4 Weekend Getaways in Castellon this Summer

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The province of Castellon is one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets, offering a unique mix of endless beaches, authentic villages and stunning natural paradises. If you are looking to escape the routine and unwind, a weekend getaway to Castellon this summer is the perfect choice, and at DoYouSpain, we have put together 4 complete routes to help you make the most of your trip.

Since public transport connections rarely let you improvise, the most comfortable option is to travel on your own terms. That is why hiring a car in Castellon with DoYouSpain is the best way to enjoy total freedom, forget about timetables and design your own perfect road trip.

Benicassim

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Day 1: What to do in Benicassim?

If you are travelling with family or looking for a different way to start the weekend, our top recommendation is to visit Aquarama: a water park where the whole family can enjoy a full day out. If you prefer a great plan without getting wet, you can go for a race at Benikarts; they have tracks tailored for ages 6 and up, as well as a great bar for lunch.

Once the sun goes down, Benicassim’s centre comes to life. Wander through its tapas bar area ('tascas') and try some incredible food at spots like El Charquito, La Guindilla, or Santa Rita. If your trip is in August, you can make the most of it and experience the unique atmosphere of the Rototom Sunsplash Festival.

Día 2: Beaches in Benicassim

For your second day in Benicassim, we suggest a much more relaxed day out so you can just take it easy and spend the morning discovering some of Benicassim’s best beaches.

  • For atmosphere and a stunning promenade: Heliópolis Beach is the place to be.
  • To unwind: Voramar Beach is an iconic and much quieter spot.

At both beaches, you will find plenty of morning activities, from paddleboarding and snorkelling in the water to fun things to do on the sand.

Throughout the afternoon, head to the Vía Verde del Mar, a beautiful coastal path, or drive up to the Desierto de las Palmas Natural Park to enjoy the views. You will need your hire car to get up there, and you can leave it in one of the free car parks.

To top off your getaway, there is nothing quite like a mojito on the sand at beach bars like La Playa or Zalé.

Peñiscola

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Day 1: What to see in Peñiscola?

Strolling through the old town of Peñíscola is the perfect plan as soon as you arrive. You will love wandering past its white facades and artisan stalls, heading up to the incredible Papa Luna Castle, and, on your way back down, taking a refreshing dip at Playa Norte, located right below the fortress.

Here are a couple of dinner recommendations to try authentic monkfish all i pebre, one of Peñiscola’s most traditional seafood dishes:

  • Bar la Muralla: Features stunning sea views and traditional recipes.
  • Restaurante Camino de Santiago: A fantastic Mediterranean option with a menu adapted for celiacs.

Day 2: Sierra de Irta and Family Plans

Start your second day by visiting the Jardín del Papagayo, a sanctuary for rescued animals. They have everything from exotic birds to capybaras, making it a unique experience to enjoy, especially with little ones.

Afterwards, take your hire car to explore the trails of the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, a stunning, unspoilt area. It is the perfect place to discover cliffs, hidden coves and ancient watchtowers. And if you don't feel like walking, don't worry, there are several routes you can easily explore with your hire car from DoYouSpain.

Montanejos

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Day 1: La Fuente de los Baños

One of the most famous summer weekend getaways in Castellon is Montanejos, known for the Fuente de los Baños (entry is usually around 3€ ). It is a truly unique spot where the mineral-medicinal waters stay at a temperature of 25°C all year round, perfect for a swim surrounded by nature. After a dip, you can stop by the Montanejos Spa, which has fantastic facilities, and try their signature treatment: chocolate therapy.

For lunch, if you are looking for home-cooked food at a great price, La Sede Montanejos is a must. If you prefer something a bit more exclusive, we recommend booking a table at the River Club Restaurante.

Día 2: Riverside Hiking and Adventure

If you are looking for a weekend getaway in Castellon to stay active, Montanejos is the place for you. You cannot miss the Los Estrechos route, an incredible trail filled with waterfalls that runs alongside the Mijares River. And make sure to check out the Chorro de Montanejos!

If you hire a car to explore Montanejos, you can easily reach the Arenoso Reservoir for a kayak or rafting trip, or head over to the multi-adventure circuit with zip-lines through the trees, which has options for all ages. Having a car also means you can plan your time exactly as you please to visit the Cueva Negra (Black Cave) and the small surrounding villages.

Alcossebre

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Day 1: What to do in Alcossebre?

Alcossebre combines peace and quiet, nature and a great atmosphere, making it a must-visit on your Castellon getaway. It stands out for having some of the best coves in the province for diving and snorkelling. We recommend starting at Cala Mundina and Playa del Faro, an unspoilt area with crystal-clear waters and unique walking trails.

After a morning at the beach, it’s time to enjoy the local food. If you are looking for traditional, authentic dishes, Mesón Ximo and La Maya never disappoint. For spectacular Mediterranean rice dishes, head to El Túnel, and if you prefer a more exclusive concept with fresh local produce, book a table at La Villa. When night falls, the atmosphere shifts to drinks at La Rocka del Moro, Flamingo Karaoke, or the rooftop terrace at Lemon.

Day 2: Nature and Views from Santa Lucía

Dedicate your second day in Alcossebre to pure relaxation. Visit the Camping Ribamar, an eco-friendly complex right in the heart of the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, where you can enjoy its pool, restaurant, and completely virgin pebble beaches well away from the crowds.

To top off your weekend, take your hire car and head up the winding roads through the pine forest to the Ermita de Santa Lucía y San Benet, sitting 312 metres above sea level. From this spectacular viewpoint, you will enjoy a magical sunset with stunning views across the entire coast, the countryside, and the Columbretes Islands. And if you want to make a night of it, book a table at Restaurante El Pinar.

Why Hire a Car for your Weekend Getaway in Castellon?

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Getting to the most hidden coves or heading up to mountain viewpoints by public transport is almost impossible. That is why booking a vehicle with DoYouSpain is the smartest way to make the most of your weekend. It gives you the absolute freedom to travel at your own pace, throw all your luggage in the boot, and change your plans on the go.

If you need help managing your booking, you can sort it out instantly through our Virtual Assistant, via the Customer Service Area, or by calling us directly on +34 964 83 09 95.