R29 – Castellón de la Plana
Route
Description of the route
If you are just starting out in the world of cycling or are not ready for more demanding routes, Castellón offers you a perfect route. With less than 40 km, this route will take you from the interior of Castellón to the north, combining mountain roads in the Desierto de las Palmas and the promenade that connects Benicàssim with the port of Castellón. The route starts in the center of Castellón, taking the Avenida del Castell Vell, a 7 km flat road at about 25 m altitude. Then, taking the Carretera del Desierto, you will start the ascent of the only pass of the route, smooth and without steep slopes. After a few kilometers, you will enter the Desierto de las Palmas, where the road becomes more irregular and uneven. After almost 9 km of climbing through the natural park, you will reach the highest point at less than 500 m of altitude. The descent will take you through the eastern part of the park, until you reach Benicàssim, where the road becomes flat and runs along the promenade. At only 5 m above sea level, Avenida Ferrandis Salvador will take you back to the starting point, where you can rest before your next route.
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. Desierto de las Palmas (Km 10,4 – 21,5): Natural park formed by a coastal mountain range parallel to the coast. It has extensive vegetation and a multitude of animal species. Benicàssim (Km 23,8): municipality of about 18.000 that lives of the tourism, which makes that in summer period more than 60.000 inhabitants are reached. Some of the most important events that Benicassim hosts are the FIB and Rototom.
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.
