As a helpful follow-up to my recent Benicassim post, here’s a new article filled with day trip ideas and top things to do near this coastal town – perfect for making the most of your holiday on the Costa Azahar.

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Best Day Trips from Benicassim: Top Attractions and Activities Nearby

Where is Benicassim

Benicassim is one of my favorite spots in Spain for a family-friendly beach getaway. This charming coastal town, located in the province of Castellon within the Valencian Community, is easily accessible on a day trip from either Valencia or Tarragona. However, I highly recommend staying at least a weekend to truly enjoy its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant summer festivals. Benicassim’s coastline, known as the Costa Azahar, may not be as famous as the Costa Brava or Costa Blanca – but its beaches are just as beautiful, if not better.

This article is a follow-up to my previous post about a family beach escape in Benicassim and focuses on the best day trips and things to do around the area to help you explore more of the beautiful Costa Azahar.

Although Benicassim is a well-loved seaside destination among Spaniards, it remains relatively off the radar for international tourists – except during its famous festivals like FIB and Rototom Sunsplash. In August, the town sees a wave of visitors from cities like Castellon, Madrid, and Zaragoza, but for most of the year, it remains a peaceful coastal retreat with calm waters and long stretches of white-sand beaches.

One of my favorite activities is cycling along the town’s coastal bike path, which runs the length of the shoreline – perfect for a refreshing morning ride with the sea breeze. And here’s a local tip: most beachgoers don’t arrive until around 11 a.m., so early risers can enjoy a few quiet hours with the shore practically to themselves.

How to get to Benicassim

The closest airports to Benicassim are Castellon and Valencia, although Reus can also be a convenient option. Some travelers include Benicassim in a Barcelona-to-Valencia road trip, while others make it part of a Castellon or Valencia itinerary.

Although it’s possible to visit Benicassim on a day trip from Valencia, staying for a few days allows you to truly enjoy its relaxed seaside charm. Benicassim is connected to Castellon by bus, but if you plan to explore the surrounding area on day trips, renting a car is the most convenient option.

One of the most popular seaside hotels in Benicassim is Palasiet, known for its stunning coastal views. You can find more hotel options using the map below.

Top Benicassim Day Trips

Here are some of the most popular places and landmarks near Benicassim that are perfect for day trips, offering cultural and historical insight into the region beyond just its beaches.

Oropesa

Oropesa is one of the most popular day trips from Benicassim, thanks to the scenic Via Verde – a 6 km trail that starts just behind the Voramar Hotel, where there’s a large parking area available.

I usually bike the Via Verde, but many locals turn it into a full-day hike, often stopping for lunch in Oropesa. A couple of things to keep in mind: the trail gets quite crowded on weekends, and there’s very little shade along the way. If you’re visiting during the summer peak season, it’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the heat.

On my last visit to Oropesa, I stumbled upon a hidden gem: Museo del Naipe, a small museum that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of playing card decks in the world.

Castellon

Castellon is one of the closest and most convenient day trips from Benicassim. One big advantage is that you don’t need a car – buses run between Benicassim and Castellon roughly every 30 minutes (check the current schedule, as it may vary slightly by season).

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to see Park Ribalta, Castellon Cathedral, the striking Correos (Post Office) building, Plaza Mayor, and the Museu de Belles Artes. The museum previously offered free entry and had an entire floor dedicated to traditional Spanish ceramics from the region.

While Castellon may not be as captivating as some of the other day trips from Benicassim, it’s a solid option – especially if you prefer not to drive.

Peñiscola

Peñiscola is a popular day trip from Valencia and a well-known Game of Thrones filming location in Spain, located just 40 minutes from Benicassim. You can read more about it in this article from one of my first visits to Peñiscola.

Nearby, you’ll also find Benicarlo – famous for its Artichoke Gastronomic Weeks held every February – and Jardin del Papagayo, a lovely garden filled with parrots and exotic birds. It’s one of my kids’ absolute favorites in Spain!

Morella

Morella is one of my favorite small towns in Spain – I love it so much that I make a point to visit every year. You can find more details in this dedicated post.

If you’re exploring the area around Morella, consider stopping by Ares del Maestre, one of Spain’s hidden gem villages, and the Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma – a fascinating sanctuary carved into a cliffside near the village of Zorita del Maestrazgo. It’s a must-see if you’re drawn to mysterious and off-the-beaten-path places in Spain.

Caves of San Josep

Coves de San Josep is a remarkable cave system home to the longest navigable underground river in Europe. It’s a popular day tour from Valencia and definitely worth experiencing at least once, especially since part of the journey is done by boat.

