Spain-Experience Castellon-13 Special Places
Discover new places on Spain's Orange Blossom Coast, and charming inland villages. Did you know that three of Spain's officially most beautiful towns are located in the province of Castellon? Ryanair started flying into the Castellon Airport from the UK in September 2015.
Discover new places on Spain's Orange Blossom Coast, and charming inland villages. Did you know that three of Spain's officially most beautiful towns are located in the province of Castellon? Ryanair started flying into the Castellon Airport from the UK in September 2015.
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SPAIN<br />
EXPERIENCE CASTELLON<br />
<strong>13</strong> SPECIAL PLACES<br />
One Step Further Travel Guide<br />
1
Game Of Thrones Wrap Dinner At<br />
Restaurant Carmen Guillemot, Peñiscola<br />
A WARM WELCOME<br />
Locations that have been used as film sets, and the town that Ferrero<br />
Rocher voted the best and most beautiful in <strong>Spain</strong> for their 25th<br />
annivsary, can be found here in the province of <strong>Castellon</strong>.<br />
Home to <strong>Spain</strong>'s Orange Blossom Coast, this province still has plenty<br />
of the Real <strong>Spain</strong>. Ryanair started flying into the airport in<br />
September 2015, from the UK's Stansted & Bristol airports.<br />
Discover a superb variety of places to explore, from the beach to the<br />
mountains. This first edition brings you <strong>13</strong> of the province's top<br />
places, with more coming soon in the next edition.<br />
Mamen and Philippe of Restaurant Carmen Guillemot<br />
with their guests - Game of Thrones director, producer, scriptwriters and main actors<br />
Restaurant Carmen Guillemot, Peñiscola<br />
Reservations by phone: 964 481 381<br />
E-mail: info@carmenguillemot.com<br />
Website: http://www.carmenguillemot.com<br />
2 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 3
PEÑISCOLA<br />
ALCOSSEBRE-<br />
ALCALA DE XIVERT<br />
ABOUT US<br />
Hi, I am Jackie, originally from Dublin, Ireland, and my<br />
partner is Joao, from Lisbon, Portugal.<br />
We've been living in <strong>Spain</strong> since 2003. We've lived in<br />
ALMASSORA<br />
BENICASSIM<br />
OROPESA<br />
DEL MAR<br />
Catalonia, Granada, the Costa del Sol and the Canary<br />
Islands. In 2012 we moved to the province of<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong>, where we bought an olive and carob farm,<br />
which has heaps of work to do to it!<br />
VINAROS<br />
VILAFAMÉS<br />
NULES<br />
MORELLA<br />
This digital magazine is our first collection of some of the<br />
top spots in the province, but there are lots more, which<br />
we will add over the coming months. We are also working<br />
on bringing you accommodation listings and eventually<br />
property listings.<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong>: Where Variety Is The Spice Of Life<br />
Travelling around the province, perhaps one of the first things that hits a visitor who is new to the<br />
area, is the amazing variety of scenery and possibilities. The coastal area, the Costa Azahar (Orange<br />
Blossom Coast) has unspoilt parts where you can see plenty of orange groves, sometimes dotted with<br />
other crops, such as olives and artichokes. It also has lots and lots of lovely beaches. Inland has an<br />
abundance of wonderful nature and charming villages.<br />
Here you can still get a menu del dia (menu of the day) for anywhere between €8 - €12 euros on average,<br />
there are some that go higher than this. More often than not this will include 3 courses and at<br />
least one drink!<br />
4 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 5
EXPERIENCE CASTELLON<br />
WHEN TO VISIT<br />
Carnivals, Fiestas, Culture,<br />
Gastronomy, Nature, Beaches....<br />
<strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> - its carnivals, fiestas, great<br />
locally sourced food, family activities, wine routes,<br />
art, architecture, impressive castles, the remains of<br />
ancient civilisations, Rock Art....and of course its<br />
Mediterranean beaches.<br />
Explore and experience an abundance of nature<br />
routes, gastronomic and wine routes, or go to the<br />
renowned Artichoke Festival in Benicarlo.<br />
Or simply sit around in interesting, authentic inland<br />
villages, or by the sea on the Orange<br />
Blossom Coast, in a range of coastal towns.<br />
If you are planning a trip, remember that there's<br />
no end of local festivals and carnivals, many with<br />
their own special slant, and lots which are based<br />
upon traditions.<br />
Different Times Of Year<br />
When to visit very much depends on what you<br />
are looking for from your trip here. If it is “almost<br />
guaranteed sunshine” then you should be travelling<br />
between May to October, and if you like it<br />
really hot, then come in July and August.<br />
If the phrase "Orange Blossom Coast" leaves you<br />
in any doubt as to how the climate is, let me take<br />
a few moments to describe it to you. The climate<br />
is officially classified as a Tropical and Subtropical<br />
Steppe climate, with a mean monthly average<br />
of sunshine hours, at a yearly low in December of<br />
155 hours, and a yearly high of 320 in July.<br />
If you are coming to explore and the weather isn't<br />
the be all and end all, then you can travel right<br />
throughout the year. In this magazine, I will also<br />
highlight some of the interesting fiestas/festivals<br />
that take place during the year here. Some of<br />
these are well worth planning a trip around.<br />
If you are considering buying an investment<br />
property here, a holiday home, or a relocation<br />
property, then I would encourage you to come<br />
during different seasons, if that is possible. Generally<br />
off season the weather is very pleasant,<br />
but there are storms from time to time. The good<br />
thing is that they normally last for a day or two.<br />
The photo to the right was taken on St. Stephen's<br />
Day/Boxing Day 2015 in Vinaros.<br />
6 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 7
1. Peñiscola - The City In The Sea<br />
8 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 9
PEÑISCOLA:<br />
The City In<br />
The Sea<br />
Officially One<br />
Of <strong>Spain</strong>'s<br />
Most Beautiful<br />
Towns<br />
One of the aspects of <strong>Spain</strong><br />
that I have always loved is how<br />
so many towns and cities seem<br />
to balance the old with the new.<br />
Known as the City in the Sea,<br />
Peñiscola is a rather striking<br />
example of this, with its Templar<br />
Castle and medieval walls that<br />
are enchantingly surrounded by<br />
water. The former Papal Residence<br />
is also on the official list<br />
of <strong>Spain</strong>’s most beautiful towns.<br />
In fact in the province of <strong>Castellon</strong> we have<br />
three towns that make that list; the other two<br />
are Morella and Vilafames.<br />
Historical<br />
Conservation Area<br />
In 1972 Peñiscola was declared to be an Historical<br />
Conservation Area, and in October<br />
2015 it was used as a film location for Game of<br />
Thrones.<br />
Rising 64 metres above the azure blue sea, the<br />
castle and city walls envelope gorgeous windy<br />
cobbled stone streets, which are throbbing with<br />
the memories of centuries gone by, but at the<br />
same time are home to lots of little shops.<br />
Walking along these historic streets of the old<br />
town of Peñíscola, you need to stop quite frequently<br />
to take in the breathtaking views over<br />
the Mediterranean sea.<br />
Old By New<br />
Although for many the old town is the undisputed<br />
main attraction, along with the lovely<br />
beaches, Peñiscola has a large modern town, to<br />
cater for both residents and visitors.<br />
Just as the distant views of the town are a<br />
contrast of the castle over the sea, so is the<br />
town itself. The old town contrasts with the new<br />
town, and the busy summer season contrasts<br />
with the quiet winter season.<br />
Family Friendly<br />
Of course the shallow, calm waters in such a<br />
unique and stunning setting make it a great<br />
destination for families. In case you’re not<br />
aware, <strong>Spain</strong> in general, is a very family friendly<br />
destination.<br />
Like other Mediterranean countries, the locals<br />
generally dote on children, and instead of<br />
feeling awkward in some restaurants, as can<br />
happen back in colder climes, you should get a<br />
warm welcome in most establishments for your<br />
younger family members.<br />
Some foreigners have made it home also, but<br />
in comparison to the nearby towns of Benícarlo<br />
and Vinaros, there is a feeling of total shutdown<br />
in winter. However it is totally buzzing in the<br />
summertime, and the water is a lovely temperature<br />
in the sea.<br />
The slope is very gradual as you wander into<br />
the sea, just under the majestic castle – so you<br />
can walk out for quite a while before you need<br />
to get into a bit of<br />
swimming.<br />
10 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 11
Getting To Peñiscola<br />
Peñiscola Highlights<br />
Castles & Fortifications<br />
Peñiscola Castle (Papa Luna)<br />
Peñiscola Town Walls<br />
Plaza de Armas (the Parade Ground)<br />
Artillery Depot<br />
Sant Pere Gate<br />
Portal Fosc (the Dark Gate)<br />
Santa María Gate<br />
Natural Highlights<br />
La Petxina Spring<br />
Font de Dins Spring<br />
Bufador - natural rock erosion<br />
Churches<br />
Church of Santa Maria (Virgen del Socorro)<br />
Hermitages<br />
La Ermita de la Virgen de la Ermitana - beside<br />
the castle<br />
La Ermita de San Antonio<br />
Maritime Life Sights<br />
The Sea Museum<br />
The Lighthouse<br />
La Porteta<br />
Fishing Port<br />
By Air:<br />
Ryanair to <strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 51 km-32 miles<br />
There's a bus service that goes from the<br />
airport to Peñiscola, click for timetables and<br />
prices.<br />
Reus Airport - <strong>13</strong>2 km-82 miles<br />
Valencia Airport - 152 km-94 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 2<strong>13</strong> km-<strong>13</strong>2 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service, that stops at the<br />
train station in Benicarlo-Peñiscola, which<br />
is closer to Benicarlo. Check to ensure<br />
the train stops there.<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
12 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com <strong>13</strong>
Peñiscola Fiestas<br />
Peñiscola Fiestas<br />
Feast of St. Anthony<br />
Festival Date: 7th April<br />
plenty of partying also, plus habaneras - a<br />
Cuban form of music.<br />
There's a pilgrimmage to the hermitage, 5km<br />
from the town. Then paella is served to all<br />
the people and the fiesta generally goes on<br />
for a good while.<br />
Feast of St. Peter<br />
Festival Date: 29th June<br />
In honour of the patron saint of fishermen, a<br />
mass is held and there's a lovely visual scene<br />
San Isidro (Saint Isidore) Festival<br />
Festival Date: Saint Day 15th May<br />
when the sailors set sail from the port, with<br />
an effigy of the saint.<br />
Festival of Saint Anthony Abott-Sant<br />
Antoni Abat - 17th January<br />
Peñiscola Carnival<br />
Festival Date: Before Lent<br />
A mass is held in honour of the patron saint<br />
of farmers.<br />
Noche de San Juan (Night of St. John)<br />
Festival Date: Night of 23rd June<br />
This is a big festival all over <strong>Spain</strong>. On the<br />
eve of the Saint's day, bonfires are lit and a<br />
ritual takes place of cleansing.In Peñiscola it<br />
takes place on the South Beach, and there's<br />
Main Fiesta Patron Saint<br />
Festival Date: 7th to 22nd September<br />
Lots of events are organised in honour of<br />
the patron saint, the Virgin of Ermitana. The<br />
Queen is crowned, there are traditional dances<br />
and great firework displays. Watch out for<br />
the "Soltá" when calves are released into the<br />
streets and the locals run with them!<br />
This traditional festival is held in honour of<br />
A 3 day carnival, including fun, parades<br />
the patron saint of animals, and includes a<br />
and a fancy dress ball.<br />
rocession and blessing of the animals.<br />
Peñiscola Carnival<br />
Festival Date: Before Lent<br />
