Benicàssim, with about 20,500 inhabitants, is a resort in the province of Castellón, in the Valencian Community, on the Costa del Azahar, the "orange blossom coast". In summer its population multiplies with tourists and families from Valencia, Madrid and Aragon who have second homes here.
Beaches
Benicàssim has about six kilometres of fine-sand, shallow Blue Flag beaches: Heliópolis, Torre Sant Vicent, Almadrava, Els Terrers, Voramar and Les Villes. The seafront promenade is ideal for walking and cycling.
The Villas
In the early 20th century the middle classes of Castellón and Valencia built dozens of elegant villas by the sea, in eclectic, modernista and neoclassical styles. Today the Ruta de las Villas takes in some fifty of them, such as Villa Elisa, Villa Pilar and Villa Victoria. In 1937-1938, during the Civil War, many housed International Brigade hospitals.
The festivals
- The FIB, Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, in July, one of Europe's best-known indie and pop music festivals since 1995, with a very international crowd.
- Rototom Sunsplash, in August, one of the world's biggest reggae festivals, born in Italy and moved to Benicàssim in 2010.
Nature
Behind the town lies the Desierto de las Palmas natural park: not a desert but a mountain area of pines and scrub, named after the Carmelite friars who retreated here in the 17th century seeking the "desert" of solitude. The convent can still be visited and Bartolo peak offers views of the coast. The Vía Verde del Mar, an old railway turned cycle path, links Benicàssim and Oropesa along the cliffs.
Food
Paella, arroz a banda, arròs negre and fresh fish, the famous Vinaròs prawns and the old Carmelitano liqueur, made by the friars with aromatic herbs since 1896.
Getting there
Benicàssim is about 15 km from Castellón and 80 km from Valencia, linked by train. The nearest airport is Castellón; Valencia's is about an hour away.