R26 - Cabanes - Cicloturismo Castellón

Description of the route

We propose you an initiation route through Cabanes, ideal to enjoy a relaxing ride through the surroundings of the municipality. With 23 km ahead, the route has no complicated sections and will take you through the nearby villages. The landscape, dominated by expanses of olive trees, will accompany you throughout the journey. We start in Cabanes, following a favorable road towards Vall d’Alba. The climb is gentle and effortless. After passing Vall d’Alba, turn left onto the Camino Viejo de Atzeneta. Here, you will reach the highest point at 363 m altitude, before descending towards Benlloch. From there, take the road parallel to the CV10 to return to Cabanes.

Points of interest along the route

Vall d’Alba: municipality that takes its name from the Muslim Alba Alquería. Currently its almost 3,000 inhabitants live from agriculture, especially from vineyards, almond and olive trees. Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady – Benlloch: located in the center of the town center stands this church with 25 meters high which has to be accessed by 150 steps. Built in the 17th century with a Renaissance style and some Gothic solutions in its vault. Its bell tower has one of the oldest bells in the Valencian Community.

Cabanes, founded in Roman times as a mansion on the Via Augusta, was established as a town in 1243 within the foral district of Miravet. In the 16th century, the castles of Albalat and Miravet were annexed, which is reflected in the towers of its coat of arms. Located 10 km from the sea and at an altitude of 294 m, its terrain is mountainous. Although only ruins remain of the castles, monuments such as the church of Albalat, the fortress of Santa María de la Asunción, and the church of San Juan Bautista, noted for its 18th century Baroque façade. From the Roman period, remains the Roman arch, declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument.

Cabanes is also home to four watchtowers, such as the Torre de la Sal, the Torre Carmelet and the Torre de los Gatos. The Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park is a key wetland for waterfowl. In gastronomy, paella and almond cakes stand out, which you can taste at the Bar-Restaurant l’Hostal or at Casa Carmen. For accommodation, Hotel la Cava offers an affordable option, while Casa Rural Rosa is ideal for a quiet stay.

Hermitage of Santa Agueda and Santa Lucia: located in a valley of the Desierto de las Palmas. Church of San Juan Bautista: baroque facade of the XVIII century. It is one of the temples of the diocese. Roman Arch: built in the 2nd century in the middle of the Via Augusta. Currently outside the village but connected by a road. Miravet Castle: with prehistoric sites but the historical data date from the conquest of the Cid Campeador. 4 ancient watchtowers: Torre de la Sal by the sea; Torre Carmelet declared of cultural interest; Torre del Carmen, also known as Torre Máñez and located in the Ribera de Cabanes; Torre de los Gatos, located on the “Camino de las Torres”. Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park: the largest wetland area in Castellón.

Hotel la Cava (Calle Cava, 42): simple and quiet hotel in the center of Cabanes.

Casa Rural Rosa (Calle San José, 11): a cozy stay in the center of town.