lies the Maestrat region, home to the world's largest concentration of ancient olive trees. With nearly 5,000 centuries-old trees, the epicenter is Sant Mateu.

22. Costa del Azahar

Don't forget the coastal offerings! The province of Castellón is graced by the Costa del Azahar, known for its stunning beaches, providing a perfect opportunity for relaxation. Top picks include Playa Norte in Peñíscola, Playa La Concha and Playa Morro de Gos in Oropesa, as well as Playa Els Terrers in Benicassim.

23. Aguas termales de la Fuente de los Baños

Year-round, you can enjoy natural thermal baths in Montanejos, famous for the Fuente de los Baños, where the water remains a delightful 25 degrees. This area is also one of the most beautiful natural settings in the province.

24. Sierra de Espadán

If hiking is more your style, the Sierra de Espadán offers numerous trails that lead through ancient Arabic villages, springs, viewpoints, and dense forests—making it one of the largest and most well-preserved natural spaces in Castellón.

25. Active tourism

Lastly, Castellón boasts a wealth of options for active tourism, including canyoning, cycling, climbing, and water sports, alongside wellness tourism with its spas and thermal centers. This variety makes Castellón one of the most complete destinations for a weekend or even a week of relaxation and adventure.

Other things to see and do in the Community of Valencia

For those looking to extend their trip to the region, check out the top attractions in the Community of Valencia.

Do you have more things to see and do in Castellón? Leave us a comment!

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