The best cycling routes in Castellón

The Vía Verde del Mar, connecting Benicàssim and Oropesa del Mar, offers an unparalleled coastal cycling experience. You'll pedal along a smooth path, built on an old railway line, that winds between the Sierra de Oropesa and the Mediterranean. Enjoy panoramic sea views, pass through rocky coves like La Renegà, and traverse a long, illuminated tunnel, all on a 23.7-kilometer route that immerses you in the natural beauty of the Valencian coast.

This easy route, with an elevation gain of just 145 meters and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 26 minutes, is perfect for a relaxed ride. It's ideal for leisure cyclists of all ages and fitness levels, including families. The path is well-maintained, with paved and compacted gravel sections, and features rest areas and bike parking, making it a very accessible option.

The Vía Verde del Mar is not only a visual delight but also holds significant historical and ecological value. It follows the course of a railway line that operated for 138 years, and along the way, you can see historic watchtowers like Torre Colomera and the Iberian settlement of "Orpesa la Vella." The area also stands out for its biodiversity, with protected marine ecosystems and Mediterranean pine forests in Monte Bovalar, offering a unique blend of nature and history.

The Irta Trail Loop immerses you in the unspoiled beauty of Sierra de Irta, a coastal natural park in Castellón. This touring cycling route takes you along paths that wind between the deep blue of the Mediterranean and the green of the forests, passing by the Sierra de Irta Trail and Spring and the idyllic La Basseta Beach. It's an experience that combines the serenity of the coast with the adventure of a mountainous interior, perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature. Prepare for varied terrain, including dirt tracks and paved sections, with spectacular views throughout the entire journey. This route allows you to discover the essence of the Valencian coast away from the crowds.

To fully enjoy the Irta Trail Loop, I recommend visiting in spring or autumn, when the weather is most pleasant for cycling. The route is of moderate difficulty, covering a distance of 27.7 kilometers with 393 meters of elevation gain, which will take approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes. Be sure to carry enough water and sun protection, as some sections are exposed. No specific permits are mentioned, but it's always advisable to check trail conditions, especially after rain, as some dirt sections can become more challenging.

What makes the Irta Trail Loop special is its location in one of the last unspoiled coastal areas of the Mediterranean, a true natural treasure and marine reserve. In addition to its impressive landscapes, the route offers you the opportunity to pass close to ancient watchtowers like Torre Badum and Torre Ebrí, which add a historical touch to your adventure. It's an excellent option for touring cyclists looking for a circular route with a mix of nature, history, and panoramic views, far from the hustle and bustle of more urbanized areas.

This easy 12.4-mile touring cycling loop connects Peñíscola and Benicarló, offering coastal views and tranquil marshland scenery.

This 29.0-kilometer loop between Castelló and Benicàssim is a delight for leisure cyclists, offering an easy and rewarding experience. With a mere 85 meters of elevation gain, the route immerses you in a vibrant coastal landscape, where the blue of the Mediterranean accompanies you for almost the entire journey. Cycle along the Paseo Marítimo de Benicàssim, passing Playa del Gurugú and Playa del Serradal, a natural gem with dunes and vegetation that invites you to pause and observe marine life. It's an ideal choice for those seeking flat cycling routes in Castellón and Benicàssim.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the route is very accessible and requires no special permits. While specific parking isn't mentioned, the starting point in Castelló is easy to find, and it's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot. The estimated duration is one hour and fifty-five minutes, making it perfect for a half-day excursion. To make the most of it, I suggest avoiding the midday heat in summer and taking advantage of the cool morning or the charm of sunset.

What truly sets this route apart is its combination of natural beauty and cultural points of interest. In addition to the beaches, upon reaching Benicàssim, you can detour to explore the "Ruta de las Villas," a collection of modernist houses that add a historical touch to your ride. It's one of the best cycling routes in Castellón and Benicàssim, not only for its ease but also for the numerous viewpoints and rest areas that allow you to appreciate the coast. It's an excellent option for beginner cyclists or families looking for an outdoor adventure.

The route "De Caudiel a Altura por la Vía Verde de Ojos Negros / Camino del Cid" immerses you in an inland Mediterranean landscape, following the path of an old railway line. Pedaling on mostly paved surfaces, you'll enjoy the tranquility of the Alto Palancia region, with views of the Regajo reservoir and the chance to pass through tunnels that evoke the area's mining history. It's a moderate cycling experience, ideal for those seeking a relaxed and picturesque day out.

For this 37.0-kilometer route, with an elevation gain of 374 meters and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 21 minutes, it's advisable to bring lights for the tunnels. You can find parking at the start of the route, both in Caudiel and Altura. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather conditions to enjoy this tour, avoiding the extreme summer temperatures.

This section is part of the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros, Spain's longest greenway, and also integrates into the historic Camino del Cid, offering a unique combination of industrial and cultural heritage. The route is known for its gentle gradients, a legacy of its railway origins, which makes it accessible for a wide range of cyclists. It's an excellent option for exploring the region and its charming villages.

The El Sitjar Reservoir Loop from Onda invites you to a tranquil and scenic road cycling experience, winding along well-maintained secondary roads. You'll enjoy idyllic views of the Sitjar Reservoir, framed by the cork and pine forests of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park, and pass through the charming village of Ribesalbes. It's a moderate route that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the province of Castellón.

To plan your visit, Onda is a convenient starting point with parking and charging stations for e-bikes. The route is ideal for cycling in spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and the landscapes are at their peak. If you decide to go in summer, we recommend starting early to avoid the hottest hours of the day.

This touring bicycle route, with a distance of 27.2 kilometres and an elevation gain of 345 metres, can be completed in approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes. The Sitjar Reservoir, built in 1960 on the Mijares River, is one of the most picturesque natural settings in the region and offers recreational areas with tables and benches, and even a river beach for cooling off.

Cycle an easy 15.1-mile (24.3 km) loop through Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park from Alcossebre, enjoying wetland scenery and birdli