Benicassim remains as one of the best Mediterranean holiday destinations that everyone should not miss. Of course, this place is very popular for its music festival which has been the best entertainment for more than a decade. But, there are lots of things to explore for everyone, who is dreaming of spending the most unforgettable holiday in the gem of Castellon province of Castellon.

Stunning Beaches

Benicàssim, on the shore of the Costa Azahar boasts seven kilometres of beaches with all the services necessary for a pleasurable, entertaining and secure time for bathers and visitors, and recognised annually with EU blue flags.

Beaches in Benicassim are the main places to visit. Not only can visitors enjoy the sunlight for the whole day, but they can also pamper themselves by taking boat trips to several islands. All of them offer magnificent sights of some unexplored islands. Scuba diving is another interesting outdoor activity here.

Some beaches offer windsurfing and sailing. What’s more, they offer short sailing training, in which visitors can learn windsurfing and kayaking, as well. Unfortunately, the training sessions only take place during the summer. Among the most popular beaches that visitors should visit include Playa de Heliopolis, Els Terrers and Voramar. Walking along the promenade is one of the most typical activities, although it is also provided with several facilities, such as pedal-boats, water skates, canoes, volleyball courts.

Some beaches have villas with modern architecture. They are comfortable, clean and, of course, offer the best views of the coastline. But, those villas are not the only attractive options for visitors. There are villas which offer endless beach parties every day, as well as villas which offer serene ambiance.

Natural Parks

While visiting beaches in Benicassim can be an endless trip, every visitor shouldn’t miss breathtaking natural parks. Try visiting Desierto de las Palmas, where visitors will be mesmerized with the stunning sea and countryside views. The natural park also has Montornés Castle, the ancient historical building in the old Carmelites monastery.

The Via Verde Green Route is another excellent nature park for those, who are in a great need of taking pleasure of tranquillity by viewing panoramic sea views. Walking or cycling is what most visitors enjoy here.

During the season there are day trips to the Columbretes Islands, which are Spain’s best example of a volcanic formation. The picturesque islands are a nature reserve. A day trip to the islands is a lovely day out, a good chance to get some great photos and perfect for those who are into scuba diving.

Speaking about cycling or walking, there is another interesting place to try. Via Verde offers a flat route with excellent panoramas from cliffs, towers, and of course, sea coast

Nightlife

A perfect holiday is a series of a trip that allows visitors to enjoy various panoramic sights in the day, and spending the night with vibrant nightlife activities.

Nightclubs are easy to find. There are some Irish nightclubs in the centre of the city. However, Bambu Lounge Benicassim and El Teu Bar remain as the best nightclubs with the highest ratings.

Festivals

One of Europe’s most popular multi-genre music festivals, The International Festival of Benicássim could be described as a week long explosion of music, sun and sand. The last day of the four-day festival is always marked by an incredible beach party right on the sand.

Rototom Sunsplash is a large European reggae festival. The festival imitates the traditional Jamaican Reggae Sunsplash. The patron saint, St. Thomas of Villanueva has his feast day on the 22nd of September, so if you visit at this time you’ll enjoy sardine tasting, bulls and general festivities. Benicàssim Blues Festival from 3 to 5 June is perfect for everyone who likes to themselves drift away to the sound of blues and jazz.

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Located on a ledge above the sea where is the formidable Monte Castelo Real (today a Parador) and around the old port, the town is a cluster of beautiful stone and granite houses emblazoned declared a Historic-Artistic Interest. Bayonne is a city made for walking.

Its narrow cobbled streets are dotted with restaurants under arcades, charming small hotels, churches and endearing. Another corner that you can not miss is the park surrounding the Castelo and the spectacular surrounding walls falling into the sea. From there a beautiful view of the Cies Islands.

Located in the Spanish province of Pontevedra, Baiona was established in 140 BC, and throughout history has had a number of names including Balcagia and Erizana. It is sometimes called Bayona. You can get to Baiona by bus or train from Vigo, or by car on the AP-57 motorway.

Although the population of Baiona is estimated to be about 12,000 people, in Summer the population more than triples owing to an influx of tourists who come to enjoy the coastal town’s beauty. Unlike most parts of Galicia, Baiona experiences warm and sunny weather, and with six very lovely beaches, and a number of tourist attractions, Baiona has quite a lot to offer any tourist.

Within the official Spanish category of Paradores of Spain (hotels with a historical and architectural value), Baiona counts with a good example of a well-preserved historical building. Surrounded by a stone wall, sitting in a small peninsula, the old hotel and restaurant watches the entrance of the Rias Baixas and the Cies Islands.

