Home to golden beaches and opulent villas, Benicassim is a famous beach town on Spain’s Costa Azahar. Backed by the rugged mountains of the Desert of the Palms, it takes its name from the Banu Qasim tribe that inhabited the region during the 8th-century Moorish conquest of Spain.
Things to do in Benicàssim
Dominating Benicassim's coast are several golden arcs of sand, including ever-popular Playa Almadraba and villa-backed Playa Voramar. Watching over Playa Torre de San Vicente is a centuries-old watchtower once used to defend the coastline from pirate attacks. If you want to get out on the water, head to the sailing and windsurfing school at Playa Els Terrers.
Sprawling inland from Benicassim is the Desert of the Palms, a protected natural area that encompasses a coastal mountain range. Climb to the 694-metre-high summit of Mola del Morico or soak up the magnificent views of the uninhabited Columbretes Islands from the peak of Bartolo. Now designated as a wildlife reserve, the archipelago is home to Eleanora’s falcons and a colony of Audouin’s gulls.
Travelling with kids? They’ll love spending a day at Aquarama, a family-friendly water park home to one of the highest water slides in the world. Aside from braving the “Devil’s Drop” and the “Kamikazes”, you can play in the “Pirate’s Cave”, slide down the “Surf Dunes” or relax beside the lagoons. If you prefer to stay dry, head next door to the ten-pin bowling alleys of Kristal Bolera.
Getting around Benicàssim
Benicassim is around 15 minutes’ drive from Castellon de la Plana and one hour from Valencia. Valencia Airport is also an hour away and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Benicassim railway station and buses travel throughout the town.