A 3 day carnival, including fun, parades and a<br />
Holy Week Peñiscola<br />
Holy Week sees the devoted religious<br />
processions in the old town of Peñiscola.<br />
fancy dress ball.<br />
14 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 15
2. Vinaros - An Authentic Seaside Town<br />
16 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 17
VINAROS<br />
Has An Excellent Carnival<br />
Capital of the Baix<br />
Maestrat<br />
Vinaros is the capital of the Bajo<br />
Maestrago region (Baix Maestrat in<br />
Valenciano). This means that it has a<br />
normal, working life happening all year<br />
round.<br />
It's a popular seaside destination<br />
for many nationalities, with Spanish,<br />
French, Germans and Dutch being the<br />
predominant ones. It has a beautiful<br />
promenade, a working port, an old<br />
town and plenty of ongoing activities.<br />
Vinaros also has an excellent carnival. Check<br />
out one of the Carnival Queens, in the photo<br />
on the left.<br />
A Lovely Promenade<br />
Like many of the places here in the province<br />
of Castellón, it has not been overrun with the<br />
type of crowds that enjoy some of the tackier<br />
areas of the Costa del Sol, and hopefully this<br />
will never happen. Don’t expect to have many<br />
people speak English to you and don’t even<br />
think about an English or Irish breakfast!<br />
Like most other towns it also has its rather<br />
plain parts, and some buildings here and there<br />
are a little run down.<br />
The lovely promenade, the market square<br />
(which is really called Plaza San Agustin), Plaza<br />
San Antonio, the old town and lots of other<br />
streets more than make up for this. Although it<br />
gets very busy during the height of the season,<br />
it is not spoilt.<br />
Vinaros Beaches<br />
The main beach, Playa del Fortí, is in the town<br />
centre by the lovely promenade. However as<br />
you go either onto the north of south coast<br />
there are lots of little coves also.<br />
Some of these on the south coast have interesting<br />
wooden structures (wooden solariums)<br />
that are perfect to relax on and watch the sea.<br />
Vinaros Beaches<br />
To discover the north and south coasts, if you<br />
like walking or cycling, these are good options.<br />
The town is extremely cycling friendly, you’ll<br />
see people of all ages, types and nationalities<br />
cycling around Vinaros.<br />
Do be aware, however, that the road set-up<br />
on the north coast is more challenging, as it<br />
doesn't have so much space and paths, as<br />
there are on the south coast.<br />
Locals seem to have a good awareness of<br />
cyclists, but of course there are also tourists<br />
driving in the area.<br />
There is one man in particular, who cycles<br />
around, who really makes me smile, as he looks<br />
so happy cycling around with his shirt off. It’s<br />
hard to put an age on him, but he could be<br />
close to 70, he’s quite tall and impressive looking<br />
on his bike. He was last spotted with a shirt<br />
on for the first time in early November!<br />
18 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 19
Getting To Vinaros<br />
Vinaros Highlights<br />
Architectural<br />
The Town Hall<br />
La Vila House (2nd Town Hall)<br />
Municipal Market<br />
Bullring<br />
Giner House<br />
Sendra House<br />
Membrillera House<br />
Castles & Towers<br />
Torre de los Moros – Tower of the Moors (by<br />
the Hermitage mentioned.<br />
Churches<br />
Archpriest Church of the Assumption with a<br />
Baroque Portal, bell tower and chapel.<br />
Hermitages<br />
Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia<br />
Vinaroz y San Sebastián – The Shrine of Our<br />
Lady of Mercy and Saint Sebastian<br />
- 6km from Vinaros on a hill called El Puig..<br />
It's in a beautiful location with spectacular<br />
views back over the coast and area.<br />
By Air:<br />
Ryanair to <strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 54 km-33 miles<br />
There's a bus service that goes from the<br />
airport to Vinaros, click for timetables and<br />
prices.<br />
Reus Airport - 111 km-69 miles<br />
Valencia Airport - 152 km-94 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 194 km-120 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service, that stops at the<br />
train station in Vinaros. Check to ensure<br />
the train stops there - not all do.<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
20 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 21
Vinaros Fiestas<br />
Vinaros Fiestas<br />
Festival of Saint Anthony Abott-Sant<br />
Antoni Abat - 17th January<br />
On the eve bonfires are lit in various squares<br />
around town. Then the next day there are<br />
different events, and meals for the farmers<br />
and people, in the hermitage.<br />
Vinaros Festival of Saint Sebastian<br />
Festival Date: 20th January<br />
Saint Sebastian is the patron Saint of Vinaros,<br />
and his feast is celebrated intensively<br />
by the locals. There's a pilgrimage to the<br />
Hermitage, and mass, some folk performances<br />
and a paella for the people.<br />
Vinaros Carnival<br />
Festival Date: Before Lent<br />
Vinaros has a great carnival, that has<br />
enough of a reputation to bring people<br />
from other towns. It has been made a<br />
fiesta of Autonomic Tourist Interest.<br />
Holy Week<br />
Of huge importance throughout <strong>Spain</strong>, Holy<br />
Week in Vinaros starts with the Encounter<br />
of the Gongs and the Drums, with bands<br />
from various parts of <strong>Castellon</strong> taking part.<br />
Throughout the week there are a number of<br />
processions and events.<br />
Fiestas of St. John & St. Peter<br />
Festival Date: 22nd to 29th June<br />
Vinaros has a week of celebrations and<br />
events for the Fiestas of St. John (eve of 24th<br />
June) and St. Peter - patron saint of fishermen.<br />
An idyllic time to come to Vinaros, with<br />
plenty of events, open air music, firework<br />
displays and more ....for all the family.<br />
Festival of Our Lady of Carmen<br />
Festival Date: 16th July<br />
Carmen is also a patron saint of the sea and<br />
fishermen. She is celebrated widely throughout<br />
<strong>Spain</strong>.This is a beautiful fiesta normally<br />
from a visual perspective, as there is a sailors'<br />
procession. The fishing boats are decorated<br />
and go out to sea, bringing back in the Virgin<br />
Carmen.<br />
Vinaros King Prawn Festival<br />
Festival Date: August<br />
Vinaros is famous for its prawns, and this<br />
festival has been running since 1963.There<br />
are tasting events on the promenade, and it<br />
is one of the important tasting events in the<br />
province of <strong>Castellon</strong>.<br />
22 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 23
3. Alcossebre-Alcalá de Xivert - Contrasts<br />
24 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 25
Contrasting Towns<br />
10km Of Beaches<br />
Explore Nature<br />
If you do stay there however, be sure to drive<br />
the short journey to Alcalà de Xivert. If your<br />
main aim is to soak up the sun, swim, paddle,<br />
relax and enjoy the beach life, then Alcossebre<br />
is a good choice, with around 10 km of coastline<br />
within the municapality. There's a good<br />
For those who wish to explore nature, the area<br />
is surrounded by two natural parks . one to the<br />
north, around 20 km - the Sierra d'Irta and the<br />
Dunes System, which lies between the beaches<br />
of Romana and Carregador. Also to the south,<br />
35km away, is the Desierto de las Palmas.<br />
choice of beaches and coves where you can<br />
spend your day.<br />
Alcalá de Xivert<br />
Blue Flag Beaches<br />
Heading 4 km in from the coast is the authentic<br />
town of Alcalá de Xivert. As we find in so<br />
many of the towns here and of course in other<br />
Alcossebre has a couple of blue flag beaches,<br />
one of which can be found to the south, of a<br />
lovely sand dune area. This is Romana Beach<br />
(Playa Romana) It is a fine sandy beach, around<br />
500 metres long by 40 metres wide.<br />
areas of <strong>Spain</strong> and Catalonia, there are some<br />
architectural highlights that have been left from<br />
centuries ago. In the case of the inland parts<br />
of this municipality there are a few of these that<br />
are notable.<br />
Contrasting Towns<br />
Alcalà de Xivert and Alcossebre belong<br />
to the same municipality, so that’s the<br />
reason they are together in this feature.<br />
What makes this pair interesting<br />
is the contrast between them.<br />
Alcossebre is a beach town that is<br />
quite developed for tourism, but only<br />
to a pleasant level,. Alcalà de Xivert<br />
Surprisingly Alcalà de Xivert has an<br />
Australian bar.<br />
10km Of Beaches<br />
The drive from there to Alcossebre is<br />
about 4 km and actually the descent<br />
into the town is lovely, with the sea in<br />
front of you as you drive.<br />
The Marina<br />
As there is a marina in Alcossebre, this means<br />
that there are also more water activities on offer.<br />
At the Las Fuentes Sports Marina, there's a<br />
dive centre, where people of all levels, including<br />
beginners, can do specialised courses. Boat<br />
hire is also available at the marina.<br />
The most striking ones can both be seen from<br />
the motorway if you are driving from certain<br />
places - and these are the Xivert Castle and the<br />
Church and Belltower of St. John the Baptist.<br />
The construction of the church was paid for<br />
by the inhabitants of Alcalá de Xivert, and the<br />
magnifcent church you can see today lies on<br />
the same spot of a former church.<br />
is a typical town, which has its own<br />
charm also. For the average sun seeking<br />
tourist, the obvious choice is Alcossebre<br />
to be close to the beach, port<br />
and a good choice of amenities, but<br />
for those who want to experience more<br />
typical town life, then Alcalà de Xivert<br />
is an interesting choice.<br />
There’s a long promenade, lots of<br />
lovely residential areas that are full of<br />
trees, and some very attractive properties.<br />
It has the feeling of a town where<br />
one can expect to enjoy the finer<br />
things in life, without being over the<br />
top or pretentious.<br />
Amazing Views<br />
For amazing views, assuming you have a head<br />
for heights, and of course also for spiritual<br />
inspiration, head up to the Ermita de Santa<br />
Lucía y Sant Benet, which is 312 metres above<br />
sea level.<br />
26 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 27
Getting To Alcossebre-Alcalá de Xivert<br />
Alcossebre-Alcalá de Xivert Highlights<br />
Castles & Towers<br />
Xivert Castle<br />
Torre Cap i Corb<br />
Ebrí Tower - Sierra de Irta<br />
Hermitages<br />
Hermitage of Saint Lucy and Saint Benet (Ermita<br />
de Santa Lucía y Sant Benet) Alcossebre<br />
San Benet Mountain<br />
Churches<br />
Church of St. John the Baptist, Alcala de Xivert<br />
(Iglesia San Juan Bautista)<br />
Chapel of Our Lady of the Forsaken. Alcalà<br />
de Xivert (Capilla Virgen de los Desamparados)<br />
Hermitage of Saint Anthony (Ermita de San<br />
Antonio) Cap i Corb, close to the mouth of<br />
the Cuevas River<br />
Chapel of the Stations of the Cross (Ermita<br />
del Calvario)<br />
By Air:<br />
Ryanair to <strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 24 km-15 miles<br />
There's a bus service that goes from the<br />
airport to Alcossebre, click for timetables and<br />
prices.<br />
Valencia Airport - 123 km-76 miles<br />
Reus Airport - 154 km- 95 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 238 km-148 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service, that stops at the<br />
train station in Alcala de Xivert. Check to<br />
ensure the train stops there - not all do.<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
28 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 29
Alcossebre-Alcalá de Xivert Fiestas<br />
Alcossebre-Alcalá de Xivert Fiestas<br />
Alcala de Xivert-San Pedro de Verona-<br />
Festes del Fadrins<br />
Festival Date: 26th April to 1st May<br />
Although this is of religious origin and does<br />
have religious aspects to it today, you’ll see<br />
Alcala de Xivert-Main Festival<br />
Festival Date: 22nd August - 10 days<br />
It includes plenty of fun, cultural, artistic and<br />
recreational activities.<br />