For a more unique adventure, try the Espeleokayak Experience, which lets you explore the caves by kayak. This option is often easier to book through a tour agency based in Valencia, as tickets on the official website tend to sell out quickly.

Montanejos

Montanejos is a stunning natural area that dates back to the Moorish era, when it was known for its thermal baths. Since 1863, the Montanejos hot springs have been open to the public year-round, with water temperatures staying around a comfortable 25ºC.

In addition to soaking in the springs, you can explore the area on the Ruta Sendero de los Estrechos – one of the top hiking trails in Castellon that follows the Mijares River through a dramatic gorge just 25 meters wide, with cliffs towering over 100 meters high. You can find the full trail details on Wikiloc.

Just a heads-up: in summer, the swimming areas can get quite crowded, especially with day-trippers from Valencia.

Fanzara

The tiny village of Fanzara is one of the most colorful places in Spain and one of the top graffiti villages in the country. It is located close to Montanejos, making it easy to visit both on the same day trip from Benicassim.

Home to around 300 people, Fanzara was once on the verge of becoming one of Spain’s “dying villages” until locals invited graffiti artists to transform it into an open-air museum. You can read more about Fanzara in this post.

Vilafames

Vilafames is one of the most beautiful villages in the Castellon region, yet it remains largely undiscovered by international visitors. Beyond its charming, picture-perfect streets, you can explore the quaint Museo de Arte Contemporaneo. For more details, take a look at my article on the Castellon Road Trip.

Sagunto

Sagunto is home to some of the most unique Roman ruins in Spain, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

The ancient city of Saguntum shares a heroic tale similar to that of Numantia (in Soria), though with a key difference: Sagunto was an ally of Rome during its conflict with Ancient Carthage. Its strategic location between Carthago Nova (modern-day Cartagena) and Tarraco (now Tarragona) made it a crucial military stronghold. According to historians, when Sagunto was on the verge of falling to Carthaginian forces, the locals first awaited help from Rome – which never came – and then burned their homes and valuables to deny the enemy any spoils. Five years later, the Romans recaptured and began rebuilding the city.

Nearby, Mirador Garbi offers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Spain, situated within Serra Calderona Natural Park. Although the road leading up is narrow, the hike is one of the most popular in the Valencia region. After parking, it’s a short and easy 15-minute walk to the viewpoint, where stunning panoramic views await.

Deltebre

Deltebre, home to the Ebro Delta National Park, is one of Spain’s most unique natural landscapes and one of the Mediterranean’s most important wetlands. It’s widely regarded as one of top Barcelona weekend getaways.

Deltebre makes for a fantastic and distinctive day trip from Benicassim, offering a wide range of fun experiences and tours to explore.

• Ebro Delta National Park: Guided Horseback Riding Tour (check availability)
• Ebro Delta: Guided Kayak Tour to Gracia Island (check availability)
• Flamingo-Birdwatching in the Ebro Delta at Sunset (check availability)
• Ebro Delta Cruise and Jeep Tour with Mussels Tasting (check availability)

Tortosa

Although Tortosa is rarely included on lists of Benicassim day trips, it’s just about an hour’s drive away. My recent visit to Tortosa turned out to be one of my greatest discoveries in the Tarragona region – definitely one of Spain’s most underrated towns. You can read all about my experience in Tortosa here.

The Penyagolosa Peak

Penyagolosa Peak is one of the highest mountains in the entire Valencia region. Famous for its breathtaking hiking trail, it offers some of the most spectacular views across the Valencian community. For more details, check out this post from my recent visit to Penyagolosa.

Hiking near Benicassim

If you’re a fan of hiking and nature, here are some great trails near Benicassim:

• The Millenary Olive Trees Route
• Castillo de Gaibiel
• La senda del Rio + El Sargal
• Ruta Roja de la Sierra d´Irta in Alcossebre (check the detail in my Castellon hikes post)
• La Senda de las Trincheras in Jerica (check the detail in my Castellon hikes post)
• Los Organos de Benitandus near Onda (check more details in this post)

Seasonal Benicassim Day Trips

• a boat tour to Columbretes island ( from El Grau de Castellon port during the summer months)

• Hazelnut Gastronomic Weeks in Benassal ( in October)

• Artichoke Gastronomic Weeks in Benicasrlo ( in February)

• San Mateu Medieval Fair (12/14 July)

• La Madalena Feast in Castellon ( 2/10 March)

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