Capital city of the Castellon province of the Comunitat de Valencia, Castellon de la Plana has a population of around 170,000 and a history stretching back to the Moorish occupation of Spain, when the Arab castle of Fadrell was built to defend the town from the Christian reconquest. The castle did not do the trick for the Moors and the town was recaptured in around 1251, and the town moved from its mountain location to its present position close to the coast. During the Middle Ages, Castellon de la Plana was protected by fortified walls, moats and defensive towers, most of which was demolished during the 19th century, as the town grew and expanded. It became a university city in 1991, with the founding of the Jaume I University. Castellon de la Plana is a busy industrial town, with a significant port area – El Grau de Castellon, it also has a number of fine beaches to the north of the harbour and attracts an increasing number of holidaymakers, as the surrounding Costa del Azahar becomes ever more popular. Map of Castellon de la Plana.
September 1, 2009
August 27, 2009
Burriana Costa del Azahar
Located just 13 km from Castellon de la Plana, the town of Burriana lies near the Clot de la Mare, at the mouth of the Anna River on the Costa del Azahar, Spain. A good sized town, Burriana, which is a couple of kilometres inland from its port, has a population of over 35,000 and a history going back to the Arab occupation of Spain. Re-conquered for the Christians in 1233, Burriana was subsequently fortified and walled to ward off attacks by pirates. The town walls were eventually demolished during the 18th century to allow the town to expand. In the coastal area of Burriana, there are several fine beaches and a significant harbour area, which is these days a marina for pleasure craft and a Nautical Club. Places to visit in Burriana include the famous Orange Museum, the El Salvador church and the San José de los Carmelitas church. Burriana Map.
August 24, 2009
Benicarlo Spain
A coastal town and resort situated between Peniscola and Vinaros, Benicarlo is on the “Orange Blossom Coast” (Costa del Azahar) in eastern Spain. Settled since the Bronze Age, Benicarlo was just a small hamlet when the Moors ruled the region in the 8th to 13th centuries, it was later surrounded by a fortified wall after the Christian reconquest. Present day Benicarlo survives economically on agriculture and manufacturing and also has a budding tourism industry, as this stretch of coast gains in popularity. Benicarlo celebrates a couple of interesting festivals during the year, the first one being the Artichoke Fair, which is held in January and celebrates one of the most important crops for the town, during August the festival in honour of Benicarlo’s patron saint, includes the “bous a la mar” (Bulls in the sea) event.
August 14, 2009
Costa del Azahar Resorts – Alcossebre
One of the tranquil coastal resorts of the Costa del Azahar, Spain, Alcossebre lies to the south of the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, a protected area of seafront and hinterland in the Comunitat de Valencia. A great place for a peaceful holiday, or for trekking along this beautiful stretch of coast, Alcossebre is a also a good spot for a beach holiday, with plenty of uncrowded, sandy beaches, and relatively safe bathing waters. Alcossebre and its neighbouring Les Fonts have around 5 ‘Blue Flag’ beaches in all, so you should certainly find one to suit. Culture lovers can head for the nearby town of Alcala de Xivert, with its 13th century Moorish castle, it has a long and interesting history. Sports lovers are also well catered for in Alcossebre, as there are golf facilities nearby, and of course water sports are readily available, hikers and cyclists will be in their element with a wide choice of attractive routes on offer. As for the climate, it is mostly sunny and dry, with well over 300 sunny days each year, Alcossebre weather can generally be expected to be pleasant, whenever you visit. Easily reached from the A-7 motorway, which runs close to the town, Alcossebre is also only 90 kilometres from Valencia airport. Alcossebre Map.