Free walking tours in Onda and what to see

Must-sees

Onda is in inland Castellón province, in the Plana Baixa, and is one of the great centres of the Spanish ceramics industry. Its symbol is the castle, a fortress of Andalusí origin known as the castle of three hundred towers for the many its walls once had. Inside is the archaeology and history museum, and from the top you can see the whole plain down to the sea.

Below the castle, the old town keeps narrow streets, tile panels and the Porta de Sant Pere, one of the few remains of the old wall. The church of La Asunción presides over the centre. The Manolo Safont tile museum covers centuries of local ceramics, and the El Carmen natural science museum, in a former convent, is another interesting visit. Outside the town, the Sichar reservoir offers walking and cycling routes, viewpoints and water activities.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Onda. The usual option is the guided visits run by the town itself, with routes through the old town and lesser-known corners, theatrical visits to the castle on certain dates and guided visits to the tile museum. Ask at the tourist office for the schedule. If you are in Castellón or Valencia, you can combine Onda with other inland towns on a day trip.

How long to spend

A day is enough for the castle, the old town and a museum, at a relaxed pace. If you want to see both main museums and take your time at the castle, spread the visit over two days. A second day also allows for a route around the Sichar reservoir or a trip to the Serra d'Espadà, which starts very close by.

Where to stay

In the centre of Onda, near the old town, the castle and museums are close at hand, though choice is rather limited and geared to ceramics business travellers. Around the town there are rural houses, especially towards the hills. For more options, Vila-real and Castellón de la Plana are about twenty minutes away by car, and the coast at Benicàssim or El Grau is another alternative in summer.