Castellón, like the rest of the provinces that make up the Valencian Community, is really worth visiting and, above all, it is a wonderful place where to live. There are many reasons that justify it, but in this publication I am going to show you just one of them, its great natural wealth, by sharing with you some of the best hiking routes you can make around the province. All of them will let you enjoy amazing landscapes, pass through old and impressive buildings and appreciate many beautiful works of nature. Although before mentioning all these hiking routes, I would like to make a couple of:
CLARIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- I recommend you download the MAPS.ME app. It is a very useful application that serves as a GPS. It is free, it can be used without an Internet connection, it allows customization and in this case, it is even more interesting, as it will mark all the routes that I am going to share with you shortly and that many other GPS devices do not identify.
- The data regarding “distance”, “slope” and “difficulty” I am going to provide you with on each of the routes below, are approximations based on my experience, ability and my own criteria.
Now, let’s start with the following list of 10 of the most beautiful hiking routes to make in the province of Castellón, mentioned from shortest to longest distance:
1. THE ORGANS (BENITANDÚS)
DISTANCE: 5KM
SLOPE: 397M
DIFFICULTY: LOW-MEDIUM
SWIMMING OPTION? NO
This short route, suitable for most levels, is one of my favorites among all those mentioned on this list. In addition to the beautiful surroundings you will pass through until you reach the peak, the views from the top of the Organs are truly mind-blowing. From up there, you will have spectacular views of Onda, the Benitandús reservoir and the Organs themselves.
I recommend you park your vehicle in the tiny and charming town of Benitandús, from where you will start the route through a short section of paved road until you reach the entrance to the mountain. Once you have taken this path, you will only find a detour, where you will have to take the way to the left until you reach the top. The way down to Benitandús is the same as the way up but in the opposite direction.
2. THE BRIDE’S JUMP (CIRAT)
DISTANCE: 8KM
SLOPE: 150M
DIFFICULTY: LOW
SWIMMING OPTION? YES
It is a very simple route to and from the town of Cirat, whose main aim is to reach such a beautiful pond and waterfall, better known as The Bride’s Jump, located in the middle of the Espadán Mountain Range. You will walk along the so-called Segorbe Path, parallel to the Salinas Ravine, at all times until you reach it.
Moreover, if the weather is good, I recommend you take all the necessary material to take a refreshing bath before going back to Cirat town. Furthermore, although they are not on the route, there are also a few more ponds around the village and its surroundings, where it is worth going to swim and maybe spending part of the day. One of the most beautiful ones is called “La Bañera” Pond.
3. ESPADÁN PEAK
DISTANCE: 8’5KM
SLOPE: 630M
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM-HIGH
SWIMMING OPTION? NO
Another of the most noteworthy hiking routes in Castellón province is the climb to the Espadán peak. This ascent requires certain capacity and effort due to the 630M of positive slope that must be overcome in relatively few kilometers. Thus, this route is not suitable for all levels.
For those of you who dare to make it, I recommend you park your car in Alcudia de Veo, from where you will start the route, passing through a short section of road until you take the path that heads towards the mountain. Along the whole route you will also enjoy amazing views of the Espadán Mountain Range, specially from the top of the peak, where you will find the most impressive ones.
4. SAINT BÁRBARA HERMITAGE, MONTÍ PEAK AND MARIMÓN HUT (ONDA)
DISTANCE: 10KM
SLOPE: 443M
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
SWIMMING OPTION? NO
“El Montí” is the highest mountain in Onda, in which numerous nice hiking routes can be made. Among all of them, I would highlight the one that passes through three of the most famous points of the area: the Saint Bárbara Hermitage, the Montí peak and the Marimón hut.
Moreover, from some sections of the route you will have a spectacular panoramic view either of Onda and its surrounding, or the interior of the Espadán Mountain Range. If the day is clear, you will even see the sea from the top. Besides this, take note that in the Marimón hut there is a picnic area where you can eat your lunch, in case you bring it.
5. THE BRIDE’S JUMP (SEGORBE-NAVAJAS)
DISTANCE: 10KM
SLOPE: 202M
DIFFICULTY: LOW-MEDIUM
SWIMMING OPTION? YES
This is undoubtedly one of the most famous hiking routes of Castellón and the truth is that it does not deserve less. There are mainly two options to get to The Bride’s Jump from Segorbe: the “Ribera” route, which runs along the Palancia river side, and the “Reloj” route. Although going along the river side may attract more attention, my recommendation is that you take the “Reloj” route, since the views are much nicer.
As soon as you are done with The Bride’s Jump, take a few more steps forward towards Navajas, until you reach the entrance on the left to the Uncle Juan waterfall (“Cascada del Tío Juan”) and the Jump viewpoint (“Mirador del Salto”). They are two not so famous corners that are really worth visiting. Afterwards, you have two options, either to return to Segorbe by the same path, or to extend the route to the Regajo reservoir and then go back.
6. PENYAGOLOSA PEAK
DISTANCE: 10KM
SLOPE: 564M
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
SWIMMING OPTION? NO
The Penyagolosa peak, at 1,813M high, is the highest in the province of Castellón. Although there are several routes that lead to it, this is the most traditional and, at the same time, beautiful one. Moreover, despite not being the one that requires the biggest effort, the 564M of positive slope along the 10KM route must not be disregarded.
