R22 – Moncofa
Route
Description of the route
Moncofa offers an initiation route of 41 km, with a route practically at sea level. The landscape you will find will be different from other towns in Castellón, as here you will not have the holm oak forests of the Sierra de Espadán, but you will enjoy the pleasant Mediterranean climate and the views of the beaches of Moncofa. Start the route towards Xilxes on the N340, a stretch of almost 7 km of plain that serves as a warm-up to face the 5 km climb of the small mountain pass when leaving Moncofa. After reaching the top of the mountain at 86 m altitude, you will enjoy a descent on the N225 that will take you to Almenara. Before reaching Almenara, there will be a steep slope with gradients of up to 10%, but the stretch is short and you will quickly reach the descent to the village. Leaving Almenara, another steep climb will take you over the Punt del Cid; once you have passed it, you will continue along more than 20 km of favorable road at sea level. You will pass the beach of Xilxes and the beach of Nules, before returning to the interior of Moncofa.
Points of interest along the route
Ermita del Santísimo Cristo de la Junquera – Xilxes (km 6): tradition has it that a Christ was found there with his feet on a reed bed, a discovery that originated the cult of the patron saint of Xilxes. Nowadays there are only some remains of the primitive hermitage since it was restored in 2000. It is located just over a kilometer from the town. Almenara Castle (Km 15.3): a tenth century Muslim fortress located on top of the hill overlooking the town. Although it is now in ruins, it practically became the residence of James I of Aragon. Remains of the wall and two watchtowers called ‘Grandfather’s’ and ‘Grandmother’s’ are still standing.
Moncofa, located on the Costa de Azahar, is on the plain of La Plana, noted for its beaches and the Estanys, a micro-reserve of flora and fauna. Although it lacks important geographical features, its coastal environment and wetlands make it a point of natural interest. Historically, Moncofa was a place of passage during Roman times and its first documentary mention appears in the V chronicle of James I, which recounts the surrender of nearby castles. In the 14th century, it suffered a series of tragedies, including the War of Union and the Black Death, and in the 15th century, the landing of Santa María Magdalena in its port marked an important event, which led to the construction of the Hermitage of Santa María Magdalena. Throughout its history, Moncofa experienced several ups and downs, from the expulsion of the Moors in 1609 to the almost total destruction during the Civil War of 1936. However, after the war, the population recovered with the cultivation of citrus fruits and improvements in infrastructure. Today, Moncofa is known for the quality of its beaches such as Grao and Masbó, ideal for enjoying the sea and the local gastronomy.
For lunch, you can try the seafood at Moon’s Beach Lunch or enjoy a traditional menu at Satse Restaurant. For accommodation, we recommend Apartamentos Satse Moncófar, near the beach, or Camping Monmar, which offers bungalows on the beach of Nules.
Estanyol: wetland area that can be visited by bicycle next to the sea on the beach of La Torre. Hermitage of Santa Maria Magdalena: built in the fifteenth century in commemoration of the landing of Santa Maria Magdalena and on the beach of Moncofa. Watchtower: located in the maritime district of El Grao, it was built before the expulsion of the Moors. Currently only part of its foundations remain on the shore of the beach. Santa María Magdalena Parish Church: built in the 17th century on top of a smaller church. It is located next to the walls of which only the remains are left. Grao beach and Masbó beach: known for the quality of its waters.
Satse Moncófar Apartments (Camino Serratelles): to enjoy the beaches with your family in your own apartment.
Camping Monmar (Camino Serratelles): Accommodation in camping or bungalow on the beach of Nules.
