Castelló de la Plana/Castellón de la Plana

In this guide, you will find everything you need to plan your visit to Castellón de la Plana, from its Modernist architecture and iconic landmarks to the amazing atmosphere and seafaring charm of the Grao, its beaches and its excellent local cuisine. Come and see what makes this Mediterranean city so special.

Things to see in Castellón de la Plana

Castellón de la Plana has no shortage of landmark buildings, characterful squares and streets that are well worth exploring. Here is everything to add to your list. 

Monuments in Castellón de la Plana 

• Castellón de la Plana Town Hall: a Baroque palace whose commanding façade was remodelled in the early 20th century. Inside, the Council Chamber houses a valuable collection of paintings by local artists. 

• Lonja del Cáñamo: a 17th-century Baroque building known for its broad arches resting on Tuscan columns and façades decorated with Neoclassical paintings. Today, it serves as a busy university cultural centre. 

• El Fadrí Bell Tower: the city’s best-known landmark, this freestanding Gothic tower rises to almost 60 metres. Climb its 200 steps and you will be rewarded with one of the finest panoramic views across Castellón de la Plana. 

• Co-Cathedral or Church of Santa María la Mayor: a landmark Gothic church whose interior houses valuable Baroque religious images. Three of its original historic doorways can still be seen in Plaza Mayor. 

• Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Lledó: dedicated to the city’s patron saint, this sanctuary was built on the site of a former 14th-century hermitage. Its glazed dome is one of its defining features, while inside you will find an important collection of metalwork and sacred art. 

• Teatro Principal: a fine 19th-century theatre built in a Classical and Historicist style. 

• Edificio de Correos: this Post Office Building is an outstanding example of Neo-Mudéjar and Modernist architecture, with an elaborately worked façade of brick and ceramic tiles. 

• Episcopal Palace: a notable example of 18th-century Neoclassical architecture, with an academic layout that has been preserved and floors decorated with traditional ceramic tiles. 

• Mercado Central: the city’s gastronomic heart, the central market is housed in an emblematic building dating from 1949. Its stalls bring together produce from the surrounding farmland and the Mediterranean, offering an authentic taste of local life. 

• Castell Vell and Ermitorio de la Magdalena: around seven kilometres from the centre of Castellón de la Plana lies the hill where the city was first established. Here, you can still see the remains of a 10th-century castle and a hermitage, which welcome thousands of pilgrims each year during the Romeria de les Canyes. 

Beaches in Castellón de la Plana  

• Gurugú beach: one kilometre of golden sand with a laid-back atmosphere that makes it particularly well suited to families. Beach bars sit directly on the sand, while outdoor activities and sports add plenty of choice throughout the day. 

• El Pinar beach: the longest beach in the Grao, bordered by a park where the dunes have been restored. This beach comes with sports facilities, children’s areas and plenty of space to relax.

• El Serradal beach: a semi-urban stretch of golden sand whose protected dune system provides an important habitat for the Kentish plover. 

Museums in Castellón de la Plana 

• Museo de Bellas Artes: a landmark building that hosts major works of art, temporary exhibitions and a varied programme of activities for all ages. 

• Museo de la Ciudad de Castellón de la Plana (MUCC): set in an 18th-century town house, the City Museum of Castellón offers an insight into the trades, customs and traditions that have shaped the city. 

El Grao in Castellón de la Plana 

Castellón de la Plana’s seafaring district has a strong local identity, along with a wide range of restaurants and leisure options. One of its key monuments is El Faro del Grao, a lighthouse that was dismantled piece by piece before being moved to its current location. The nearby beaches of El Pinar and El Gurugú are another reason to spend time in this part of the city. 

Parks in Castellón de la Plana 

• Ribalta Park: a 19th-century romantic park surrounded by Modernist buildings. Traditional ceramic benches, a pond, the Templete de la Música, tree-lined paths and generous shade make it an ideal place for a leisurely walk. 

• El Pinar: in the Grao neighbourhood, this park offers walks beneath centuries-old pine trees just a few steps from the beach and the Planetari. 

Fiestas de la Magdalena in Castellón de la Plana

For nine days, the Magdalena festival fills Castellón de la Plana with light, colour and celebration in honour of the city’s foundation. Events such as the moving Romeria de les Canyes and the parade of monumental gaiates bring long-standing traditions into the streets alongside concerts, fireworks and festivities across the city. 

What can you do in Castellón de la Plana with children? 

A visit to the Planetari de Castelló is one of the best family activities in the city. Beneath its large dome, children can journey through science and the stars, enjoy interactive experiences and learn more about the Islas Columbretes, all beside the sea. 

What can you see in Castellón de la Plana in one day? 

Castellón de la Plana has lots to offer, but if you only have one day, begin with a walk through the historic centre and its main monuments, stopping at the Central Market and Ribalta Park along the way. Afterwards, sit down for a traditional rice dish in Grao before spending the afternoon on the beach or in Pinar Park. 

What are the best things to do in Castellón de la Plana? 

This two-day itinerary around Castellón de la Plana can help you plan your break. With a little more time, a visit to the Islas Columbretes Nature Reserve is also well worth considering. Check the access conditions in advance and contact one of the many local operators who run excursions to the islands. 

Ready to start planning your trip to Castellón de la Plana? Come and see firsthand just how much this Mediterranean city has to offer!