that the town of Alcala de Xivert, is lively and<br />
there’s a focus during this festival weekend<br />
on the unmarried men of the town – watch<br />
out for the young bulls being let loose!<br />
The festival, has its roots in religion originally,<br />
and is in honour of St. John the Baptist and<br />
the Sacred Heart of Jesus.<br />
Festival of the Virgin of the Helpless<br />
Alcala de Xivert<br />
Festival Date: 2nd/3rd Sundays May<br />
Alcossebre Main Festival<br />
Festival Date: 10th September - 4 days<br />
This is the main summer festival of the town,<br />
This is predominantly a religious traditional<br />
and you can expect the bull to take a focal<br />
festival, but also includes processions and<br />
point, with lots of focus around the old cus-<br />
costumes.<br />
toms.<br />
Festival of Saint Anthony Abott-Sant<br />
Antoni Abat - 17th January<br />
Held on the weekend that falls closest to the<br />
saint’s day of the 17th January, the procession<br />
includes the horses and other animals<br />
who have been blessed. Visitors can see the<br />
colourful traditions of horses dragging trees,<br />
processions of animals while women read<br />
satirical pieces on current affairs and the<br />
traditional bonfire.<br />
Carnival<br />
Festival Date: Before Lent<br />
Carnival normally happens on slightly<br />
different dates in the two towns.<br />
Holy Week<br />
Enjoy impressive religious processions,<br />
during Holy Week, which is of such huge<br />
importance throughout <strong>Spain</strong><br />
San Isidro Festival Alcala de Xivert-Feria<br />
Agricola de San Isidro<br />
Festival Date: Saint Day 15th May<br />
This is the farmer’s festival, but during it<br />
around the Saint's day of San Isidro, which<br />
falls on the 15th May, there is also an agricultural<br />
fair. In 2015 the fair was on the last<br />
weekend of the month, so please check in<br />
advance.<br />
Alcala de Xivert-Main Festival<br />
Festival Date: 22nd August - 10 days<br />
There’s a full itinerary for 4 days, that includes<br />
plenty of fun, cultural, artistic and<br />
recreational activities<br />
This is the main summer festival of the town,<br />
and you can expect the bull to take a focal<br />
point, with lots of focus around the old customs.<br />
There’s a full itinerary for around 10<br />
days.<br />
30 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 31
4. Almassora- Interesting Potential<br />
32 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 33
The two that especially caught my eye are the<br />
Casa del Doctor Castell (House of Doctor Castell)<br />
and the Edifici de la Caixa Rural (Building<br />
of the Rural Bank.)<br />
At the moment Almassora, like many of the<br />
other towns of <strong>Castellon</strong>, has predominantly<br />
Spanish tourists. This means on one hand<br />
there's both tourism and property potential,<br />
and on ther other hand,<br />
It's best not to expect that English will be spoken<br />
that often.<br />
Via Augusta<br />
Beaches<br />
Interesting<br />
Potential<br />
Do not let the industrialised surroundings<br />
of Almassora put you off going<br />
there. This is a town with interesting<br />
potential, especially now that the<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport opened for its first<br />
The name Almassora comes from the<br />
Latin word “mansio” which means<br />
stopping place or inn.<br />
Typically Mediterranean, the town is<br />
split by the river Mijares, and it mixes<br />
the modern with the old, the natural<br />
with the industrialised.<br />
Part of the Via Augusta, it has a population of<br />
around 24,000 and its main economic activity<br />
is the ceramic industry. In the last few decades<br />
it has become increasingly industrialised, however<br />
today you can still enjoy a stroll around<br />
the old town of Almassora, plus its areas of<br />
great natural beauty and of course relax on one<br />
of its lovely beaches.<br />
La Villa – The Old<br />
Town<br />
The beaches are a few kilometres away from<br />
the town centre, but the journey to them is very<br />
pleasant, and takes you past the Hermitage<br />
of Santa Quiteria - who is the town's patron<br />
saint.<br />
At the time of writing, there isn't that much<br />
holiday accommodation advertised in English<br />
for the town. It does have some great property<br />
opportunies - especially if the flights and airport<br />
work out, over time!<br />
flights in mid September 2015. The old<br />
town has some lovely buildings and a<br />
labyrinth of streets named after Saints.<br />
There are also a number of buildings<br />
that could do with some TLC, but for<br />
those who are visual, it is not hard<br />
to imagine how this part of the town<br />
could look when these façades have<br />
had a make-over.<br />
Some of its top attractions are its old<br />
town, the Hermitage of Santa Quiteria,<br />
which is located in an area of natural<br />
beauty, various churches and chapels,<br />
some museums, its beaches and an<br />
area of ecological importance at the<br />
mouth of the river Mijares. In Spanish<br />
the name of the town is Almazora.<br />
Around the streets Burriana, d’Arremur and Colon<br />
there are remnants of the medieval wall that<br />
surrounded the old town of Almassora. You can<br />
still see porches in the square that date<br />
from the 15th century.<br />
From more modern times, there are also a<br />
number of eclectic modernist buildings which<br />
stand out proudly in the town.<br />
34 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 35
Getting To Almassora<br />
Almassora Highlights<br />
Archaeological Civilisations<br />
Torrelló de Boverot<br />
Architectural Interest<br />
Edifici de la Caixa Rural – Rural Bank Building<br />
(1929)<br />
Casa del doctor Castell – House of Doctor<br />
Castell (1905)<br />
L’Assut (in Spanish El Azud) – The Weir -<br />
Close to Santa Quiteria<br />
Puente Sobre el Río Mijares – Bridge over the<br />
River Mijares - N340<br />
Monolito – Monolith - N340<br />
By Air:<br />
Ryanair to <strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 39 km-24 miles<br />
Valencia Airport - 72 km - 45 miles<br />
Reus Airport - 194 km- 120 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 276 km-171 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service,. Almassora is on a<br />
local train line, on a route C6 which connects<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> to Villareal.<br />
Driving<br />
Churches<br />
Iglesia Parroquial de la Natividad – Parish<br />
Church of the Nativity - Plaza de la Iglesia, 1<br />
Iglesia del Cristo del Calvario – Church of<br />
Christ Stations of the Cross - Avda. José<br />
Ortiz, 2<br />
Hermitages<br />
Ermita de San Juan Bautista – Hermitage<br />
of Saint John the Baptist - Next to La Torre<br />
Beach<br />
Ermita de San José – Hermitage of Saint Joseph<br />
- San Rafael 185<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
Hermitages<br />
Ermitorio de Santa Quiteria – Hermitage of<br />
Ermita de Roser del Mar – Chapel of Roser of<br />
the Sea - Xopar en la Mar<br />
Santa Quiteria - Santa Quiteria, 4km from the<br />
town<br />
Natural Parks<br />
Desembocadura del Mijares – Mouth of the<br />
Ermita de Sant Antoni – Hermitage of Saint<br />
River Mijares – Les Goles (the Goals) - this is<br />
Anthony - Camí la Mar - 1.5 km east from the<br />
a protected area.<br />
town<br />
36 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 37
Almassora Fiestas<br />
Almassora Fiestas<br />
Almassora Festival of St. Quiteria<br />
Festival Date: 22nd May for 1 week<br />
This is one of the main festivals and it goes<br />
on for around a week, falling around the 22nd<br />
May.<br />
Mare de Deu del Roser Patron Fiesta<br />
Festival Date: 1st Sunday of October<br />
Watch out for the bulls in the streets, the famous<br />
dinner of "Pa i Porta" where are 5000 or<br />
so people eat together.<br />
In honour of St. Quiteria, like so many of<br />
these festivals today, there is a religious<br />
aspect and origin, but also plenty of fun and<br />
festivities. Expect to see some bulls around<br />
the streets, entertainment for children, cultural<br />
events, music and fireworks.<br />
Each person has a place at the table, imagine<br />
...and there's a great concert also.<br />
The people of Almassora are very proud ot<br />
this event, and other Spanish towns have<br />
tried to imitate it!<br />
Festival of Saint Anthony Abott-Sant<br />
Antoni Abat - 17th January<br />
A very traditional festival, where farm animals<br />
were blessed for the coming year, these days<br />
owners bring other animals as well.<br />
The animals are blessed the door of the Parish<br />
Church, given a commemorative ribbon<br />
and then there's a processionto to the bonfire<br />
and the blessed cake.<br />
Holy Week<br />
Holy Week is special all over <strong>Spain</strong>,<br />
marked by solemn processions, that can<br />
be quite impressive. In Almassora, on<br />
Sunday morning at 9am, there is music,<br />
fireworks and doves are released.<br />
Festival-Noche de San Juan<br />
Festival Date: Night of 23rd June<br />
This is a huge festival all over <strong>Spain</strong>. The eve<br />
of the feast day of St. John, people gather on<br />
the beaches and light bonfires.<br />
The concept is to purge in the bonfire the<br />
sins/issues of the previous year and then<br />
bathe in the sea at midnight. It's a great one<br />
to be part of, and in Almasora, there is music<br />
and fireworks on the promenade. In many<br />
places people camp out on the beach right<br />
through the night, as the festivities continue.<br />
Mare de Deu del Roser Patron Fiesta<br />
Festival Date: 1st Sunday of October<br />
This is another patron fiesta, with heaps going<br />
on in Almassora.<br />
Plenty for all the family during this fiesta also!<br />
38 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 39
5. Benicássim- Belle Epoque By The Beach<br />
40 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 41
Music Maestro<br />
Benicassim is best known for the<br />
Festival International of Benicassim,<br />
(FIB) which has included lots of big<br />
names over the years.<br />
2015 saw the likes of Blur, Portishead<br />
and The Prodigy as headline acts. FIB<br />
is in July, and then in August there's<br />
the Rototom reggae festival.<br />
The Roaring Twenties<br />
And even though it's most famous for <strong>Spain</strong>’s<br />
top musical festival, Benicassim actually has<br />
one of the most charming promenades that I<br />
have ever seen.<br />
It is extremely well kept beside lovely beaches,<br />
but what makes it really special are the wonderful<br />
late 19th and early 20th century villas<br />
that line parts of it.<br />
The wonderful Benicassim villas, by the sea,<br />
make me dream about the lifestyle of the roaring<br />
twenties, and some of the amazing parties<br />
that must have been hosted in these houses.<br />
Oh, if only the walls could tell me some stories!<br />
Architecturally some of them are very beautiful.<br />
Of course architectural taste is a subjective<br />
issue, however it’s hard not be affected by the<br />
grandeur and perfect location.<br />
Feeling of Affluence<br />
Apart from this Belle Epoque highlight, there's<br />
plenty of other streets that have a feeeling of<br />
affluence, wtih beautiful mature trees that line<br />
the streets, that are home to some impressive<br />
properties.<br />
Waterpark & Barefoot<br />
Carmelites<br />
For families who are travelling with children,<br />
there is a water park in Benicássim, called<br />
Aquarama. The perfect place to wear out<br />
the younger family members, at least for one<br />
day of the holidays - do be warned that in<br />
the height of the season, it is very popular of<br />
course, so there are big queues.<br />
Within the municipality, you shouldn't miss the<br />
spectacular scenery and views from the Desierto<br />
de las Palmas.<br />
This is a natural park, around 10 km from the<br />
town itself, where you can see the ruins of the<br />
original Barefoot Carmelite monastery, as well<br />
as the space that they have there today.<br />
Some parts of the road are curvy, narrow steep<br />
mountain roads, so take the drive easy. There's<br />
also a restaurant there, since 1967, which has<br />
maintained a good reputation.<br />
Even though many people know of<br />
