Free walking tours in Vila-real and what to see

Must-sees

Vila-real is on the Plana de Castellón and is an industrial city, famous for ceramics and its football team. Its great monument is the basilica of Sant Pasqual, a sanctuary dedicated to St Paschal Baylon, whose tomb and chapel are a place of pilgrimage. Close by is the church of Sant Jaume, a large 18th-century church, and the arcaded Plaça Major, the heart of life in the old town.

From the medieval past remains the Torre Motxa, a fragment of the old town walls. The Museu de la Ciutat, in the Casa de Polo, helps you understand local history and holds work by the sculptor José Ortells, born here. On the outskirts, by the Millars river, the El Termet area surrounds the hermitage of the Mare de Déu de Gràcia, with green spaces and paths for walking.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Vila-real. The closest equivalents are the guided visits organised at the basilica of Sant Pasqual and some routes around the centre; ask at the tourist office. Football fans also usually visit the Estadio de la Cerámica, even if only to see it from outside. For more varied tours, Valencia is less than an hour away.

How long to spend

A morning or an afternoon is enough for the basilica, Sant Jaume, the Plaça Major and the museum. If you add a walk at El Termet, allow a full day. With two days you can combine it with Burriana, Castellón de la Plana or the coast. In May the Sant Pasqual fiestas are held, the liveliest time of year.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to stay in the centre, near the Plaça Major and the basilica, with everything on foot. Bear in mind that accommodation is limited and fills up earlier on match days or during ceramics trade fairs. Castellón de la Plana, next door, has many more options, and if you prefer the sea, Burriana and Benicàssim are very close.