If you love putting on your hiking boots and going for a walk, you’ll be in your element in Castellón. Here, we’re not just talking about beaches—although there are those too—but a lot of hiking trails that take you through mountains, forests, ruined castles, and even cliffs facing the Mediterranean.
In this text, we’re going to tell you everything: from the most famous routes in Castellón to those you can do with children, those with scandalous views, and some advice so you can enjoy them without complications. Ready for the hike?
Best routes in Castellón
We’re going straight to what matters, so we’re going to talk to you frankly about our four favorite hiking routes in Castellón.
#1 Route through the fountains of the Desert de les Palmes
A classic near Benicàssim, within the natural park that bears the same name. It is a circular route of about 7 km that you can do in about three hours and is considered a medium difficulty trail due to its uphill sections, although it is very accessible.
The landscape is arid, full of rocks and Mediterranean scrub, but with viewpoints that leave the sea in the background all the time.
#2 Circular route to Penyagolosa
This is the highest peak in Castellón—no less than 1,813 meters—and a reference point for hikers. The circular route starts from Sant Joan de Penyagolosa and climbs through forests of pines, holm oaks, and meadows until reaching the summit. It’s about five or six hours of hiking and the difficulty is medium-high, but the reward is infinite views of the entire province.
#3 Camí dels Pelegrins de Les Useres
More than a route, it is a tradition with centuries of history. It connects Les Useres with the sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa following the same path that pilgrims travel every year. The complete route is about 35 km—for the brave—but you can do shorter sections. The difficulty is medium and combines inland landscapes with passage through hermitages and old farmhouses.
#4 Route through the Serra d’Irta
If you are looking for the sea, this is your route. The Serra d’Irta, between Alcossebre and Peñíscola, is one of the few stretches of virgin coastline that remain in the Valencian Community. The trails border cliffs, hidden beaches, and watchtowers. The route can be adapted from short one-hour walks to longer five-hour tours. The difficulty is low-medium, which makes it a very versatile option suitable for all audiences.
Although we recommend the itinerary from Peñíscola to Mas del Senyor. It starts next to the Templar castle and enters the natural park between pine forests and old terraces.
Hiking routes with children in Castellón: easy options
And if you come with children, don’t worry! Castellón also has routes designed for the little ones in the house. Short paths, without too much slope and with equally impressive landscapes. The idea is to enjoy as a family without anyone ending up exhausted.
One of the best is the route through the Natural Site of the Chico River in Montanejos. It is a simple walk of just one hour, where children can splash around in summer in its pools and enjoy an extremely green environment.
Another option is the return to the Ermita de Santa Lucía in Alcora. It is about 3 km of circular route with very little unevenness. The prize at the end is a viewpoint from where you can see a large part of the region.
And if you want a coastal plan, the path to the Oropesa lighthouse or the Benicàssim to Oropesa greenway are ideal: short, easy and with the sea as a backdrop. In less than two hours—round trip—you will have an entertaining walk with scandalous views.
Hiking routes in Castellón with panoramic points
If there is something that hooks you on hiking in Castellón, it is the views, so here there is no shortage of routes with incredible panoramic views.
One of the most spectacular is the ascent to Bartolo in the Desert de les Palmes in Benicàssim. It is a route of about two hours of medium difficulty and when you reach the top you will have one of the best views of the Castellón coast. You can see Benicàssim, Oropesa and even the profile of the Columbretes Islands if you choose to do it on a clear day.
Another that does not disappoint is the Penyagolosa—which we have already told you about before—. From its 1,813 meters, the summit offers an infinite view that reaches a good part of the Valencian Community. It’s tough, yes, but the effort is rewarded.
And if you prefer sea and height, the routes through the Serra d’Irta Natural Park are the most exciting. They are coastal paths with natural viewpoints that overlook cliffs, virgin coves and have the imposing Castle of Peñíscola in the background. The most recommended is the route that goes from Alcossebre to Torre Badum, one of the most impressive viewpoints in the entire mountain range.
Ideal time to go hiking in Castellón
The good news is that you can go hiking in Castellón all year round. But beware, not all seasons are enjoyed equally.
Spring is probably the best time: mild temperatures, green fields and almond trees in bloom. In addition, the days are longer and that gives you room to do more complete routes.
Autumn is also a total success. The forests of the interior are tinged with ocher and reddish tones, the heat no longer presses and the paths are quieter.
In summer, the ideal is to get up early and choose coastal routes such as the Serra d’Irta or the Oropesa lighthouse, where you always have the sea nearby to cool off. The inland routes are better for another season or for an overcast day.
And in winter you can walk very well in the coastal area and on low routes, but if you go up to Penyagolosa or high areas, wrap up well because temperatures drop considerably.
In short, spring and autumn are the star seasons, but with a little planning, Castellón is a perfect hiking destination at any time of the year.
Castellón is to be discovered step by step, do you dare?
You have already seen that Castellón is a paradise for hiking, now you just have to choose which routes you are going to take in the province.
And of course, after a day of walking, the body also asks for rest. That is why it is best to find accommodation close to your routes, which allows you to get up calmly, go out to explore and return home with the peace of mind of having all the comforts.
At Orange Costa we make it easy for you with apartments and houses designed for you to enjoy the mountains without giving up the comfort of feeling at home. Castellón provides the landscape and you are guaranteed rest with our accommodations. Are you coming?