Benicássim because of its big music<br />
festivals, it is a lovely seaside town,<br />
with Belle Epoque villas that line some<br />
of promenades.<br />
Head into the town centre, and enjoy a good<br />
buzz, with plenty of bars, restaurants to choose<br />
from.<br />
42 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 43
Getting To Benicássim<br />
Benicássim Highlights<br />
Architectural Interest<br />
The Villas Route<br />
Castles & Towers<br />
Castillo de Montornés – Montornés Castle<br />
Torre de San Vicente – Saint Vincent’s Tower<br />
Churches<br />
Iglesia Parroquial de Santo Tomás de Villanueva<br />
– Parish Church of Santo Tomás de<br />
Villanueva - Plaza Constitución<br />
The Old & New Monasteries of the Barefoot<br />
Carmelite Fathers are in the park below.<br />
Natural Parks<br />
In a spectacular setting, with amazing views<br />
down over the coast, you’ll find the Desert de<br />
les Palmes Natural Park (Valenciano) or the<br />
Desierto de las Palmas (Spanish).<br />
These lands have been inhabited as far back<br />
as the Neolithic period, but historically the<br />
area is most associated with the Barefoot<br />
Carmelites.<br />
By Air:<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 34 km-21 miles<br />
There's a bus service that goes from the airport<br />
to Benicássim, click for timetables and<br />
prices.<br />
Valencia Airport - 90 km-56 miles<br />
Reus Airport - 169 km-105 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 250 km-155 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service, that stops at the<br />
train station in Benicassim Check to ensure<br />
the train stops there - not all do.<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
44 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 45
Benicássim Fiestas<br />
Benicássim Fiestas<br />
Corpus Christi<br />
Festival Date: 26th May<br />
MUSIC FESTIVALS<br />
If you come to Benicassim for Corpus Christi,<br />
you will see that there are carpets of real<br />
Check links for various websites:<br />
flowers, in the streets where the procession<br />
passes.<br />
May Childrens' Music Festival<br />
Festival-Noche de San Juan<br />
Festival Date: Night of 23rd June<br />
A wonderful ritual that happens throughout<br />
http://formiguesfestival.com/<br />
June Blues Festival<br />
<strong>Spain</strong>, the night before the Saint's day, is<br />
when people go to the beach, light bon-<br />
http://www.benicassimblues.com/<br />
fires and cleanse themselves of the previous<br />
year's "stuff" at midnight. The party goes on<br />
July FIB<br />
Festival of Saint Anthony Abott-Sant<br />
Antoni Abat - 17th January<br />
The procession takes place, with offerings to<br />
the Saint, and the traditional cake is distributed.<br />
There are bonfires in the evening.<br />
Paella Day - 22nd January<br />
Those who wish to take part need to call<br />
964 300 962<br />
Holy Week<br />
Holy Week, Semana Santa, is celebrated<br />
in Benicássim, with procesions, drumming<br />
and festivites.<br />
til late, and quite a few people camp out on<br />
the beach for the night.<br />
Benicassim Belle Epoque<br />
Festival Date: 5th-8th Sept(TBC)<br />
A wonderful celebration of the Belle Epoque<br />
period, that takes place around the villas by<br />
the beaches of Almadraba and Voramar.<br />
http://www.fiberfib.com/en/<br />
August Rototom Sunsplash Reggae<br />
www.rototomsunsplash.com/en/<br />
Declared to be a Fiesta of Provincial Tourist<br />
Interest, the Paella Day of Benicássim is running<br />
over 26 years. Around 800 paellas are<br />
made in the main streets.<br />
Santo Tomás de Villanueva<br />
Festival Date: 22nd Sept. 1 week<br />
For a week, around the date of the Saint's<br />
day, there are a range of festivities happening<br />
in Benicássim, including fairs, fireworks, bulls<br />
and fiestas.<br />
46 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 47
6. Benicarlo- Artichokes, Parrots & Beaches<br />
48 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 49
Artichokes &<br />
Beaches<br />
Benicarlo is on the Orange Blossom<br />
Coast, yet is not far from the border<br />
of Catalonia. It has an industrialised<br />
entrance which is off-putting, but the<br />
town itself is authentic. There are<br />
some good beaches, and of course the<br />
marina, plus you can see the Castle of<br />
Peñiscola from its coast.<br />
Famous for its artichokes, this fishing<br />
and agricultural town has a small, interesting<br />
old quarter with some notable<br />
examples of fine architecture. Benicarlo<br />
is also home to a Parador.<br />
Benicarlo Artichokes<br />
The Benicarlo artichoke is so famous that it has<br />
in fact been honoured as a protected denomination.<br />
Even if you aren’t an artichoke lover,<br />
the view of the fields when the artichoke plants<br />
are flowering is gorgeous; a carpet of purple<br />
and green that stretches out in front of you.<br />
When looking at the men working in the artichokes<br />
fields, you can see an expanse of green<br />
which meets the blue of the sea.<br />
One event in the social calendar of Benicarlo is<br />
the Artichoke Festival.<br />
The Parrot Garden<br />
There’s enough to do and see in the town, and<br />
close by to make Benicarlo a good choice for a<br />
beach holiday, with an injection of culture and<br />
nature. One attraction that is not very far is the<br />
Parrot Garden, which is on the road between<br />
Benicarlo and Peniscola.<br />
The town also has its own marina, which is a<br />
lovely spot with plenty of bars and restaurants,<br />
as well as a disco. Benicarlo has some good<br />
beaches and coves, plus a fine church and<br />
other buildings of architectural interest. Like<br />
many Spanish towns it has its fair share of fiestas,<br />
and towards the end of August, there’s 9<br />
days packed full of fun and festivities. There’s<br />
so much going on that it’s pretty much impossible<br />
to get to everything.<br />
Worth The Trip<br />
It’s also in a great location to visit one of<br />
<strong>Spain</strong>’s most beautiful towns Peñiscola – which<br />
is only a few miles away, and really deserves a<br />
visit.<br />
Another of <strong>Spain</strong>’s prettiest towns is a longer<br />
trip away, but still very well worth the effort<br />
to drive the 70km or so, it takes a bit over an<br />
hour. This is the magnificent Morella.<br />
Do be warned that some parts of the road to<br />
Morella aren’t for the faint hearted …but it’s still<br />
something that I would highly recommend.<br />
Another shorter trip is to the Delta de l’Ebre<br />
Natural Park – which takes around 35 to 40<br />
minutes. This is where you can see paddy<br />
fields, flamingoes, and lots of other birds, along<br />
with unspoilt beaches and sand dunes<br />
50 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 51
Getting To Benicarlo<br />
Benicarlo Highlights<br />
Archaeological Civilisations<br />
Poblado Ibérico del Puig de la Nau - Iberian<br />
Churches<br />
Iglesia de San Bartolomé - Saint Bartho-<br />
Settlement of Puig de la Nau<br />
molew’s Church<br />
Poblado Ibérico de la Tossa - Iberian Settle-<br />
Convento de San Francisco - Convent of<br />
ment of Tossa<br />
Saint Francis<br />
Architectural<br />
Antigua Prisión - The Old Prison<br />
Casa Bosch - Bosch House<br />
Hermitages<br />
Ermita de San Gregorio - Saint<br />
Gregory’s Hermitage<br />
Csa del Marqués de Benicarló - House of the<br />
By Air:<br />
Trains<br />
Marquis of Benicarlo<br />
Churches<br />
Capilla del Santo Cristo del Mar - Chapel of<br />
Holy Christ of the Sea<br />
Museums<br />
El Mucbe- Benicarlo Town Museum<br />
Museo del Mar San Telmo - Museum of the<br />
Sea Saint Thelma<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 48 km-30 miles. There's<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a bus service that goes from the airport to<br />
a good train service, that stops at the<br />
Benicarlo, click for timetables and prices.<br />
train station in Benicarlo. Check to ensure<br />
the train stops there - not all do.<br />
Reus Airport - 125 km-77 miles<br />
Valencia Airport - 145 km-90 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 206 km-128 miles<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
52 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 53
Benicarlo Fiestas<br />
Benicarlo Fiestas<br />
San Gregorio (St. Gregory)<br />
Festival Date: 9th May<br />
A pilgrimage takes place in honour of the<br />
Saint to the Hermitage.<br />
Later on in the courtyard of the hermitage,<br />
there's paella cooked for all the pilgrims,<br />
which is free - thanks to the Friends of St.<br />
Gregory.<br />
Festival of Saint Anthony Abott-Sant<br />
Antoni Abat - 17th January<br />
This is a traditional festival that is focused<br />
around the blessing of the animals, and in the<br />
streets there arecampfires. Some of the typical<br />
products are roasted, such as chops and<br />
artichokes.<br />
Around dusk there is the burning of the Dimoni,<br />
in the Church Square to ward off evil<br />
spirits, and then the festival parade and the<br />
blessing of the animals. A special local cake<br />
is given to the people.<br />
Articoke Festival<br />
Festival Date: 20/01/2016<br />
Basically Benicarlo is to artichokes what<br />
certain area of France, <strong>Spain</strong> etc are to wine...<br />
this is celebrated for around a week during<br />
the 3rd week of January.<br />
Benicarlo Fallas and Fiesta of St.<br />
Joseph<br />
Festival Date: 10/03/2016 TBC<br />
Amazing large figures are created from<br />
papier maché, although these days other<br />
materials may be used also.<br />
There is a winner for the best figure, and<br />
then the big ritual is that all of the others<br />
are burnt! It is a strange spectacle, as so<br />
much work has gone into them and they<br />
are often striking and creative.<br />
Benicarlo Holy Week<br />
Like the rest of <strong>Spain</strong>, Benicarlo has religious<br />
processions and fervour.<br />
Festival-Noche de San Juan<br />
Festival Date: Night of 23rd June<br />
A wonderful ritual that happens throughout<br />
<strong>Spain</strong>, the night before the Saint's day, is<br />
when people go to the beach, light bonfires<br />
and cleanse themselves of the previous<br />
year's "stuff" at midnight. The party goes on<br />
til late, and quite a few people camp out on<br />
the beach for the night.<br />
Go to Morrongo Beach to celebrate the Night<br />
of San Juan, with bonfires, a dip in the sea at<br />
midnight and partying.<br />
Fiestas Patronales<br />
Festival Date: 2nd/3rd week August<br />
Around the 2nd or 3rd week of August, is<br />
when the patron saint fiesta happens for<br />
around a week. There's lots going on, such as<br />
bulls, a battle of the flowers, childrens' shows,<br />
Havana singing, a Maritime festival, fireworks,<br />
giants and general partying, in addition to<br />
some religious events.<br />
.<br />
54 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 55
Discover <strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana<br />
7. <strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana - Port & Culture<br />
56 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 57
<strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana is a<br />
growing city, with plenty of<br />
activity and attractions, including<br />
its own marina – El<br />
Grao de <strong>Castellon</strong>, where<br />
there’s a casino and lots of<br />
lovely bars, restaurants and<br />
cafes. Capital of the region of<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong>, this city sits in an<br />
area where there is an interesting<br />
blend of landscapes.<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana<br />
tradition, and seaside relaxation with city living.<br />
This, still relatively undiscovered city, in parts,<br />
is not unlike an open air museum. Between a<br />
wealth of historical and architectural sites of<br />
value, the city itself is actually decked out in<br />
more than 200 sculptures. <strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana<br />
also has its fair share of squares. It also has a<br />
fascinating history. Of course like any other city,<br />
it has plenty of normal areas as well.<br />
The most popular beach -Gurugu Beach (La Playa<br />
de Gurugú) is an ample, sandy stretch on the<br />
