When someone talks about the Valencian Biarritz, they are talking about Benicàssim. And no, it is not a randomly assigned label. This corner of the Castellón coast has been associated for decades with that elegant and holiday atmosphere reminiscent of the north.The difference? The Mediterranean climate, much warmer.
If you want to know more curiosities about the Valencian Biarritz, what to see here and what to do, keep reading, we will tell you this and much more.
A bit of history
Benicàssim was, from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a summer resort for high society. That is why it has a lot of stately villas very close to the sea, many of them still standing and forming part of the urban landscape.
That past is what made many start calling it that, and the truth is that even today this name is still heard in its streets.
Where does the name come from? From Biarritz (France), a glamorous destination linked to royalty and European high society that, over time, became the mecca of surfing. That parallelism between elegance, sea and summer is what ended up baptizing Benicàssim as the Valencian Biarritz.
Historically, two very different areas are distinguished, separated by the Comín Gardens, popularly known as the «Limbo».
On the one hand there is the «Route of Hell», populated by houses where scandalous and very lively parties used to be held; and on the other, the «Route of the Celestial Court», with quiet houses, designed for rest and calm.
Villas and architecture: the soul of the Valencian Biarritz
If there is something that finishes explaining why Benicàssim is known as the Valencian Biarritz, it is its architecture. Strolling along its coastline is doing it among old summer residences built by wealthy families who sought tranquility and spend long stays away from the city.
These villas are characterized by a clearly modernist architecture: colorful facades, large porches, balconies open to the Mediterranean, ornamental details and a clear intention to enjoy the outdoors and the good weather of Benicàssim.
Among the best known is Villa Elisa, one of the most emblematic and best preserved, which today is still a cultural reference and one of the great symbols to see in Benicàssim. Very close are Villa Pilar and Villa Victoria, other clear examples of this summer architecture.
And so up to 51 villas! Many of them continue to receive their tenants during the summer season and others belong to institutions or have been converted into restaurants and cultural spaces such as the Voramar Restaurant.
The best beaches of the Valencian Biarritz
Something that characterizes the Valencian Biarritz are its beaches: long, well-kept and very different from each other.
The Voramar Beach is probably the most iconic. Here are concentrated many of the historical villas that explain that past we were talking about before. Walking along its shore or along the promenade is doing it between the sea and the history of the town.
Very close is the Almadraba Beach, somewhat quieter, free of waves and with hardly any crowds. And if what you want is space —a lot of space—, write down the Heliópolis Beach. It is the longest in Benicàssim and one of the favorites for walking, playing sports or simply spreading the towel.
In the Biarritz there is no shortage of water sports
And of course, being so close to the sea, those who stayed in the Valencian Biarritz also took the opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean practicing sports. And today, if you come to visit it, you have even more variety than then.
Diving is one of the most attractive activities, especially to discover the seabed of this part of the coast. There is also space for kayaking, paddle surfing and sailing.
And be careful, the beach not only works wonderfully as a stage for water sports, it is also a great ally for practicing yoga with the sea in the background, stretching, training or simply walking along the shore.
What to see near the Valencian Biarritz
In addition to beaches, villas and sports, Benicàssim is lucky to be surrounded by very varied plans, perfect to complete your getaway to the Orange Costa.
One of the essentials what to do in Benicàssim is to cross the Vía Verde del Mar, an old railway line converted into a pleasant route for walking or cycling. It is an easy path, suitable for all audiences and with views of the Mediterranean in many sections, ideal for going from Benicàssim to Oropesa del Mar!
Very close you also have the Natural Park of the Desert of the Palms, perfect if you want to change the towel for hiking shoes and enjoy spectacular routes and viewpoints.
And if you want to do some shopping, stop by the Benicàssim market, which is held every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Calle Miguel Peris y Segarra. Here you will find fresh products, clothing, handicrafts and much more.
And if you travel as a family, Aquarama is one of the great classics. Slides, swimming pools and aquatic attractions to spend a very fun day.
Where to stay to enjoy the Valencian Biarritz
If after reading all this you feel like coming to the Valencian Biarritz, knowing everything there is to do, enjoying its beaches, its history and its natural environment, there is something that cannot be missing: good accommodation.
You can start looking among the apartments and houses that we have in Orange Costa. And if you want to go one step further and turn your stay into a special experience, write down the Villa Quatre Vents.
This villa in Benicàssim has five bedrooms, capacity for up to nine people and a large private garden, ideal for enjoying the good weather and outdoor lunches and dinners. You decide how to make your getaway to the Valencian Biarritz… but you have to come and see it!
