La Pobla de Benifassà

La Pobla de Benifassà, in Castellón, is a destination that may well take you by surprise. Surrounded by the remarkable beauty of the Tinença de Benifassà Natural Park, it is home to several small settlements where you will want to stay forever.
Prepare your hiking rucksack and get set to discover a land rich in history and heritage, where centuries-old cave paintings tell us about the people who lived here long ago.

What to see in La Pobla de Benifassà: a tour of its villages 

As well as the village of La Pobla de Benifassà itself, the municipality also encompasses El Boixar, Coratxà, Fredes and El Ballestar. Together with Rossell and its hamlet of Bel, they form the historic region known as the seven villages of La Tinença de Benifassà, which is now protected as a natural park. 

Each has its own special appeal and is surrounded by forests and mountains. Take your time as you explore the villages and venture into the surrounding countryside, where you will come across old ice houses, waterwheels, shelters and even former tileworks. 

La Pobla de Benifassà 

As you walk through La Pobla de Benifassà, stop at the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and the municipal washhouse. Around 7 km away on foot, you will find the Monastery of Santa María, also known as the Charterhouse of Santa María. Founded by James I in the 13th century, it was built in the Gothic Cistercian style. You can also visit a traditional washhouse on the outskirts of the village. 

El Boixar 

Surrounded by boxwood forests, El Boixar still preserves the remains of an old castle on the higher ground, which makes a good starting point for your walk. Afterwards, head to the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary and visit the washhouse beside the river. The surrounding countryside is a pleasure to explore, and whichever country path you decide to follow will lead you through wonderful scenery. 

Coratxà 

The next village belonging to La Pobla de Benifassà is Coratxà, where you can visit the Parish Church of Saint James the Apostle and the washhouse. Built in 1906, the washhouse stands just outside the village. 

Fredes 

In Fredes, spectacular scenery once again surrounds the village streets. Visit the Parish Church of Saints Abdon and Sennen, as well as the restored washhouse, fountain and former drinking trough, which has been restored and is well worth stopping to photograph. 

El Ballestar 

Walk out to the Les Vinyes beauty spot to reach the lovely 19th-century Church of the Saviour in El Ballestar. Back in the village itself, make sure you visit the Church of El Salvador, where the Chapel of the Tabernacle is particularly noteworthy. 

Things to do in La Pobla de Benifassà: hiking and rock art 

Before setting off into the magnificent natural landscapes of La Pobla de Benifassà, make time to visit Cova dels Rossegadors, close to the Ulldecona reservoir. Its prehistoric paintings form part of the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin, which is protected by UNESCO. We recommend contacting the Tourist Office before your visit and asking about the La Tenalla rock shelter too. 

What hiking routes are there in La Pobla de Benifassà? 

Any rural break in the El Baix Maestrat region should include at least one of the best-known routes around La Pobla de Benifassà, many of which cross the natural park. That said, even a gentle walk around the small villages is enough to enjoy the scenery. These are some of the most popular options: 

For those who enjoy long-distance trails, several stages of the GR 7 pass through different parts of La Pobla de Benifassà. You can also set out in search of monumental trees that look as though they belong in a fantasy tale, including Pi Gros and Faig Pare. It is also worth exploring the routes marked out by the natural park itself: 

• Blue route: this route runs around the Ulldecona reservoir and is ideal for families, as it is easy and does not require too much effort. 

• Yellow route: this 5 km route passes through the forests of Mas de Boix and is considered moderately difficult. 

• Red route: passing through Portell de l’Infern and Salt de Robert, this demanding route takes you deep into landscapes of extraordinary beauty. It is worth preparing properly before setting out, as the views will stay with you for a long time. 

• Green route: this challenging trail leads towards mountain peaks where old iron mines can still be found. 

• Purple route: rated moderately difficult to difficult, this route follows the paths once used by the maquis in La Tinença. 

Come and discover La Pobla de Benifassà on a break filled with forests, mountains and history that you will remember for years to come.