coastline, which flanks the motorway in between<br />
Castellón and Benicassim. It travels from the El<br />
Camino de la Plana crossroads to the Rio Seco’s<br />
(Dry River) mouth.<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana<br />
Over the years the summer season has become<br />
busier here, and in the height of the season,<br />
visitors make use of the beach facilities until the<br />
wee hours!<br />
At the Gurugu Beach, you’ll find the maritime<br />
HQ of Circulo Mercantil e Industrial, where it’s<br />
possible to dine in a restaurant that has been<br />
constructed directly on the sand. Behind the<br />
coastline, there is a large piece of city land that<br />
is being used currently as an airfield and is home<br />
to Aeroclub Castellón.<br />
El Grao de <strong>Castellon</strong> (the port)<br />
...is known to have had Iberian<br />
settlements over 2000 years ago...<br />
The city of <strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana<br />
has a population of 173,841,<br />
so do expect to see normal cty<br />
In the city itself you’ll definitely want to visit the central market,<br />
the Santa Maria Cathedral, the town hall, a number of<br />
lovely, historic mansions, to mention but a few.<br />
life, and industrialisation alongside<br />
the beaches, port and<br />
interesting buildings.<br />
Between the city, the marina, beaches and islands, there is<br />
an abundance to see and do. However it would be a shame<br />
to be so close to the lovely city of Valencia and not pop in at<br />
There are some fine sandy least on a day trip. It’s 74 km away from Valencia.<br />
beaches in the area, and out<br />
at sea you should really visit<br />
the Columbretes Islands, which<br />
are a protected national park,<br />
around 30 miles from El Grao<br />
de <strong>Castellon</strong>.<br />
The town of <strong>Castellon</strong> has countless charms. It is a promising<br />
destination, because of its proximity to the coast and its<br />
huge range of cultural offerings. For a number of years now<br />
the city has been revitalised, to turn it into a tourist destination<br />
with great potential, that combines modernity and<br />
58 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 59
Getting To <strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana Highlights<br />
Architectural Interest<br />
Discover The Main Square – Plaza Mayor<br />
Ayuntamiento de Castellón – <strong>Castellon</strong> City<br />
Hall<br />
La Lonja del Canamo – Hemp Trading Hall<br />
La Farola – The Street Light<br />
El Faro del Grao – The Lighthouse Of The<br />
Grao<br />
Castles & Towers<br />
Castell Vell – Old Castle<br />
Museums<br />
Museu d’Etnologia de <strong>Castellon</strong> – <strong>Castellon</strong><br />
Museum of Ethnology<br />
Museu de Belles Arts – Fine Arts Museum<br />
Church of Sant Miquel – St. Michael’s Church<br />
– Today the Bancaja Foundation Exhibition<br />
Centre<br />
City & Natural Parks<br />
Parque Ribalta – Ribalta Park<br />
Islas Columbretes – Columbretes Islands<br />
Churches<br />
Concatedral de Santa María – Saint Mary Co-<br />
Cathedral<br />
El Fadrí Campanario – Fadri Belltower<br />
Basílica de la Mare de Déu del Lledó – The<br />
Lledó Basilica<br />
Interpretation Centre<br />
Planetario de <strong>Castellon</strong> – Planetarium<br />
By Air:<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 33 km-20 miles<br />
There's a bus service that goes from the<br />
airport to <strong>Castellon</strong>, click for timetables and<br />
prices.<br />
Valencia Airport - 76 km-47 miles<br />
Reus Airport - 185 km-115 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 265 km-165 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service, that stops at the<br />
train station in <strong>Castellon</strong>. Please note that<br />
there is an express train that doesn't stop<br />
in all stations, so double check.<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
60 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 61
<strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana Fiestas<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana Fiestas<br />
Festival of St. Peter<br />
Festival Date: 29th June<br />
Another festival that has been declared to be<br />
of Tourist Interest (Autonomic) is the week or<br />
so of festivities that take place in the maritime<br />
district, around the Saint's day - 29th<br />
June.<br />
As well as being the patron saint of fishermen,<br />
St. Peter is also the city's patron saint.<br />
There's a Sea Parade, processions, bulls, traditional<br />
dances, fireworks, traditional music<br />
and lots going on.<br />
If you do go at this time, try also to go to<br />
the Sardine BBQ - which is a meal for all the<br />
people, with sardines, wine and bread.<br />
This fiesta is a very colourful and it's a fun<br />
time to visit the maritime district of <strong>Castellon</strong><br />
de la Plana.<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana Neighbourhood<br />
Fiestas<br />
Like other large cities, there are a number of<br />
neighbourhood fiestas that take place around<br />
the city. Check them out here.<br />
Fair and Festival of Mary Magdalene<br />
Festival Date: 27th February to 6th<br />
March<br />
This festival has been declared to be of International<br />
Tourist Interest. For 9 days there<br />
are fireworks, performances, concerts, international<br />
musical groups, local festival monuments<br />
(gaiatas) and local festival groups<br />
(collas) around the city streets.<br />
Holy Week-Semana Santa<br />
Like all other locations, there are impressive<br />
relgious processions in the run up, and including<br />
Easter Weekend.<br />
Night of San Juan<br />
Festival Date: 23rd June<br />
On the eve of the Saint's Day, the<br />
beaches of the city's coastline are full of<br />
bonfires and firework displays. At midnight<br />
people bathe in the sea.<br />
Watch out for the Enounter of the Beasts,<br />
a great spectacle including fire and actors<br />
performing.<br />
There's also a cake competition on the<br />
same day, where comtestants have to<br />
prepare the cake, according to the traditional<br />
recipe. At night there is live music,<br />
and residents and vistors can enjoy a<br />
sandwich supper together.<br />
62 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 63
Discover Oropesa del Mar<br />
8. Oropesa del Mar - Holiday City & Old Town<br />
64 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 65
Oropesa La Vella –<br />
The Old Oropesa<br />
Southeast of the Concha<br />
Beach, you’ll find a small promontory,<br />
around 25 metres above<br />
sea level, which can be traced<br />
back to the Bronze Age, as an<br />
important walled town, which<br />
would have later been an Iberian<br />
settlement and also a<br />
small Muslim fortress. As an old<br />
walled town, it is of great interest<br />
because of the construction<br />
techniques.<br />
For nature lovers, apart from<br />
some of the lovely local walks<br />
The first impression of Oropesa<br />
del Mar is of a resort by the sea<br />
that has given way to development<br />
for mass tourism, but actually<br />
that’s not the entire story.<br />
I am referring to the large tourist<br />
resort called Marina D'Or<br />
(Golden Marina), which refers to<br />
itself as - Ciudad de Vacaciones<br />
(Holiday City).<br />
However look away from the<br />
holiday city constructions, and<br />
you'll see that<br />
Oropesa del Mar is very definitely<br />
a case of when you don’t<br />
want to judge a book by its<br />
cover.<br />
Contrasts<br />
Hugging the southern part of<br />
this sprawling development is<br />
the gorgeous old part of the<br />
town.<br />
Oropesa in the province of<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> is a stark comparison<br />
– between the old and the new,<br />
between superb craftsmanship<br />
and modern building styles.<br />
Because of this, this Orange<br />
Blossom Coast town could appeal<br />
to many different types of<br />
holiday makers.<br />
It could be a very desirable<br />
holiday destination for those of<br />
you who want an easy choice<br />
for a family holiday in a resort<br />
where everything is within easy<br />
reach. Yet the Oropesa del<br />
Mar old town – will appeal to<br />
those who love to romantically<br />
immerse themselves in streets<br />
where the walls are just waiting<br />
to tell you stories.<br />
Oropesa del Mar has grown<br />
around its bay, with a good<br />
selection of beaches and coves,<br />
a modern tourist infrastructure<br />
and this gorgeous, well preserved<br />
old quarter.<br />
Right now this is <strong>Castellon</strong>’s<br />
most developed beach resort.<br />
However the town itself is historic<br />
with some interesting<br />
monuments to see, in particular<br />
the the ruins of the Arab Castle<br />
and the King’s Tower.<br />
Out of the variety of architectural<br />
and cultural attractions<br />
to see in the old part of the<br />
town, do keep an eye out for<br />
the rather quirky Playing Card<br />
Museum (Museo del Naipe).<br />
Due to its strategic location,<br />
Oropesa del Mar has attracted<br />
many different cultures thoughout<br />
its history. Traces of Paleolithic<br />
and Iberian settlements<br />
have been found there in Cau<br />
d’en Borras and Oropesa La<br />
Vella, respectively.<br />
by the sea, of course Oropesa<br />
del Mar is also right on the<br />
edge of El Prat de Cabanes<br />
Natural Park.<br />
Oropesa del Mar can be busier<br />
than some other towns. Don't<br />
forget that Benicassim is almost<br />
like a continuation of Oropesa<br />
del Mar, to the south. If you<br />
do decide to book a holiday<br />
in Oropesa del Mar, be sure to<br />
check out Benicássim.<br />
66 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 67
Getting To Oropesa del Mar<br />
Oropesa del Mar Highlights<br />
Archaeological<br />
Oropesa La Vella – The Old Oropesa<br />
Castles & Towers<br />
Castillo Árabe de Oropesa del Mar – Oropesa<br />
del Mar Arab Castle<br />
La Torre del Rey Oropesa del Mar – The<br />
King’s Tower Oropesa del Mar<br />
Churches<br />
Iglesia de la Virgen de la Paciencia – Church<br />
of The Patient Virgin<br />
Museums<br />
Naturhiscope<br />
Museo del Hierro – Iron Museum of Oropesa<br />
del Mar<br />
Museo del Naipe – The Playing Card Museum<br />
Museo de Oropesa Arte Internacional –<br />
Oropesa Museum of International Art<br />
Theme Parks<br />
Mundo Fantasia – Fantasy World – Marina<br />
d’Or Resort, Oropesa del Mar<br />
Aventura d’Or Parc Tematica – Gold Adventure<br />
Theme Park – Marina d’Or Resort, Oropesa<br />
del Mar<br />
Website: http://www.marinador.com/en/<br />
ocio-infantil/parque-aventura-dor<br />
Aquarama Benicassim – 6 miles – 10 km<br />
Website: http://www.aquarama.net/<strong>13</strong>1_<br />
Online+combos.html<br />
By Air:<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 23 km - 14 miles<br />
There's a bus service that goes from the airport<br />
to Oropesa del Mar, click for timetables<br />
and prices.<br />
Valencia Airport - 101 km - 62 miles<br />
Reus Airport - 164 km - 102 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 244 km - 151 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service, that stops at the train<br />
station in Oropesa del Mar. Please note<br />
that there is an express train that doesn't<br />
stop in all stations, so double check.<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
68 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 69
Oropesa del Mar Fiestas<br />
Oropesa del Mar Fiestas<br />
Festival of the Virgin Carmen<br />
Festival Date: 16th July<br />
Virgin Carmen is also a patron Saint of the<br />
sea and fishermen, and her festival is beautiful<br />
to see.<br />
Around 100 boats go out to see carrying the<br />
Virgin's image, in a traditional procession,<br />
which leaves from the marina.<br />
Festival of St. James<br />
Festival Date: 25th July<br />
This is the festival of the patron saint, which<br />
has been declared to be of Provincial Tourist<br />
Interest.<br />
There's lots going on for all the family, and<br />
you can expect some of the normal fiesta<br />
ingredients, such as music, bulls and food.<br />
Festival of Our Lady of All Patience<br />
Festival Date: 25th September/Oct.<br />
Celebrated normally on the 1st Sunday of<br />
