R30 – Castellón – Sant Joan de Penyagolosa
Route
Description of the route
We propose a route of high difficulty designed for the most experienced cyclists. With more than 3,600 m of elevation gain, this tough and challenging route is similar to the route of the Gran Premio Peñagolosa of the “Volta Castelló”. If you are ready, 152 km of challenges await you, taking you into the Peñagolosa Natural Park, crossing the northeastern part of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. The route starts in Castellón, taking the road to Ribesalbes, which will take you to the Sichar Reservoir, skirting it from the north on a hilly road but without extreme slopes. When you reach Ribesalbes, the road becomes steeper and steeper.
Following the CV20, you will pass near villages such as Fanzara and Vallat, among lush forests. In Toga, you will enjoy a flat stretch where you can recover before taking the CV198 towards Ludiente. From Ludiente, you will start one of the hardest passes of the route, classified as first category, with 980 m of altitude. You will continue towards the Puerto del Remolcador, passing near Castillo de Villamalefa on a road surrounded by oak forests, which softens the end of the climb.
After crowning, you will enjoy 15 km downhill to Lucena del Cid, following the river until you reach Figueroles, where you will begin a steeper and more irregular section. Before facing the last two hard passes, you will cross Atzeneta, where you will start to climb the steep El Vidre pass. After a short favorable stretch, the last challenge awaits you: the Vistabella pass, where you will reach the maximum altitude of 1249 m. The route ends in the heart of the Peñagolosa Natural Park, completing this epic route, similar to the finish line of the Volta Castelló.
Points of interest along the route
Castellón de la Plana (Km 0): starting point of the route. Capital of the province of Castellón with more than 170,000 inhabitants and a great civil, religious and natural heritage. Sichar Reservoir (Km 19.9 – 30.1): located in the municipality of Onda in the Mijares riverbed. Ribesalbes (Km 28): a small hamlet of Onda with just over 1,000 inhabitants located next to the Sichar Reservoir. Toga (Km 49.6): a village of less than 100 inhabitants located between two large mountains: the Sierra de Espadán and the massif of Peñagolosa Ludiente (Km 61.4): a small town located in a valley surrounded by large mountains, which makes its landscape unique. It retains two castles and a tower dating from medieval times. Lucena del Cid (Km 84.6): better known as the Pearl of the Mountain, is located in the Pedreñera ravine, which highlights its great unevenness. It has the hermitage-castle of San Miguel de les Torrecelles, current station of the pilgrims of Useras. Church of San Mateo, Figueroles (Km 91.6): cataloged as a good of local relevance built in the seventeenth century under the Renaissance canons. Inside it houses altarpieces dating from the same century. Parish Church of San Bartolomé – Atzeneta (Km 117,1): it is part of the old medieval walls that protected the territory. After being a prison until the 1960s, it is currently the ‘Interpretation Center of the History of Atzeneta del Maestrat’.
Castellón de la Plana, capital of the province, is located between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, and has more than 170,000 inhabitants. Founded in 1253, the city moved from the Cerro de la Magdalena to La Plana, which inspired the famous Fiestas de la Magdalena. Throughout its history, Castellón has evolved from an agricultural city to a service city. Its origins date back to the Neolithic period, with archaeological remains in the Desierto de las Palmas, although most of its history is marked by Roman and Muslim influence. In the War of Independence, Castellón was besieged and, later, in the 19th century, it grew thanks to the cultivation of citrus fruits and exports. During this period, old structures were demolished to expand the city. Today, Castellón offers a mix of historical heritage and nature. Monuments include the Cathedral of Santa María, the Fadrí (Gothic bell tower) and the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Lledó.
In addition, the Desierto de las Palmas and the Columbretes Islands are key natural attractions. In the center, the Episcopal Palace and the Hemp Market complete the cultural offer. Castellón’s gastronomy is known for its rice dishes, and you can try arroz a banda at Restaurante Mediterráneo or enjoy fresh seafood at Tasca el Puerto. As for accommodation, there are options such as the Hotel Luz Castellón, near the train station, the NH Castellón Turcosa in the port, or the Hotel del Golf Playa, overlooking the sea, ideal for families.
Cathedral of Santa Maria: begun in the thirteenth century, was demolished in 1936 and was not rebuilt after 1940 under the neo-Gothic premises.
Episcopal Palace: its construction began in the eighteenth century by order of the bishop under the neoclassicist style.
Basilica of Our Lady Lledó: dating from the eighteenth century, built on ancient temples under the rules of the Baroque style.
El Fadrí: a bell tower located opposite the Cathedral Santa Maria separated from it with a Valencian Gothic style.
Lonja del Cáñamo: Baroque building of the eighteenth century that currently serves as a cultural center.
Hotel Luz Castellón (Calle Pintor Oliet, 3): hotel with modern facilities and decoration located next to the train station. NH Castellón Turcosa (Treballadors de la mar, 1): affordable price for a three-star hotel overlooking the port of Castellón. Hotel del Golf Playa (Avenida Golf, 2): located in front of the beach. Ideal for traveling with family.
