The province of Castellón hides thousands of years of history and culture, and this cycling experience is another example of this.
The Via Augusta is one of the great arteries of Roman Hispania: a historic corridor that linked the Pyrenees with Cadiz and that articulated during
centuries trade, mobility and daily life on the Mediterranean coast. More than just a roadway, it was an axis of civilization.
In the province of Castellón, the Via Augusta takes on a particularly authentic character. In the Plana de l’Arc region, you will enjoy this ancient route that runs through orange, almond and olive groves, connecting villages that preserve a deep Roman legacy.
The name of the region comes precisely from a great Roman arch, testimony of that past, which reminds us that this territory was a key point in the imperial route.
Cycling today in this area is to travel through a landscape where history is not locked up in museums, but ready to be discovered by bicycle.
We will start from Vilafamés, where you can rent your bike, electric or muscular, at BiciRural. In the proposed route you will find the iron arches, created to theme this route, as well as chairs or giant bicycles.
In addition, important vestiges of the Via Augusta as the Roman Arch or the Ildum Mansio Romana. Between Vilafamés, Benlloc and Vilanova d’Alcolea, you will pedal along rural roads that faithfully follow the ancient Roman road.
Although it is a route with very little elevation gain, the round trip adds up to almost 100 kilometers.
So we recommend you make a short stop for lunch in Coves de Vinromà, or go to the Tot Poble Cheese Factory, a few kilometers away, and taste IGP wines, artisan cheese, oil and ham. For more information, see the website of Castellón Ruta del Sabor.
Gastronomy combined with cycling and history, an experience that is always worth living.
In the afternoon, we will return directly to Vilafamés along the Via Augusta, this time without taking a detour to Cabanes or Vall d’Alba, adding 35 kilometers and 330 meters of positive elevation gain.