October, this is another patron Saint fiesta,<br />
with heifers, various exhibitions, festivals, paella<br />
for the people, and many more activities<br />
to celebrate the most important holidays of<br />
the town. Also during the 1st week of October<br />
there is a Medieval Market and Alternative<br />
Fair.<br />
St. Anthony Abbot<br />
Festival Date: 17th January<br />
This festival is celebrated in numerous towns,<br />
and is traditionally about the blessing of farm<br />
animals for the coming year, although these<br />
days people often bring pets along also! It's<br />
a charming festival to witness, assuming you<br />
like animals.<br />
Holy Week Oropesa del Mar<br />
Holy Week is filled with impressive. solemn<br />
religious processions and events.<br />
Night of San Juan & St. Peter<br />
Festival Date: 23rd & 29th June<br />
On the eve of the Saint's Day of San<br />
Juan (John), the beaches of the city's<br />
coastline are full of bonfires and firework<br />
displays.<br />
At midnight people bathe in the sea. It is<br />
a ritual that happens all over <strong>Spain</strong>, with<br />
the concept being to cleanse yourself<br />
of the previous year. This is the Night of<br />
San Juan, 23rd June.<br />
A few days later there is the Festival of<br />
St. Peter - 29th June. He is a patron<br />
saint of fishermen, which is celebrated<br />
with Muscatel wine and a special cake -<br />
Coca de San Pedro.<br />
70 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 71
Discover Burriana<br />
9. Burriana - An Authentic Beach City<br />
72 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 73
Arenal Sound<br />
Some of you may have heard of it as it<br />
plays host to the Festival Arenal Sound<br />
each year.<br />
The area of Burriana has a mix of plenty<br />
of normal city life, alongside its beaches.<br />
It hasn’t any kind of a resort feeling to it,<br />
and will appeal more to those who wish<br />
to be in a city/big town environment,<br />
where normal life is going on regardless<br />
of tourism. You won’t see (at least we<br />
didn’t spot any) English or Irish breakfasts.<br />
Burriana - The Real<br />
<strong>Spain</strong><br />
Do be aware that the surroundings and outskirts<br />
of Burriana are pretty industrialised. It<br />
seems like almost a continuation of <strong>Castellon</strong><br />
itself in that sense.<br />
Around town, if like me you love modernist<br />
buildings, you will really enjoy wandering<br />
around Burriana. Additionally there is the<br />
<strong>13</strong>th century Gothic El Salvador Church, and<br />
the St. Joseph Church of the Barefoot Carmelites,<br />
to be seen. Burriana is still the real<br />
<strong>Spain</strong>.<br />
The typical city and municipality<br />
of Burriana is only <strong>13</strong> km from<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong>, and is beautifully surrounded<br />
by fields of orange trees.<br />
It has a glorious 11 km coastline,<br />
where you can dig your toes into<br />
the fine sandy beaches, and paddle<br />
or swim in lovely clear waters.<br />
The city and its surrounding countryside<br />
are at the mouth of the<br />
River Mijares, so there is plenty of<br />
natural beauty, as well as interesting<br />
cultural heritage and sights.<br />
Burriana comes across as a normal<br />
Spanish working city, that has<br />
a certain amount of tourism, mainly<br />
Spanish, but with other nationalities<br />
mixed in as well.<br />
An Orange Museum & Blue Flag Beaches<br />
Sun-kissed and blessed with fertile orange<br />
groves, the town of Burriana is the<br />
prolongation of the Arenal Beach heading<br />
holds the blue flag cert. This seaside is the<br />
place to go..if you want to understand<br />
to the north.<br />
more about oranges – as it has its very<br />
own Orange Museum. In fact, this is the<br />
It has a peaceful atmosphere and is broken<br />
down by a breakwater which provides<br />
only Orange Museum currently in Europe.<br />
it with sand to the south, yet pebbles on<br />
It also has its own archaeological museum,<br />
plus interesting routes to enjoy<br />
the northern part.<br />
around the rural landscape, where you<br />
can discover historic monuments and<br />
hermitages.<br />
Burriana, <strong>Castellon</strong> alsoi has 2 blue flag<br />
beaches. The Arenal Beach, where the<br />
Arenal Sound concert takes place, is a<br />
blue flag beach, which is easily accessible.The<br />
Malvarrosa-Grao Beach also<br />
74 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 75
Getting To Burriana<br />
Burriana Highlights<br />
Architectural Interest<br />
Mercado Central Burriana – Burriana Central<br />
Market<br />
Castles & Fortifications<br />
Castillo Árabe de Oropesa del Mar – Oropesa<br />
del Mar Arab Castle<br />
La Torre del Rey Oropesa del Mar – The<br />
King’s Tower Oropesa del Mar<br />
Churches<br />
Basílica Menor El Salvador – Salvador Minor<br />
Basilica – Church of The Saviour<br />
El Templat de Burriana – Burriana Bell Tower<br />
Ex-convento e Iglesia de la Mercé – Ex-Convent<br />
and Church of the Merced<br />
Templo de San José de los Religiosos Carmelitas<br />
Descalzos – Temple of St. Joseph of<br />
the Order of the Barefoot Carmelites<br />
Hermitages<br />
Ermita de San Blas - Saint Blas Hermitage,<br />
Calle de Sant Blai<br />
Natural Highlights<br />
Clot de la Mare de Déu Natural Municipal Park<br />
Burriana<br />
Mouth Of The River Mijares And Les Goles<br />
By Air:<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 44 km-27 miiles<br />
Valencia Airport - 67 km-42 miles<br />
Reus Airport - 199 km-124 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 281 km-174 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service, that stops at the<br />
train station in Burriana, which is closer<br />
to Benicarlo. Please note that there is<br />
an express train that doesn't stop, so be<br />
sure when buying your ticket to check the<br />
stops.<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
76 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 77
Burriana Fiestas<br />
Burriana Fiestas<br />
area, in the run up to the 16th July. There's<br />
fun for the children, and lots of fiesta fun for<br />
the adults, including bulls, dancing, live music<br />
and paella. On the evening of the 16th<br />
there's the wonderful fishermens' procession<br />
out at sea, with the image of the Virgin.<br />
Misercordia Virgin Festival<br />
Festival Date: Around 8th September<br />
A big fiesta to honour the patron Saint of<br />
Burriana, the festival of the Misercordia Virgin<br />
is celebrated around the 8th September,<br />
normally going on for 10 days, in the lead up<br />
to the Saint's day, the 8th September.<br />
The schedule is jam-packed with events. For<br />
these deep-rooted traditional celebrations,<br />
the city and old town of Burriana is transformed<br />
into an improvised bull ring.<br />
Local neighbourhood associations all organise<br />
their own special street parties, which<br />
might include music, shows and dancing in<br />
the streets. On the last Sunday of the fiesta,<br />
at 6.30 pm, watch out for the amazing<br />
Batalla de Flores (Battle of Flowers). This is<br />
a fun, spectacular show, with a procession of<br />
floats - it's a very creative, colourful affair. It<br />
culminates in this procession and a wonderful<br />
firework display.<br />
St. Blas<br />
Festival Date: 3rd February<br />
The people pay tribute to their patron saint<br />
with a range of events, like concerts, exhibitions,<br />
a fair, sports competitions, and attractions<br />
for children. The religious procession<br />
goes from the hermitage to the church, and<br />
wine flows from the Font de Vi (Wine Fountain).<br />
Burriana Las Fallas<br />
Festival Date: 15th to 19th March<br />
The amazing concept of the Fallas takes<br />
place in Burriana around the dates mentioned<br />
above, please confirm with the tourist<br />
office, if you visit.<br />
Fallas are giant effigies, traditionally<br />
made from papier maché, but now other<br />
materials may be added. People put<br />
lots of work and creativity into making<br />
these during the year, and on the final<br />
day, it is only the winner that will not<br />
be set on fire!! The Fallas is of Provincial<br />
Tourist Interest.<br />
Holy Week Burriana<br />
Holy Week sees the devoted religious<br />
processions in town.<br />
Virgin Carmen<br />
Festival Date: around 16th July<br />
In Burriana the festival for the Virgin Carmen<br />
goes on for a few days, in the port<br />
78 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 79
10. Torreblanca-A Growing Tourist Destination<br />
Discover Torreblanca<br />
80 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 81
Yet although it’s more developed<br />
for tourism there’s plenty<br />
of the town that is pretty normal<br />
and is really just like another<br />
other working Spanish town.<br />
The most obvious part for tourists<br />
stands out clearly as the<br />
Torrenostra beach area. So<br />
there’s a bit of both going on.<br />
The town has a pleasant feel<br />
about it.<br />
Torrenostra has a fine promenade<br />
and a landscaped garden<br />
that has games for the younger<br />
family members, plus the town<br />
and its surroundings have some<br />
sites of cultural interest.<br />
Summer Fiesta<br />
Of course one way to get<br />
something extra out of your<br />
holiday is to travel during one<br />
of the fantastic fiestas.<br />
Located on <strong>Spain</strong>’s Orange Blossom Coast (Costa<br />
Azahar), Torreblanca is an old fishing village that<br />
has become modernised and is promoting itself as a<br />
growing tourism destination. Compared to some of<br />
the other seaside towns, such as Vinaros and Benicarlo,<br />
Torreblanca is more developed for tourism,<br />
which is mostly concentrated at the blue flag beach<br />
of Torrenostra. This means that it’s more set up for<br />
family tourism, of course depending on what your<br />
family likes!<br />
In Torreblanca the major summer<br />
festival in honour of the<br />
patron saint, St Bartholomew, is<br />
held during the last week in August<br />
– often kicking off around<br />
the 23rd/24th August.<br />
There’s plenty of fun for all the<br />
family, of course also some<br />
religious events because this<br />
is the tradition, plus bulls, parades,<br />
dinners, partying and a<br />
giant paella.<br />
82 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 83
Getting To Torreblanca<br />
Torreblanca Highlights<br />
Castles & Towers<br />
Torre del Marqués - Marquis Tower<br />
Torre Nostra o Torre Nova - Our Tower or New<br />
Tower<br />
Churches<br />
Iglesia Parroquial de San Bartolomé – St.<br />
Barthomolew’s Parish Church<br />
Calle de San Jaime, 29, Torreblanca 12596<br />
Website: http://parroquiatorreblanca.org/<br />
Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís – Church of<br />
Saint Francis of Assisi<br />
Plaza de la Ermita<br />
Hermitages<br />
Ermita del Calvario – Hermitage of the Calvary<br />
- Plaza de la Ermita<br />
Natural Parks<br />
Parque Natural del Prat de Cabanes – El Prat<br />
de Cabanes Natural Park<br />
Theme Parks<br />
Mundo Fantasia – Fantasy World &<br />
Aventura d’Or Parc Tematica – Gold Adventure<br />
Theme Park - Both at the Marina d’Or<br />
Resort<br />
By Air:<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 14 km - 9 miles<br />
Valencia Airport - 116 km - 72 miles<br />
Reus Airport - 148 km - 92 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 228 km - 141 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service, that stops at the<br />
train station in Torreblanca. Check to<br />
ensure the train stops there - not all do.<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
84 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 85
Torreblanca Fiestas<br />
Torreblanca Fiestas<br />
Baixa en Carro - Descent in Cart<br />
Festival Date: Last Sunday of June<br />
An interesting local tradition takes place normally<br />
on the last Sunday of June, when the<br />
local people travel in carts and wagons to the<br />
coast. Then a dinner takes place in the Cabrera<br />
Gardens of Torrenostra, with live music.<br />
Festival of the Virgin Carmen<br />
Festival Date: 16th July<br />
The Virgin Carmen is the patron Saint of fishermen,<br />
and her special day is celebrated in<br />
