If you’re planning your first getaway to the Castellón coast, golden sandy beaches are likely the first thing that comes to mind. However, there is a treasure that will surprise you if you’re looking for more than just sun and a towel: the Sierra de Oropesa.
This mountain range isn’t just a backdrop for a few sunset photos, but a true paradise for viewing orange groves, almond trees, and other crops. Additionally, it acts as a natural wall that protects Oropesa del Mar from harsh weather.
Want to explore it?
Where is the Sierra de Oropesa and how far does it stretch?
Located in the heart of the province of Castellón, the Sierra de Oropesa stretches out like a tongue embracing the municipality of Oropesa del Mar and serving as a natural border with the inland territories. It isn’t a massive mountain range in terms of height—its highest peaks are around 400 meters—but its great value lies in its proximity to the sea.
It spans from the borders of the Desierto de las Palmas to the cliffs that drop into the coast. The best thing about its location is that it’s extremely accessible. If you’re staying in the town center of Oropesa or in Benicàssim, you’ll be just minutes away from its best routes and trails, allowing you to swap your hiking boots for a swimsuit and towel in the blink of an eye. A total win-win.
The flora and fauna of the Sierra de Oropesa
What will strike you most when you head onto the paths of the Sierra de Oropesa is its resilience. The vegetation is purely Mediterranean, adapted to the sun—lots of sun—and the lack of rain. You’ll find yourself surrounded by low scrubland, where the fan palm—Europe’s only native palm—is the most predominant species.
You’ll also come across countless aromatic plants and Aleppo pines that offer much-needed shade, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
As for the wildlife, if you walk quietly, it’s very possible you’ll encounter a Mediterranean turtle or see eagles soaring over the mountain ridges. However, our favorite feeling in the Sierra de Oropesa is the contrast between the dry green of the mountains and the electric blue of the sea.
What to do in the Sierra de Oropesa
If you’re wondering what you can do in the Sierra de Oropesa, the short answer is: enjoy incredible panoramic views and take some of the best hiking routes in Castellón. But let’s get into the details, of course!
The star route is undoubtedly the climb to the Oropesa Viewpoint. From here, you can see the entire coastline, from the Ebro Delta in the north to the Grao de Castellón in the south. It’s the ideal spot to understand the area’s geography. Another point of interest is the area around the Watchtowers, ancient structures used to warn of the arrival of Barbary pirates.
And if you’re looking for something a bit quieter but equally impressive, you have to explore the Greenway of the Sea. Although it technically skirts the foot of the mountains along the coast, it’s the best way to see the range from different angles. It’s a former railway line converted for cyclists and pedestrians that connects Oropesa with Benicàssim. It’s a flat walk, perfect for going solo, as a family, or as a couple. By following it, you’ll pass through nearly six kilometers of tunnels and pristine coves; a true wonder.
Plans that pair perfectly with an excursion to the Sierra de Oropesa
Taking a trip to the mountains doesn’t mean giving up the area’s other charms. In fact, the ideal thing is to combine hiking with other plans. You can start by exploring the town of Oropesa del Mar and then dive into everything there is to see in Benicàssim.
In Oropesa del Mar, the best way to start is by getting lost in its old town. Unlike other coastal destinations, it preserves its medieval layout intact, crowned by the ruins of its castle and its old church. Oh, and you can’t leave without visiting the Playing Card Museum and taking a stroll along La Concha Beach.
And in Benicàssim, you should take the route of the Valencian Biarritz and visit what many consider the best beach in Benicàssim: Voramar Beach, a place with undeniable historical charm. Following the coast, you’ll come across other excellent options like Torre de San Vicente Beach, ideal for its atmosphere and its watchtower, or Els Terrers Beach, known for its semicircular shape and calm waters.
If you’re traveling with children—or if you just want an adrenaline rush—an unbeatable plan is to spend the day at Aquarama, one of the most fun water parks on the Mediterranean coast, located very close to the foothills of the mountains. And if you prefer to keep relaxing, Heliópolis Beach offers miles and miles of sand for walking.
Are you coming to Castellón to discover the Sierra de Oropesa?
Coming to the Sierra de Oropesa is a fantastic idea because it allows you to experience two vacations in one: the total disconnection of the mountains alongside the fun and relaxation of the coast.
And since we at Orange Costa know that to enjoy this environment you need a base camp tailored to you, we offer plenty of accommodation—houses, villas, studios, and apartments—in Benicàssim. Just a stone’s throw away!
We want you to have a place with all the comforts to rest after working up a sweat on the trails or burning off energy at Aquarama. So, are you coming to discover the Sierra de Oropesa with one of the Orange Costa accommodations?
