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Castellon Mini Guide
Welcome to Castellon
Castellon (de la Plana) is the capital city of the Castellon province of
Valencia, located on the Costa del Azahar close to the shores of the Mediterranean and at the foot of the Desert de les Palmes mountains. The city, with orange trees lining its streets, is steeped in history dating back to the 13th century, and yet in contrast some areas have been sympathetically modernised.
Wherever your adventures take you, the scenery is stunning and the fresh air alone will bring your senses alive with the heady scents of orange blossom and pine for which the area is well known. From the crystal clear coast up to the marvellous mountain panoramas, there's a lot to take in and with a mixture of terrains, traditions and tastes, the featuring descriptive is "contrast" with a capital C.
Getting Around
Until the city's new airport opens, you are most likely to fly into Valencia Airport. From there, take about an hour's journey by train or bus to Castellon. A faster option would be to hire a car and have it conveniently at your disposal to make the most of your entire stay. The city has plenty to keep you occupied, or if you prefer to go further afield, both road connections and public transport will grant your every wish. Castellon also has a port and marina enabling a trip across to nearby islands if you so desire.
Culture, Cuisine ….and Contrast
Being a tourist is a breeze, orange-scented of course! Stroll along the tree-lined streets taking in the palace, cathedrals and churches. View Gothic and Renaissance architecture in the old quarter (the Plazas Mayor, de Santa Clara and de la Pescadería). The tapas bars at Plaza de Santa Clara are especially good for a tasty en route snack. In stark contrast just around the corner, indulge in some retail therapy on the modern Avenida Rey Don Jaime. There are numerous museums, the planetarium and historical sites, such as "El Fadri" the octagonal bell tower which is the city's symbol; or simply sit and watch the world go by in Ribalta Park. Football fans will be pleased for this is the home of aspiring La Liga team Villareal who play their home matches in the town.
Venturing out and about offers an endless list of nearby villages. If you are sporty and love water, a trip to the long sandy beaches is for you. The more temperate mountains are good for cyclists and walkers, and the three golf courses are great for playing a round.
After a hard day's activities sustenance is plentiful, whether you are in the city, a surrounding village, or on the coast. There are numerous restaurants and bars offering gastronomic treats, local dishes, or tapas. Enjoy the contrast in specialities of meat dishes at venues further inland or fresh fish and rice dishes nearer to the coast. And for dessert?... a variety of local sweet pastries and of course local oranges will set your taste buds tingling.
And Finally
You may have the opportunity to bump into a famous artist or sportsman at home in Castellon, including the golfer Sergio Garcia and racing driver Felix Perez.
Ryanair have announced they will be flying to Castellon from Bristol and Stansted from September this year making it far easier for travellers to get to this beautiful part of Spain.
- From the 2nd to the 10th March, the city hosts the Festival of the Magdalena of Castellon of Plana. Dating back to the 15th century, there are several unusual aspects of it including the night time procession of the Retorno and the procession of the shepherd's crooks which these days have become highly stylised and often illuminated.
- Castellon has its own large airport, completed in 2011 but as yet with no flights to it. The town and the airport have become somewhat of a laughing stock but the economic woes of the country mean that it is likely to remain mothballed for some time.