Castellón is a province that offers a wide variety of options to enjoy nature and adventure. From its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters to its mountains with green and rugged landscapes, as well as its rivers, caves, and charming villages, Castellón is an ideal destination for outdoor activity lovers. Among the many attractions that can be found in Castellón, its natural parks stand out, which are protected spaces that house a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as a rich historical and cultural heritage.
In this article, we present 10 natural parks to visit in the province of Castellón that will surprise you with their beauty and uniqueness.
Natural Park of the Desert of the Palmas
This natural park is located in the Plana Alta region and is characterized by its rocky landscape, which contrasts with the green of the pines and palm trees. The Natural Park of the Desert of the Palmas is an ideal place for hiking, cycling, or climbing, and to admire the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Castellón. Additionally, the natural park houses several points of interest, such as the castle of Montornés, the monastery of the Carmelites, or the hermitage of Magdalena.
Natural Park of the Sierra de Irta
This natural park extends along the northern coast of the province, between the towns of Peñíscola and Alcalà de Xivert. The Natural Park of the Sierra de Irta is an example of coexistence between the sea and the mountains, as it combines cliffs, coves, beaches, dunes, salt flats, wetlands, forests, and mountain ranges. The Natural Park of the Sierra de Irta is a perfect place to enjoy nature and tranquility, and to engage in activities such as hiking, cycling, diving, or fishing. Furthermore, the natural park has a rich historical and cultural heritage, including the castle of Peñíscola, the Badum tower, the hermitage of Santa Lucía, or the castle of Xivert.
Natural Park of the Tinença de Benifassà
This natural park is located in the Baix Maestrat region and is one of the most extensive and varied natural spaces in the Valencian Community. The Natural Park of the Tinença de Benifassà is an area of great ecological value, housing a wide diversity of plant and animal species, such as the griffon vulture, the golden eagle, the deer, the wild boar, or the wildcat. The Natural Park of the Tinença de Benifassà is an ideal place for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding, and to discover its villages, traditions, and gastronomy. Among the points of interest that can be visited in the natural park are the monastery of Santa María de Benifassà, the Ulldecona reservoir, the Roman bridge of the Pobla de Benifassà, or the sanctuary of the Virgin of the Fountain.
Natural Park of the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca
This natural park is located in the Plana Alta region and is a wetland of great ecological importance, which is part of the Natura 2000 Network. The Natural Park of the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca is a habitat for numerous bird species, such as the flamingo, the great egret, the mallard, or the Kentish plover. The Natural Park of the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca is an excellent place to observe wildlife and flora, and to engage in activities such as hiking and cycling. Additionally, the natural park has historical and cultural value, as evidenced by the archaeological remains of the Torre de la Sal, the Iberian settlement of Torrelló, or the watchtower of Cabanes.
Natural Park of the Columbretes Islands
This natural park is located in the Mediterranean Sea, about 50 kilometers from the coast of Castellón. The Natural Park of the Columbretes Islands consists of a group of volcanic islands and islets that constitute a marine reserve of great biological value. The Natural Park of the Columbretes Islands is a paradise for sea and diving lovers, as it offers the opportunity to contemplate the richness and beauty of its seabeds, where species such as the grouper, lobster, coral, or gorgonian inhabit. Additionally, the Natural Park of the Columbretes Islands is a place of historical and cultural interest, as evidenced by the lighthouse of Isla Grossa, the hermitage of San Pedro, or the legends of pirates and smugglers that surround the islands.
Natural Park of Penyagolosa
This natural park is located in the Alcalatén region and is characterized by its mountainous landscape, dominated by Penyagolosa, the highest peak in the province at 1,814 meters above sea level. The Natural Park of Penyagolosa is a space of great natural value, housing a wide variety of plant and animal species, such as the Aleppo pine, the Valencian oak, the Bonelli's eagle, the Eurasian eagle-owl, or the fox. The Natural Park of Penyagolosa is an ideal place for hiking, cycling, or climbing, and to enjoy the spectacular views offered by Penyagolosa. Furthermore, the natural park has historical and cultural value, as evidenced by the sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa, the castle of Xodos, the church of Vistabella, or the route of the Camí dels Pelegrins.
Natural Park of the Serra d’Espadà
This natural park is located in the Alto Mijares region and is one of the most emblematic and visited natural spaces in the province. The Natural Park of the Serra d’Espadà is an area of great ecological value, housing one of the largest forest masses in the Valencian Community, primarily composed of cork oaks. The Natural Park of the Serra d’Espadà is a perfect place for activities such as hiking, cycling, caving, or canyoning, and to discover its landscapes, springs, caves, and viewpoints. Additionally, the natural park has a rich historical and cultural heritage, including the castle of Ain, the church of Alcudia de Veo, the mill of Onda, or the museum of the Vall d’Uixó.
Natural Park of the Serra Calderona
This natural park is located in the Camp de Morvedre region and is one of the natural spaces closest to the city of Valencia. The Natural Park of the Serra Calderona is an area of great environmental value, housing a wide diversity of plant and animal species, such as the cork oak, the strawberry tree, the wild boar, the wildcat, or the short-toed snake eagle. The Natural Park of the Serra Calderona is an excellent place for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, or golf, and to enjoy its views, springs, rivers, and reservoirs. Furthermore, the natural park has historical and cultural value, as evidenced by the castle of Sagunto, the monastery of Santo Espíritu, the Charterhouse of Porta Coeli, or the castle of Serra.