Free walking tours in Benicàssim and what to see

Must-sees

Benicàssim is a beach town with a strong summer-resort history. Its best-known sight is Las Villas, holiday houses built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by wealthy families along the Paseo de Pilar Coloma seafront. Walking along that row facing the sea is the best way to understand the place. In the town are the church of Santo Tomás and the Torre de Sant Vicent, an old defensive tower.

The coast has several different beaches, such as Voramar, La Almadraba, Heliópolis and Els Terrers, almost all urban and well equipped. To the north, the Vía Verde along the old railway line follows the sea to Orpesa among coves and low cliffs. Behind the town rises the Desierto de las Palmas Natural Park, a mountain range with viewpoints, footpaths and the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours in Benicàssim are occasional and usually focus on the Villas route, on a pay-what-you-wish basis. The usual options are themed guided visits and nature trips. A guided walk in the Desierto de las Palmas, including the monastery and viewpoints, is worthwhile. Boats also leave the Castellón coast for the Columbretes Islands, a marine reserve. Peñíscola and Morella make highly recommended day trips.

How long to spend

Two days are enough to see the main sights at an easy pace. On the first, walk past the Villas and along the promenade in the morning and spend the afternoon on the beach or cycling the Vía Verde. On the second, go up to the Desierto de las Palmas early, before the heat, and do a short walk. If you stay longer, a trip to Peñíscola or Morella rounds off the stay nicely.

Where to stay

The promenade and Villas area is the most pleasant place to stay: the sea is in front of you and you can get around on foot. The town centre, a little inland, is cheaper and full of bars and shops. Heliópolis and La Almadraba are convenient for families. Bear in mind that a very popular music festival takes place in July, with high prices and little availability.