Some of Baiona’s most popular tourist attractions include historical sites such as the Santa Maria Collegiate Church, the Monte Boi Wall and the Virxe da Rocha. Virxe da Rocha, also called Virgin of the Rock, is a granite monument created by Antonio Palacios which offers an excellent view of the town. On Elduyan street, there is Caravel La Pinta, a replica of Christopher Columbus’ fastest ship, which made the town famous with its arrival here in 1943. There is a festival in Baiona on 1st March every year, the Fiesta de la Arribada, commemorating the arrival of the ship. Caravel de la Pinta also houses a small museum which gives visitors a glimpse of what it was like sailing on the famous Christopher Columbus ship.

Other must-sees include the Fortaleza de Monterreal, an old fortress in Monte Boi, and the Cabo Sillerio, a lighthouse which dates back to the 1800s. Many tourists have found these sites, and the old town in general, a great place to walk about and explore.

Visitors to Baiona can also enjoy any of its six beaches; A Ladeira which is the largest, A Concheira and Os Frades which are near the Monte Boi walk, A Riberia and A Berbeira which are next to the Monterreal Castle and Santa Marta. If you like biking, you’ll find guided biking tours available. For those that love nautical tourism, the Monte Real Yacht Club offers sailing and yachting services.

There are lots of places to savor Baiona’s culinary delicacies including O’Rizon on Calle Areas and O Mosquito on Elduyan Street. As it is a fishing town, expect a enjoy a lot of seafood. The town also has quite a nightlife with a number of pubs which remain open until morning.

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In the northern coast of Spain, in the region of Asturias, there is a little parish village named Luarca. It is an interesting spot along the northern Way of Saint James where so many pilgrims stop by. Its church is the symbol of the village and it was dedicated to Santa Eulalia. The main thing to be visited there are the old lighthouse and the Marqués de Ferrera Castle, a three buildings complex rom the XVI and XVIII centuries. They are now used as a Library and the Cultural centre of Luarca.

The town is situated in the lap of nature surrounded by huge cliffs and mountains consisting of a variety of flora and fauna. The town is full of tall white buildings which look gorgeous in the morning.

During night, when the city light lights turn on, the town bathes in a soothing ambiance. People can enjoy drinks and meals while enjoying the excellent view of the yachts and ferries in the harbor. Folks can sunbathe and chill out in the morning. The town folk is very warm and welcoming and engages with as much enthusiasm with the visitors like they are family.

The port of Luarca is the heart of this seaside town. Like almost all ports, it offers a nice view of the houses built around it and which shape the typical seaside neighbourhood with narrow streets.

The town of Luarca is divided into three areas: One is the Sailors’ area, the oldest part and this is one of the most charming views of Luarca. Another one is the Bourgeois area, which is in the middle of the town and it is recognizable because of the Council and Casino buildings and the park. The Indianos’ area is the third place, called Villar, at the top of Luarca, with numerous houses with garden characteristic silhouette built in the late nineteenth century, by the migrants who came back from South America.

One of the most interesting places to see is the cemetery which is multi-layered and provides an excellent view of harbor from top. The cemetery is reputed to be one of the most beautiful ones in Spain. Also lighthouse in Luarca offer one of the nicest views in town. It is 150 years old and is placed on a hill over Punta Focicón, at the east side of the harbour. It is built over a square base covered by a slate roof. It also hosts a house by the tower.

Another nice viewpoint from top of the Luarca is Mirador del Chano. From this location, which is easily accessible by car (parking just 50 meters from the Chapel of San Martin, located on the same viewpoint) or walking from the Fish neighbourhood by climbing a long, quirky staircase. From this viewpoint, you can see almost all of Luarca as you move through it, from the modern urban area, to the beaches and the whole area of the pier where you can see the colourful harbour with boats coming and going and the beautiful terraced houses in the Cambaral Marine Quarter.

Divided into two halves by the river Negro, the town of Luarca is held together thanks to her 7 bridges. Each of them outstands on their own, due to their architectural characteristics. The most famous is “bridge kiss.” This name was inspired by the tragic love story given between the daughter of the noble knight Hidalgo and the Dread pirate Cambaral, whose heads were cut by the bridge when they were kissing passionately before the flight.

Other places to visit in Luarca are the giant squid centre near the lighthouse, Fonte Baixa Gardens-s, a gorgeous botanical garden with hundreds of astonishing species of flowers, plants and trees from all over the world, the palace of the Marquis de la Ferrera, Bruxu fountain built in 1764, Church of Santa Eulalia – one of the great architectural jewels that Luarca has to offer. These attractions are really beautiful to experience.

One can also visit the nearby places like Cuddilero, the exotic Gijon, the marvelous Aviles and the magnetic Oviedo. These places attract as much tourism as Luarca and are worth of visiting at least once.

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