Top Things To See And Do In Benicassim Spain

Best known for its sandy beaches and legendary music festival, the town of Benicassim, on Spain’s Costa Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast), is a surprisingly stylish place packed with many reasons to visit. Here’s our round up of ten of the best things to see and do.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Hit the beach

The main attraction. Benicassim and the surrounding area is lined with endless arcs of golden sand. Many of the beaches here are blue flag, including two of the most popular: Playa Almadraba and the well-kept Playa Voramar, backed by a promenade and several stunning villas.

Benicassim is sometimes called the “Valencian Biarritz” and if you look behind you while sunbathing on Playa Voramar, you’ll understand why. At the turn of the last century many wealthy local families employed the best architects around, each trying to build a more opulent villa than the next. The result is more than 50 incredible properties featuring a variety of architectural styles and brimming with history. Explore them on the Villa Route. The section locally known as “Hell” features villas known for their scandalous parties back in the roaring twenties, where you can easily imagine scenes straight out of The Great Gatsby.

The Desert of the Palms

Nature lovers will want to go and soak up the tranquility at this protected natural park. The Desierto de las Palmas (Desert of the Palms) on Benicassim’s doorstep is full of awe-inspiring natural beauty as well as the ruined Carmelite monastery and Montornés Castle. It also offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and out towards the Mediterranean.

Montornés Castle

Sitting atop a high peak in the Sierra del Desierto de las Palmas, this 10th century Arab fortress has a long and colourful history. It was abandoned in the 17th century but the structure and surroundings are stunning, as are the views. Follow the scenic and well-signposted trail to reach it.

The Columbretes Islands

In summer you can spend a day on the volcanic Columbretes Islands, a picturesque nature reserve covering about five nautical miles. It’s the perfect place for photographers, nature lovers and scuba divers.

Go sailing or windsurfing

If you want to get out on the water there are plenty of opportunities here. Try the sailing school at picturesque Els Terrers Beach, where you can try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or kayaking, or choose from one of many shops offering rentals along the beachfront.

Walk the old railway line

One easy and scenic walking or cycling option is along the old railway line that ran between Barcelona and Valencia. Running 5.5km (3.42 miles) each way, go to Oropesa’s promenade and then turn around for the walk back to Benicassim.

Taste local liqueurs

The Carmelite monks have been distilling and selling herbal liquers here since 1896. Visit their distillery in the town of Benicassim, where you can enjoy a late afternoon tasting and tour for just a few euros.

Celebrate San Juan

The night of San Juan in late June marks the beginning of summer. It’s celebrated throughout Spain, but as it’s a festival that takes place on the beaches, Benicassim is a great place to be. Bonfires are lit on the beaches, and those who can jump the flames can have their wishes for the year ahead granted. People picnic, swim, eat and party, many staying until dawn.

Festival International Benicassim

The famous music festival, FIB (Festival International Benicassim), has given the town international fame and it would be rude not to mention it. It’s been running since 1995, with crowds coming to enjoy days of live music and partying on the beach.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.