Torrenostra.<br />
Like other seaside towns, this celebrations to<br />
honour Carmen means that there is a beautiful<br />
procession out to sea of the fishermen<br />
and their boats, with the image of the Saint.<br />
Fireworks accompany the event. In Torreblanca,<br />
there's also a fiesta on after the<br />
procession.<br />
St. Barthomolew Festival<br />
Festival Date: 23rd Aug - 1st Sept.<br />
This is the main summer festival of the town,<br />
in honour of the patron Saint, Barthomolew.<br />
Like other patron Saint fiestas, there are religous<br />
acts, including a floral offering.<br />
Events to watch out for are the Sardines &<br />
Wne, street parties, and of course the bulls.<br />
Torreblanca Saint Anthony Abott & St.<br />
Lucy-San Antonio Abad y Santa Lucia<br />
Festival Date: 17th to 23rd January<br />
The traditional festival of St. Anthony involves<br />
the blessing of farm animals, and these days<br />
often domestic animals as well. This merges<br />
with the Festival of St. Lucy in Torreblanca,<br />
and there are processions, street parties and<br />
bulls.<br />
Torreblanca Carnival<br />
Before Lent<br />
In Torreblanca the Friday of the carnival is<br />
marked with the younger town residents having<br />
a flour fight on the streets. Also on the<br />
Friday, there's a school parade.<br />
The Saturday night is when the Fancy Dress<br />
street party takes place in the Plaza Mayor<br />
(Main Square).<br />
Holy Week Torreblanca-Semana Santa<br />
In the old town of Torreblanca a medieval<br />
market takes place with a range of shows.<br />
Like other towns in <strong>Spain</strong>, there are a number<br />
of religious processions during the week.<br />
On Holy Thursday, The Passion is performed.<br />
This has been running now since 1979, and is<br />
performed in natural settings, at 10pm. The<br />
actors also mingle in the setting of the medieval<br />
market.<br />
86 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 87
11. Nules-Clementines, Nature & Typical Town<br />
Discover Nules<br />
88 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 89
Hello Meditteranean<br />
Former Paddy fields melt into a hue of<br />
different colours and start to merge into<br />
sandy and pebble beaches where the<br />
Mediterranean says a friendly hello to<br />
you!<br />
You may not have heard of Nules before,<br />
but I suggest that if you are the<br />
type of person who hasn't become addicted<br />
to Puerto Banus, then read on.<br />
So what's interesting about Nules? It's<br />
a buzzing town, with a decent coastline<br />
and lovely scenery, that is a short<br />
distance away from the fabulous city of<br />
Valencia, and is located around 20 minutes<br />
drive from the <strong>Castellon</strong> Airport.<br />
Like a few of these towns not far from<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana itself, there is<br />
some industrialisation in the area, so<br />
don't be put off my that.<br />
Oranges, Clementines...<br />
From Roman ruins to <strong>Spain</strong>'s most popular<br />
Clementines, from the Valencian<br />
region's only walled city to kilometres of<br />
lovely Mediterranean beaches - there's<br />
no doubt that the town of Nules and its<br />
surrounding area has plenty to discover<br />
and enjoy, for those who wish to immerse<br />
themselves in a still, authentic<br />
part of <strong>Spain</strong>.<br />
Home to <strong>Spain</strong>'s most popular<br />
Clementine variety, named after<br />
the town, Nules is a Mediterranean<br />
coastal town in the prov-<br />
So if you were coming for a<br />
winter break, you would have<br />
the very special sight, of endless<br />
orange groves lighting on<br />
Beaches &<br />
Freshwater Lake<br />
The extensive coastline of Nules<br />
is about 5 km in length, and<br />
there's a huge increase in those<br />
visiting the coast during the<br />
summer – it goes from around<br />
650 residents, who live by the<br />
beach during the winter season,<br />
to visitors of 15,000 during the<br />
height of the summer season.<br />
Apart from lolling around on the<br />
sand, you can also go to the<br />
Lake of Nules, which is a freshwater<br />
lake inhabited by numerous<br />
varieties of birds and fish.<br />
ince of Castellón. It's a good<br />
sized town, with around <strong>13</strong>,750<br />
inhabitants and it's located<br />
quite close to the capital of the<br />
province, <strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana<br />
– 18km – and around 55km<br />
the landscape with their vibrant<br />
orange fruit and green leaves.<br />
However even out of harvest<br />
time the vastness and beauty<br />
of the orange groves is utterly<br />
charming.<br />
The four beaches of Nules are<br />
located around 4 km from the<br />
city itself, and many people go<br />
back every year, because they<br />
are especially pleasant.<br />
from the impressive capital of<br />
the region, Valencia.<br />
Local industry is a combination<br />
of agricultural, industrial and<br />
commercial – but depending on<br />
Nules, in a way like its bigger<br />
sister <strong>Castellon</strong>, may be deceptive<br />
to the first time visitor's eye<br />
as there is a certain amount of<br />
industry in the area, which may<br />
During July, there's a special<br />
cultural program going on,<br />
which means there's cultural,<br />
musical and recreational activities<br />
happening on the beaches.<br />
Nules<br />
what time of year you come as<br />
a visitor, you should get the full<br />
impact of the town's involvement<br />
in oranges. Depending on<br />
the crop and how the oranges<br />
have been farmed, harvest<br />
normally falls from January<br />
onwards.<br />
not give the most romantic of<br />
welcomes, to foreigners searching<br />
for a seductive piece of<br />
<strong>Spain</strong>.<br />
August is dedicated to the<br />
various festivals, such as' San<br />
Roque ", which take place<br />
around the 15th of the month.<br />
There's a traditional market,<br />
musical performances, sports<br />
competitions and lots more going<br />
on.<br />
90 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 91
Getting To Nules<br />
Nules Highlights<br />
By Air:<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 52 km - 32 miles<br />
Valencia Airport - 55 km - 34 miles<br />
Reus Airport - 205 km -127 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 286 km - 177 miles<br />
Trains<br />
From Barcelona Sants to Valencia there's<br />
a good train service, that stops at the<br />
train station in Nules. Check to ensure<br />
the train stops there - not all do.<br />
Driving<br />
Want to avoid tolls, then avoid the AP7.<br />
The A7 and N340 take the same route.<br />
There are more trucks on the N340.<br />
Archaeological Civilisations<br />
Villa Romana de Benicató – Roman Town of<br />
Benicato, Camino Viciado<br />
Villa Amurallada Mascarell - Mascarell Walled<br />
Town<br />
Churches<br />
Iglesia Arciprestal de San Bartolome y San<br />
Jaime - Archiprestal Church of Saint Barthomolew<br />
and Saint James<br />
Iglesia de la Sangre, Museo de Historia de<br />
Nules - Church of the Blood, History Museum<br />
of Nules<br />
Capilla de la Soledad – Chapel of Solitude<br />
Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia – Church of the<br />
Sacred Family (old Convent of the Barefoot<br />
Carmelites)<br />
Churches<br />
Iglesia de la Inmaculada (Nules) – Church of<br />
the Immaculate Conception<br />
Hermitages<br />
Ermita de Sant Miguel "El Fort" – Hermitage<br />
of St. Michael – "The Fort"<br />
Ermita de San Joaquin – Saint Joaquin's<br />
Hermitage<br />
Natural Highlights<br />
L'estany Nature Reserve<br />
Jardin Botanico Nules - Botanical Gardens<br />
92 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 93
Nules Fiestas<br />
Nules Fiestas<br />
Fiesta de los Barraquetes<br />
Festival Date: Around Corpus Christi<br />
The day of the Octave of Corpus, is when the<br />
fiesta takes place. It has been delcared to<br />
be of Local Tourist Interest with the Corpus<br />
Christi and Day of Nostre Senyor. In the main<br />
square, the children look under their reed<br />
huts, awaiting the passage of the Blessed<br />
Sacrament.<br />
Fiesta Clemenules<br />
Festival Date: Mid January to Early Feb<br />
A gastsronomic fiesta that celebrates the<br />
special clementines that come from Nules -<br />
clemenules, takes place from around the 18th<br />
of January or so. until early February.<br />
San Vicente Ferrer - Saint Vicent<br />
Ferrer<br />
Festival Date: 2nd Easter Monday<br />
In 2010 this festival was declared to be<br />
of Tourist Interest, and it is a perfect<br />
event to follow a Semana Santa spent in<br />
the area.<br />
Festival-Noche de San Juan<br />
Festival Date: Night of 23rd June<br />
This festival includes a variety of acts, such<br />
as the popular dinner for all the people, musical<br />
performances, bonfires, and of course<br />
the procession in honour of St John.<br />
Fiesta of St. Barthomolew<br />
Festival Date: 2nd fortnight August<br />
The biggest fiesta of Nules is greatly anticipated<br />
by the people, and it kicks off with the<br />
traditional "Crida" a great, fun event.<br />
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Soledad<br />
Festival Date: 1st half October<br />
The Virgin of Solitude is the patron saint<br />
of Nules. She is honoured during the first<br />
half of October, with a range of religious<br />
and festive activities, amongst which you<br />
can enjoy the bulls and musical performances.<br />
During the festival a number of restaurants<br />
take part in Gastronomic Days in honour of<br />
clemenules.<br />
Holy Week Nules<br />
You can also see the impressive religious<br />
processions during Holy Week in Nules. it is a<br />
very interesting time to come to <strong>Spain</strong>.<br />
Known locally as the "Festa dels Fadrins"<br />
and in the morning you can see a parade<br />
are brass bands are playing and chariots<br />
are travelling through the town. It is<br />
particularly intriguing when the chariots<br />
go around the campfire on Calle San<br />
Vicente<br />
There's plenty for all members of the family,<br />
including costume balls, games for children,<br />
dinners. football tournament and of course<br />
bulls.<br />
San Joaquin Fiesta (Neighbourhood)<br />
Festival Date: 2nd fortnight Sept.<br />
Although this is a neighbourhood fiesta, it<br />
has a great parade, many different acts and<br />
attractions, street parties and believe it or not<br />
...bulls!<br />
94 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 95
12. Vilafamés -<strong>Spain</strong>'s Most Beautiful Towns<br />
Discover Vilafamés<br />
96 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 97
Boutique Town<br />
Inspirational<br />
Blossom Coast (Costa Azahar), and the<br />
mountaineous hinterland. Its rich heritage<br />
can be felt as you wander through the<br />
If you are a photographer or an artist,<br />
Vilafames should serve as a suitable<br />
inspiration for you.<br />
streets, where you can feel the influence<br />
of history, culture, gastronomy and the<br />
environment.<br />
Wander through the quaint streets of this<br />
charming town, and you can’t possibly<br />
miss the castle, which crowns the hill and<br />
Vilafamés feels like a boutique town,<br />
which has a lovely character that blends<br />
stands guard over the town, just as it has<br />
done for many centuries.<br />
the old with the new. Although for a place<br />
with a population of under 2000 inhabitants,<br />
it has its fair share to see,<br />
Vilafamés is thought to have had some<br />
occupation, according to archaeological<br />
finds from both the town and caves near-<br />
I would highly recommend heading there<br />
by, as far back as 80,000 years ago.<br />
One Of <strong>Spain</strong>'s Most<br />
Beautiful Towns<br />
Throbbing With<br />
History & Culture<br />
with no fixed agenda, just so you can immerse<br />
yourself in its beautiful buildings<br />
and streets, and the pretty landscape that<br />
embraces the town.<br />
The old part of Vilafames is of Muslim<br />
origin, dating to around the 11th century.<br />
The remains of this period are the foundations<br />
of the castle and the enchanting<br />
urban layout, of winding, narrow streets.<br />
Whitewashed houses are enhanced and<br />
