Guarded by the towns of Peñíscola and Alcocebre by the sea; and by Alcalá de Chivert and Santa Magdalena de Pulpis inland, the Sierra de Irta is a treasure trove of 13 kilometres of unspoilt Mediterranean coastline that still remains intact and protected from the ravages of human destruction. Quite the opposite of what has happened to most of the rest of the Valencian coastline.

A protected natural area that represents one of the last remaining undeveloped coastal mountain ranges on the Mediterranean coast. The perfect enclave for those who love hiking, the Mediterranean, warm sunshine, flora and fauna, and of course the delicious gastronomy that the Bajo Maestrazgo region has to offer, of which it is very difficult to get tired.

All this and much more can be found in the Sierra de Irta, Castellón’s enclave par excellence, which you should get to know as soon as possible.

Discover nature in its purest form in the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park, one of the least altered wetlands in the Region of Castellón. Visiting the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Nature Reserve means discovering an area of exceptional natural value in the province of Castellón. It is one of the least disturbed wetlands in the Region of Castellón and is a narrow strip of coastal marshland.

This natural park is of great importance because it is home to endemic species such as the gambeta (a type of shrimp), the fartet (Aphanius Iberus) and the samaruc (Valencia toothcarp). It is also a great place for birdwatching and for observing the many migratory birds that pass through the area. A whole spectacle of nature at your fingertips. Here you can immortalise each place, get to know the province’s flora and fauna, and see the mammals roam free.

In addition, the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park is located between Torreblanca and Oropesa del Mar, bordered by the Irta and les Santes mountain ranges in Cabanes, natural spaces where you can enjoy emblematic routes for cycling and hiking. It is undoubtedly the ideal place for nature lovers.

Pure nature, a great historical heritage and incredible views of the Mediterranean. Discover the Desert de les Palmes Natural Park.

This park is an authentic landmark of La Plana, stretching through the municipalities of Benicasim, Borriol, Castelló de la Plana, Oropesa del Mar and La Pobla Tornesa.

This coastal mountain range runs parallel to the coast and is full of ridges and crags. Due to its geographical location, many people come to this park to enjoy nature, hiking and to observe its rich history and heritage. But do you want to know where the name comes from?

It all goes back to the time when the Discalced Carmelites inhabited this area. They called it a ‘desert’ because it was a solitary place, far from the population, where they retreated for contemplation and prayer. And as this area was full of palm hearts, the park was renamed Desert de les Palmes. Strange, isn’t it?

The Desert de les Palmes Natural Park is a spectacular place for lovers of hiking, cycling and, in short, nature. There are numerous routes that will take you to places of great charm, such as les Agulles de Santa Águeda. However, if you prefer to go to the top and reach the highest point, you can choose between the Mola del Morico, at 694 metres, and the Bartolo, at 729 metres. From here you can admire the magnificent views of the coastline offered by the two peaks and feel the immensity of the Mediterranean at your feet.

The Columbretes Islands are one of the most interesting spots in the western Mediterranean and, undoubtedly, along the coast of Castellón. Located 48 kilometres off the coast of the province of Castellón, this natural park has a great wealth of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. These islands are made up of a group of islets of volcanic origin. The most important are l’Illa Grossa, la Ferrera, la Foradada and el Carallot. It was not until 1856-1860 that the islands were really settled and the lighthouse was built to guide passing ships at night.

Nowadays, the Columbretes Islands are used more for tourism, where visitors go to Illa Grossa, the only island that can be visited due to the fragility of the islets. They come to observe the incredible landscapes, flora and fauna. These islands are a unique habitat in the whole Mediterranean for their great marine diversity.

The Columbretes Islands Nature Reserve Visitor Centre is located in the Planetarium of Castelló de la Plana. It features an exhibition about the islands and the world of fishing. A different and dynamic way of getting to know this Mediterranean treasure.

