Spain - Regions - Costa Azahar . . .

The "Orange Blossom Coast" & The "Maestrazgo" - Land of Valencia

Features of Costa Azahar
     With 120 kilometres of coastline washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the Orange Blossom Coast (Costa Azahar), as also the inland called "El Maestrazgo" have more than enough reasons to encourage visitors and residents in the area to seek the shores and enjoy all the benefits of:

• Extremely pleasant temperatures which an average in the summer of 28ºC and 18ºC in the winter.
• Its not overcrowded beaches with its clean water, guaranteed yearly by the "blue flags" rewarded from the EU. More than 300 days of sun the year!
• Plenty of good quality drinking water.
• Very good trade connections. Because of its central situation on the Spanish Mediterranean Sea. The highway A-7 crosses the province from north to south. Also remarkable is the railway line which offers with the railway stations of Benicarló/Peñíscola and Vinaròs connections to all over Europe. And of course the international airports of Valencia, Reus and Barcelona which are easily attainable. Very soon in Castellón de la Plana there will be a new airport available, situated between Benlloch and Villanova d’Alcolea and only about 40 km from Benicarló.
• The friendliness of the inhabitants of the Costa Azahar and the Maestrazgo towards visitors and new fellow citizens. The people in this region are cheerful and helpful with an open and honest character.
• Extensive sea sports line-up and maritime links, very nice golf courses, and much more.
• Stimulating ambience thanks to the wonderful unspoiled landscape, on the coast and in the inland, with its numerous orange, almond and olive tree orchards, nature reserves, fascinating mountains, picturesque villages and historical sites. Remarkable in the Mediterranean Sea are the "Islas Columbretes" - a unique nature reserve and a paradise for diver and sail-sport.
• Tourists searching for beach life at its best, and fun in the sun, they will find a wide variety off attractions and landscapes capable of satisfying all tastes, from the prosaic to the exotic.
• Its Gastronomy – you will taste the best Mediterranean Cuisine with wonderful traditional courses.
• "Fiestas" and traditions. Here you will live typical and colourful Mediterranean festivals. An unforgettable experience for all visitors.

Where to go?
The inland "El Maestrazgo" offers some very attractive destinations like:

• Ulldecona Reservoir – Tinença de Benifessà (at 50 km aprox. from Benicarló). The reservoir is set in a natural area of great beauty, which is ideal for hill walking, and from where it is possible to observe the large colony of wild goats and Griffon vultures living there. Cave paintings in the "Polvorí" cave, next to the reservoir's dam. The Monastery of St. Mary in Benifassà, Cistercian (XIII century). In the surrounding area, almost uninhabited Medieval settlements (such as Fredes, el Boixar and Bellestar) can be found.
• Traiguera (at 24 km), famous for its pottery workshops.
• Sant Mateu (at 26 km). The ancient capital city of the "Maestrazgo" considered to be of historical-monumental interest, a classical example of civil Gothic architecture.
• Ares del Maestre (at 80 km). This ancient settlement situated 1.200m high, is very picturesque. Places of interest include the Gothic town hall, Neo-Classical Parish Church, remains of the "Muela castle", and cava paintings ("Remigia cave").
• Villafranca (at 90 km). Gotic town hall (XIV century), altarpiece on panels (1455) by Valentin Montoliu, renaissance parish church (1567-1575), etc...
• Benassal (at 75 km). The spa "Font d'en Segures" is famous for the high quality of its waters. Also the Parish Church (XVII century) and noblemen's houses.