After parking in one of the car parks next to the Saint Joan of Penyagolosa Hermitage , the route starts along the “Barranc de la Pregunta” path, which is surrounded by a gorgeous mountain environment. In fact, it is listed as a botanical trail since it is the area with the greatest biodiversity in the entire Natural Park. Next, you will have to take the “Cambreta” track, until you reach the famous “Caseta de les Antenes” located just on the peak of Penyagolosa.
For the way back, you will firstly have to take the same path, but on the opposite direction. Then, once you reach the “Corralico” esplanade, you will take the “Barranc del Forn” path that will lead you to the end of the route.
7. “PEÑAS ALTAS” VIEWPOINT (ARTANA)
DISTANCE: 14KM
SLOPE: 383M
DIFFICULTY: LOW-MEDIUM
SWIMMING OPTION? NO
Another of the hiking routes in Castellón that could not be missed in this article is the one to the “Peñas Altas” viewpoint. It is a round-trip route to and from Onda, whose main objective is to reach the “Peñas Aragonesas” of Artana and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of them and their surroundings from the top.
Shortly before reaching this point, there is a detour in which two possible paths are indicated: to the right towards the “Penyes Altes” viewpoint (views from the bottom) and to the left towards “La Rápita d’Artana”. Although the views from the bottom are also awesome, I recommend that you take the second path mentioned uphill and then take the detour marked by a wooden sign on which you will read “Miraor Penyes Altes”. If you continue a few more meters forward, following the signposted path, you will reach the viewpoint in the photo that I am going to share with you next. Super-views alert!
8. “PORTALL DE L’INFERN”, “EL SALT DE ROBERT” AND “EL BARRANC DEL SALT” (FREDES)
DISTANCE: 14KM
SLOPE: 539M
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
SWIMMING OPTION? YES
Fredes and surroundings are one of the most sensational areas for hiking in the province of Castellón. In fact, I think it is an ideal place to go on a rural weekend-trip. One of the most outstanding routes you will be able to make around this special place, is the one that passes through the “Portall de l’Infern”, “el Salt del Robert” and “el Barranc del Salt”. 14KM of pure beauty and enjoyment!
In case you decide to spend the night there, I recommend you stay at the Vinyeta Rural House, located in a very quiet place. In addition to feeling like at home, it is fully equipped so that you have everything you need to spend a couple of days there or even more time.
9. MAÚZ CASTLE, “MAS DE LA CAMPANA” AND THE ORGANS OF BENITANDÚS
DISTANCE: 18KM
SLOPE: 498M
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
SWIMMING OPTION? YES
Do you remember the first route mentioned in the list? The one that leads to the peak of the Organs of Benitandús. Well, if I did not say at the time that it was my favorite one, it is because of this route. Along these 18KM of hiking, you will not only pass by the beautiful Organs of Benitandús, but also by the impressive Castle of Maúz, the Castro Fountain and the famous “Mas de la Campana” (or “Masía de la Campana”). It is undoubtedly such a spectacular and complete route!
I recommend that you park your vehicle in Sueras and head off the different parts of the trekking in the following order: Sueras > Castle of Maúz > Castro Fountain > “Masía de la Campana” > the Organs peak > Sueras. Despite the fact that most sections of the route are clearly indicated, I insist once again that you can always rely on the MAPS.ME app in case you have any doubts.
If you walk at a relatively normal pace, this route will approximately take you about 5 hours in total. So, in case you do not have that much time, or you simply want to do a shorter one, I suggest you follow this alternative 13’5KM route: Sueras > Castle of Maúz> Castro Fountain > “Masía de la Campana” > Castro Fountain > Sueras. Although in this case you will not go through the Organs of Benitandús, it is also a wonderful route that I highly recommend you make.
Note: on this alternative route, the way back to Sueras from the Castro Fountain is along the paved road that passes by the side of the fountain, in the opposite direction to the “Mas de la Campana”.
10. MORRÓN DE CAMPOS PEAK AND “LOS ESTRECHOS” TRAIL (MONTANEJOS)
DISTANCE: 18KM
SLOPE: 579M
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM-HIGH
SWIMMING OPTION? YES
Montanejos might be best known for its famous “Fuente de los Baños”, one of the most beautiful places in the Valencian Community, made up of natural pools whose water keeps at a constant temperature of 25ºC throughout the year.
Despite this, a large number of amazing routes start from this town too, including “Los Estrechos” trail. Along this trekking you will be able to enjoy such a nice mountain landscape, you will pass through an impressive high-pressure jet and you will border the Mijares river, where you will observe many people doing adventure sports.
In addition, for the most sportsmen and women, I encourage you to go up to the Morrón de Campos peak before taking “Los Estrechos” trail. Although the climb is very steep and there are almost no indications at all, the views from the top to the Arenoso reservoir and its surroundings are really worth it.
Note: do not forget to bring a raincoat and, maybe, some water shoes as well, so that you get the least wet when passing by the side of the high-pressure jet. Especially if you make the route when the temperature is relatively low.
Here ends this publication about some of the best hiking routes you can make in the province of Castellón. I hope I have encouraged you to take some of them and that you will enjoy them as much as I did. In addition, in case you have taken other ones that you think are worth doing, do not hesitate to leave them in comments. As we say in Spain, sharing is living!
Moreover, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to leave them in comments, via DM in any of my RRSS accounts (Instagram and Facebook) or directly to travelwithlorens@gmail.com . I will be so happy to read them and be of any help to you. Greetings dear travelers!
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