The Serra Calderona was declared a Natural Park in 2002, but long before that it held a special place in the hearts of nature lovers. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Valencian Community, and extends through the regions of Camp de Morvedre, l’Horta and Camp de Túria. If you like mountaineering, this is the place for you, don’t hesitate! This mountain range separates the river basins of the Palancia to the north and the Turia and Carraixet to the south. Its relief has created a landscape with an abundance of pines and cork oaks.

The highest peak in the natural park is Gorgo, at 907 metres, accessible from Gátova and Olocau. If you are looking for a good vantage point from which to see the neighbouring regions, the summit of Garbí (601 m) is the place to go. It can be reached from Serra, Náquera or Sega art.

Its 18,019 hectares are a hotbed of ravines, slopes and trails with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The long-distance footpath (GR-10) that runs from Puçol to Andilla is ideal for hiking. There are also 4 routes that make up the Senderos de Pequeño Recorrido (Short Trails). There are many other options: from the Garbí Blue Route to the Ojos Negros Greenway, which you can cycle along. The important thing is to make the most of the wonderful natural surroundings at your disposal.

If you want to discover a mountain range that seems to reach all the way to the Mediterranean, all you have to do is enter the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. Located in the south of the province of Castellón, it is one of the best preserved natural spaces in the whole of the Valencian Community.

In the Sierra de Espadán you will find, among other things, a large number of springs, ravines and lush cork oak forests. It is undoubtedly a magical place for all kinds of hiking and cycling routes. You can choose from short routes for a fantastic family day out, or for more experienced walkers, routes that will take you to the most beautiful villages in the area, and you can also enjoy all kinds of sports and adventure activities, such as canyoning, climbing, bungee jumping or cycling routes.

The Sierra de Espadán Natural Park has a Visitor Centre where you can discover all the secrets and all the flora and fauna that surround this wonderful place.

If you love hiking and the great outdoors, this is the place for you. With an area of 1,094.45 hectares, the Penyagolosa Natural Park is located between the towns of Vistabella del Maestrat, Chodos and Villahermosa del Río. It is a high and well-preserved mountain core of the Iberian system. It culminates at 1,813 metres at the summit of Penyagolosa, considered the highest peak in the Valencian Community. From the summit you will enjoy incredible views over Castellón and the neighbouring lands of Aragón. The area is made up of extensive forests of black pine, common pine, Pyrenean oak and many other species.

The Sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa is one of the emblems of this park. It is a place of pilgrimage for the surrounding towns, from Les Useres to the province of Teruel. Most importantly, Penyagolosa is an emblem for lovers of mountaineering; generations of hikers have walked among its hills, ridges and paths to observe a wide variety of fauna. You’ll see golden eagles, mountain goats, shrews and butterflies – do you really want to miss it?

The Penyagolosa Natural Park is a treasure of our territory that we must all take care of together. We encourage you to visit it and treat it with the respect it deserves. Get to know the biodiversity of our forests and breathe the freshest air.

The Tinença de Benifassà Natural Park is a protected natural area located between the regions of Els Ports and El Baix Maestrat in Castellón. The former possessions of the Benifassà Monastery extended over a mountainous area of high ecological value. Part of it is included in the Tortosa and Beceite Ports National Hunting Reserve. A network of signposted footpaths links the seven villages of La Tinença: Bel, El Ballestar, Boixar, Castell de Cabres, Coratxà, Fredes and La Pobla de Benifassà, on hiking routes that allow you to discover this exceptionally well-preserved landscape.

In the Tinença de Benifassà Natural Park, two elements of cultural heritage stand out: the cave paintings and the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Benifassà. The cave paintings are located on a strip of rock next to the reservoir wall and form part of the rock art of the Mediterranean arc of the Iberian Peninsula, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. La Tinença de Benifassà has some of the best preserved forests in the Valencian Community. There is an abundance of Scots pine, red pine and black pine forests, where it is also possible to find lime trees and beech trees.

This is a gift from nature that you should put in your diary for your next trip – don’t miss it!