Just three kilometers from the sea is Santa Magdalena de Pulpis and its castle, which dominates the landscape and creates a corridor connecting the coast with the interior of El Maestrat in Castellón.
It’s a charming town: it encompasses 66.5 km² of pine forests, aromatic scrubland, and olive terraces, a biological mosaic protected by the Sierra de Irta Natural Park.
Additionally, it also has hermitages, an Elizabethan telegraph tower, architectural gems of all kinds, and mouth-watering cuisine. But the best of all is its castle and the views; from its battlements, you can make out Peñíscola, Alcalà de Xivert, and on a clear day, the Columbretes Islands.
That’s why today we’re going to tell you why you need to climb up to the Castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis and then get lost in this charming town, full of trails, pine trees, and popular festivals.
History of the Castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis
The Castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis is a mountain-type castle, with an irregular layout, double defensive enclosure, and a courtyard of around 2,200 m². It was born as an Arab fortress between the 10th and 11th centuries, but little has survived from what the castle was like in that era. After the Christian conquest, it passed to the Order of Calatrava and shortly after to the Templars, and yes, both renovated it. What remains of it is what you can enjoy today; two sections of the wall and the primitive cistern are preserved.
Gradually, the inhabitants descended to the plain, but the watchtower continued to guard the coast well into the 16th century. And today? It’s a fantastic viewpoint to appreciate much of the town’s history.
What will you find in the surroundings of the Castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis?
The environment is part of the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, one of the few undeveloped Mediterranean coastlines with incredible vegetation: kermes oaks, mastic trees, junipers, ash trees, and honeysuckles, as well as rosemary, lavender, and thyme.
Oh! And take note, it also houses a lot of dwarf palms along its trails, the only native European palm tree.
In the sky, it’s common to see Bonelli’s eagle or peregrine falcon, and at night, mouse-eared bats. At dusk, it’s not unusual to come across wild boars or genets searching for water in the ravines. Quite a complete habitat, isn’t it?
Moreover, very close to the castle you can enter the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, lose yourself among cliffs and virgin coves; visit the Hermitage of San Vicente, perched atop a hill with views of the coastline; and approach the town center to see the Church of Santa María Magdalena and the Tower of Milan, former home of the telegraph network from which you can watch the sunset over El Maestrat.
How to get to Santa Magdalena de Pulpis
Santa Magdalena is just under an hour by car from Castellón via the N-340 or AP-7, and just over ninety minutes from Valencia. When you arrive, you won’t encounter any parking problems; there’s usually plenty of space in the area around the town hall and sports center. After that, move around on foot, as the town center is tiny and everything is within easy reach.
If you want to arrive by bus, know that there are connections from Peñíscola and Benicarló. And once here, you won’t need to search too hard to find yourself face to face with the Castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis; you’ll just need to look up to see its silhouette at the top of the mountain.
Routes to reach the Castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis
We’re not going to give you just one option to reach the castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis, we’re going to give you two! Whichever you choose, prepare water, sunscreen, and be ready to be left speechless at each of its viewpoints.
Historical Route
You’re going to face a route of 6 km —about 2 hours—; however, it’s very easy, suitable for all audiences.
The route starts at the church of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis. Once here, cross the cemetery and the highway bridge and enter the ravine. You’ll pass two lime kilns before the path offers you the first view of the castle ruins, planted at 431 m high. The ascent is gentle, full of vegetation and aromatic plants —it smells of thyme!— and, when you get to the top, you’ll be greeted by the keep and the cistern. To return? Use the same path and enjoy the panoramic views.
Route of the Templar Castles
If you want a double serving of castles, note this linear route of 16 km towards the Castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis. It starts the same as the historical one, but after visiting the castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis, you should continue in a zigzag to Mallada de la Rabosa and crest the sierra towards the Castle of Xivert. You’ll pass through pine forests, more thyme and rosemary, and views that span from the Columbretes to Penyagolosa. Upon arrival, explore the fortress and its settlement before descending to Alcalà de Xivert.
Come and discover the Castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis
Do you already have your holiday route through Santa Magdalena de Pulpis in mind? Surely you’ve noted to climb up to the castle early to see how the sun rises over the sea, spend the afternoon at the Ermita de Sant Vicent, visit the neoclassical church of María Magdalena, find the best sunset from the Tower of San Millán and take the opportunity to check out everything there is to see in Peñíscola.
Afterwards, it’s fitting to let the local cuisine put the finishing touch with a rabbit and snail paella or a tombet accompanied by pastissets with jam.
And, if your body asks for more, come in July for the Patron Saint Festivities or in January for the bonfire of San Antonio.
What’s missing? Besides the enthusiasm and the planning, you only need a place to rest and… you’re in luck! At Orange Costa we have the perfect accommodation for your holidays. It doesn’t matter if you come for a weekend, two weeks or a month; if you want an apartment or a house —with or without a pool—, on the beachfront and pet-friendly…we have it!
The Castle of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis and its surroundings are waiting for you; you’re the only one missing.
