Free walking tours in Castellón de la Plana and what to see

Must-sees

Central Castellón revolves around Plaza Mayor, home to the town hall, the Central Market and the co-cathedral of Santa María. Beside it rises the Fadrí, the free-standing bell tower that is the city’s symbol. A few steps away, Plaza de la Pescadería and the shopping streets make for a good stroll. The Museu de Belles Arts brings together archaeology, ceramics and painting.

About four kilometres away is the Grao, the seafront district, with the port, the promenade and wide beaches such as Pinar and Gurugú. For nature, the Desierto de las Palmas, a natural park with a Carmelite monastery, is a short drive away. If you go in March, you will coincide with the Magdalena festival, with parades and illuminated gaiatas.

Free tours and guided visits

Castellón is not a city of big crowds, and free tours are less frequent than in other provincial capitals, though there are some. They usually take in Plaza Mayor, the Fadrí, the co-cathedral and the streets of the centre. They explain how the town moved down to the plain in the 13th century and the importance of oranges to its economy. You pay what you think is fair.

Many interesting guided trips head out into the province. Peñíscola, with its castle above the sea, is the most popular. Also worthwhile are Morella, walled and inland, the Columbretes Islands, with boat trips, and the village of Vilafamés, with its hillside old town and contemporary art museum.

How long to spend

You can see the city in a day: the morning in the centre and the afternoon at the Grao and the beach. With two or three days you have time to combine city and coast, or to spend a whole day in Peñíscola or Morella. In summer you may prefer to split your time between the beach in the morning and strolls through the centre in the evening.

Where to stay

If you are coming to see the city, stay in the centre, near Plaza Mayor or Plaza de la Paz, where the Teatro Principal is. Everything is on foot and there are plenty of restaurants. If your plan is more beach, the Grao and the Pinar area are a better choice, with seafront hotels and public transport to the centre.