In March 2015, Vilafamés joined two other<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> towns on the official list of<br />
<strong>Spain</strong>’s Most Beautiful Towns. Vilafames,<br />
just like both Peñiscola and Morella, who<br />
were already on the list, absolutely deserves<br />
to be there, as you’ll appreciate as<br />
you start to approach the town.<br />
vibrant pinks, in summer, and a range of<br />
whatever flowers that nature has decided<br />
are in season, depending on when you<br />
visit.<br />
The streets are delightfully throbbing with<br />
history and culture, while the views over<br />
highlighted by pretty plants, which contribute<br />
to the town’s special ambience.<br />
Sadly, in 1938, some of the old town<br />
was destroyed by warplanes during the<br />
Spanish Civil War. However in the 1970s<br />
some painters discovered the town, and<br />
promptly fell in love with it.<br />
the surrounding countryside are nothing<br />
It seems to delicately clamber its way up<br />
short of spectacular.<br />
the hill upon which it perches, and sprays<br />
off a palate of rustic browns and white-<br />
Located in the borough of Plana Alta,<br />
washed hues, that are mixed with the<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong>, the town of Vilafamés is halfway<br />
between the coastal zone of the Orange<br />
98 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 99
Getting To Vilafamés<br />
Vilafamés Highlights<br />
Architectural<br />
Vilafamés Old Town & Walls<br />
The Town Hall & Square<br />
The Abbey House<br />
Sala Quatre Cantons<br />
The Massive Rock & Its Legend<br />
Castles & Towers<br />
Vilafames Castle<br />
Churches<br />
Vilafames Parish Church of the Assumption<br />
Church of La Sangre (The Blood)<br />
Hermitages<br />
Ermita de San Ramón Nonato – Chapel of St.<br />
Ramon Nomato<br />
Ermita de San Miguel–St. Michael<br />
Museums<br />
El Museu d’Art Contemporani “Vicente Aguilera<br />
Cerni” de Vilafamés – Vilafames Museum<br />
of Contemporary Art<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Wine Route<br />
Vilafamés is one of the towns on the <strong>Castellon</strong><br />
Wine Route. Taking part in it are the<br />
Bodegas Mayo García, with Gabriel Mayo.<br />
By Air:<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 20 km-12 miles<br />
Valencia Airport - 98 km-61 miles<br />
Reus Airport - 179 km-111 miles<br />
Barcelona Airport - 260 km-162 miles<br />
Buses<br />
There are buses from <strong>Castellon</strong>, all days<br />
except Sundays and holidays.<br />
http://www.hicid.es/wp-content/uploads/21.pdf<br />
Driving<br />
From <strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana, take the CV-<br />
10, it is about half an hour.'s drive. From<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport also take this road, and<br />
it akes around 20 minutes.<br />
100 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 101
Vilafamés Fiestas<br />
Vilafamés Fiestas<br />
Vilafamés 1900<br />
Festival Date: 1st to 3rd May<br />
Running for over 10 years, Vilafamés 1900<br />
draws many thousands of visitors each year,<br />
as it celebrates life at the beginning of the<br />
1900s.<br />
It is a sought after cultural event in the province<br />
of <strong>Castellon</strong>, with crafts and customs<br />
from that period. You can see how they made<br />
brooms, soaps and baskets. During the fiesta<br />
there's also dancing and acting in the streets.<br />
Fiesta of Our Lady of the Assumption<br />
Festival Date: Mid August<br />
In the middle of August this fiesta takes place<br />
to honour Our Lady of the Assumption and<br />
Christ of the Blood.<br />
A wide range of activities take place, including<br />
exhibitions, contests, bullfights, concerts<br />
and dancing. Watch out for the Serenade of<br />
the Bull, which is one of the highlights of the<br />
fiesta.<br />
Vilafamés Festival of Saint Anthony<br />
Abott-Sant Antoni Abat<br />
Festival Date: 17/01/2015<br />
The feast of San Antonio Abad takes place<br />
around the Saint's day is the 17th. Enjoy<br />
watching processions of horses, and bonfires<br />
that are held in streets.<br />
This feast is a deep rooted tradition that is<br />
focused on blessing the farm animals for the<br />
coming year, but these days in many towns,<br />
people also bring along their pets.<br />
Archangel Michael<br />
Festival Date: 4th Sunday of Lent<br />
There's a pilgrimmage to the shrine, where<br />
the town's patron Saint is worshipped. After<br />
Mass, there's a lively picnic and also a small<br />
market.<br />
Vilafamés Holy Week<br />
Like everywhere in <strong>Spain</strong>, you can expect<br />
to see the impressive religous processions.<br />
These are solemn but certainly something to<br />
see if you haven't spent time in <strong>Spain</strong> during<br />
Semana Santa before. Also in Vilafamés there<br />
is the San Vicente Ferrer Festival, during Holy<br />
Week, when the poele have picnics, and traditional<br />
sweets, Mones Pasqua, are eaten.<br />
102 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 103
Discover Morella<br />
<strong>13</strong>. Morella - <strong>Spain</strong>'s Most Beautiful Towns<br />
104 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 105
Beautifully Lit Up<br />
Aladdin's Cave<br />
Visual Seduction<br />
Morella’s seduction starts visually, just as<br />
often happens when we fall for another person.<br />
To say it has the wow factor, could be an<br />
understatement.<br />
On The Horizon<br />
But once we were inside Morella’s mouth, the<br />
seduction goes so much deeper – the walls,<br />
the castle, the regal environment, the artisan<br />
feeling that lingers in the air and the shopfronts.<br />
Morella is drenched in history, but is also alive<br />
and proud of its traditions and crafts passed<br />
down from generation to generation. Strolling<br />
down its historical cobblestone streets, you<br />
can feel yourself drift back to other times.<br />
Morella has been lovingly treated over the<br />
years by its residents and this shows.<br />
Night time sees it beautifully lit up and really<br />
you don’t need to do anything but stroll along<br />
the streets of Morella, taking your time to<br />
choose a bar or restaurant.<br />
Enjoy the architecture, atmosphere and views<br />
– and make sure you imprint all of it in your<br />
The heart of Morella is an Aladdin’s Cave,<br />
filled with precious artisan and gastronomic<br />
treats. We are seduced to the stage of no<br />
return, and before I know it we are the proud<br />
owners of some Morella bread, which is like<br />
the town – impressive and grand.<br />
Of course the bread wouldn’t be complete<br />
without some local goats’ cheese, which has<br />
been delicately made with truffles.<br />
Lucky for me, my other half is too hungry to<br />
do much more shopping before our lunch,<br />
because the mesmerising meringues are obviously<br />
calling him, as are the meats, the artisan<br />
jars of various treats, the speciality pas-<br />
mind’s eye, as it is one of those really special tries and temptation is everywhere. Welcome<br />
Morella is majestic and magnificent. I have never seen anything like it before, and the reality is<br />
memories.<br />
to magnificent Morella!<br />
that no photos you might see beforehand can prepare you for the impact of the spectacular<br />
sprawl of ancient stone, whitewashed houses, with rustic terracotta coloured roofs.<br />
Morella is majestic and magnificent. I have never seen anything like it<br />
before, and apparently the folks at Ferrero Rocher agree!<br />
In December 2015 Morella won the Award of the Best & Most Beautiful<br />
Town In <strong>Spain</strong>, for the Ferrero Rocher 25th Anniversary.<br />
Morella is one of the top towns that the natives<br />
of the Valencian Community are very<br />
proud of – and rightly so!<br />
This picturesque, ancient walled city is just<br />
so impressive as you approach it, standing<br />
proudly on the horizon. The towns opens its<br />
walls to you, its mouth gently swallows you up<br />
and then you can feel your heart opening.<br />
106 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 107
Getting To Morella<br />
Morella Highlights<br />
Archaeological<br />
Morella La Vella - 6km out of town, is a farm<br />
where there are World Heritage prehistoric<br />
paintings,<br />
Architectural<br />
El Acueducto de Morella – Morella Aqueduct<br />
Medieval Town Walls<br />
Casa de la Vila del Consell Morella – Morella<br />
Town Hall<br />
Churches<br />
La Iglesia de Santa María Morella – Saint<br />
Mary’s Church - Plaza de Benedicto XV<br />
Convento de San Francesc Morella – St.<br />
Francis’ Convent - Plaza de San Francisco<br />
Museums<br />
Morella Museo Temps de Dinosaures – Time<br />
of Dinosaurs Museum Morella<br />
Torres de Sant Miquel, Morella 12300<br />
Castles & Towers<br />
Castillo de Morella – Morella Castle<br />
By Air:<br />
<strong>Castellon</strong> Airport - 75 km-46 miles.<br />
Reus Airport - 168 km - 104 miles<br />
Valencia Airport - 174 km - 108 miles<br />
Buses<br />
Buses run most days, see link below.<br />
http://www.autosmediterraneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/CASTELLON-MO-<br />
RELLA-2016.jpg<br />
Barcelona Airport - 249 km - 154 miles<br />
Driving<br />
From <strong>Castellon</strong> de la Plana, take the<br />
C-238, and then the N-232.<br />
108 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 109
Morella Fiestas<br />
Morella Fiestas<br />
Morella Holy Week<br />
As one might expect in such striking surrounds,<br />
the solemn Holy Week processions<br />
are even more poignant than in some other<br />
locations.<br />
Corpus Christi<br />
Festival Date: 26th May 2016<br />
As it is no longer a public holiday, the Corpus<br />
Christi processions take place in Morella the<br />
weekend after the date.<br />
These include a variety of Biblical scenes, as<br />
well sa the Slaughter of the Innocents, when<br />
you can see the children dressed in white and<br />
red.<br />
August Fiestas<br />
Festival Date: August<br />
During August there are a range of fiestas<br />
and events happening in Morella. These<br />
include Cultural August, Youth Week, Music<br />
Festival and days that are focused on the<br />
older members of the community.<br />
Normally after the week of 15th the Bulls of<br />
St. Roc are celebrated, a tradition that has<br />
been going since 1966, in modern times.<br />
This includes the Dance of the Pilgrims, children<br />
reciting poetry in the streets and bulls.<br />
Morella Fiesta de San Julian<br />
Festival Date: 7/01/2016<br />
The feast day of the town's patron Saint -<br />
Saint Julian is on the 7th January, which is<br />
when the day starts off with mass in honour<br />
of the Saint, followed by the procession.<br />
However this fiesta also celebrates the<br />
re-conquest of Morella from the Moors, by<br />
Christian troops.<br />
Saint Anthony-"Santantonades"<br />
Festival Date: Weekend after Saint's<br />
day 17th January<br />
The "Santantonades" are a peculiar festivity<br />
that is part of the culture in the Els Ports<br />
county, where Morella is located.<br />
On Friday evening in St. Mary's Church is play<br />
is staged about the Saint's life. The sponsor<br />
of the event normally gives cakes and<br />
Moscatel wine to the people.<br />
Then afterwards the younger people sing "albades"<br />
songs in the streets.<br />
Morella Carnival<br />
Festival Date: Before Lent<br />
Morella Carnival has two parades, one for<br />
children in the afternoon and adults at night.<br />
There's a ball in the main street, which goes<br />
on all night normally!<br />
Festival-Noche de San Juan<br />
Festival Date: Night of 23rd June<br />
Strictly speaking San Juan falls into one<br />
of the local neighbourhood fiestas in Morella,<br />
but it is worth a mention. Unlike the<br />
coast where people are going into the sea to<br />
cleanse, some of the locals in Morella are off<br />
stealing flower pots from balconies around<br />
the town, and leaving them on the Stairs of<br />
St. John.<br />
There are other neighbourhood celebrations<br />
such as St. Christopher (drivers) and st. Ceciiia<br />
(musicians).<br />
110 <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Castellon</strong> Magazine http://www.catalonia-valencia.com 111
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