R24 – Vila-real
Route
Description of the route
Villareal offers you an initiation route, a walk between the beach and the foot of the Sierra de Espadán. It does not accumulate more than 240 m of unevenness and the steep slopes will not involve great efforts. The start is in the Plaza del Labrador, and following the road to the Ermita you will reach the Mijares River and cross the AP7 on a slightly uphill terrain. On the way to Bejís, the road is flat and you can enjoy nature among the orange groves. After passing the village, you will reach the highest point of the route at 110 m. From here, more than 6 km downhill will take you parallel to the CV10 to Villavieja and Nules. At only 13 m above sea level, you will take the road back to Villareal, passing through Burriana. This route is ideal to loosen up your legs, get to know the area and enjoy the charming villages of the Plana Baja.
Points of interest along the route
Bejís (Km 14.4): located between the Sierra del Toro and the Sierra de Andilla it is inhabited by just over 400 inhabitants. From the Roman and Muslim settlements are preserved the aqueduct and the castle respectively. Nules (Km 24.8): municipality of the Plana Baja rich in religious heritage, as you can visit four churches and numerous hermitages. But this small town also preserves architecture from other centuries as the Vila Romana, Mascarell (medieval walled enclosure) and fortifications built during the Civil War. Borriana (Km 32.7): In addition to having an incredible natural setting, Borriana has a fishing port, a splendid marina, a yacht club and an Escola de la Mar that make this town an ideal destination for family tourism. Its most important beach is the Arenal, which every August hosts the Arenal Sound festival, visited by thousands of people.
Vila-real, located in the southwest of Castellón, is the second most populated municipality in the province, with more than 50,000 inhabitants. Founded in 1274 by James I on the ancient Via Augusta, the city retains traces of walls and the Motxa Tower. Highlights include the eighteenth-century church of San Jaime and the Hermitage of the Virgen de Gracia, located next to the Mijares River. During the patron saint festivities in May, you can enjoy the traditional “xulla”. To eat, we recommend Restaurante el Vasco and Restaurante el Espliego for a quality gastronomic experience. If you are looking for a place to stay, the Hotel Vila-real Palace offers luxury and a spa, while the Hostal La Masia is a more economical option.
Convent of Carmen: today a parish that preserves a seventeenth century cloister. The Motxa tower: remains of the wall that surrounded the city. Convent of San Pascual Baylón: in it are the remains of the same saint and the cell where he died. The baroque temple was rebuilt after the civil war. Church of San Jaime: it dates from the 18th century and is dedicated to the patron saint of the town. Ermitorio de la Virgen de Gracia: on the banks of the Mijares River and in the middle of a natural setting, today it has been converted into the Environmental Education Center.
Hotel Vila-Real Palace (Arcadi García Sanz, 2): on the outskirts of the city center, a four-star hotel where you can enjoy its spa.
Hostal La Masía (Avenida Italia, 50): in the center of Vila-real, a hostel with good facilities and affordable prices.
