The The province of Castellón and, within it, towns like Oropesa del Mar, are ideal places for family tourism., as we mentioned a while ago on this very blog. In fact, Oropesa del Mar is considered a “family tourist municipality”.
But Oropesa del Mar is much more. And it is that these same characteristics that make Oropesa del Mar an ideal place to travel with family, tell us about an ideal holiday destination not only for all ages but for all types of tourists, and especially for those who are looking for a place to disconnect, relax and enjoy.
What to see in the Old Town of Oropesa del Mar
There is a lot to see in Oropesa del Mar. If we start with its old town, we must visit its castle, which is Moorish and from the 11th century, of great strategic importance in ancient times. Next to it, we will also find remains of its old wall.
Another point of interest is the chapel of the Virgen de la Paciencia, patron saint of the town, which features a notable collection of 18th-century Alcora tiles. In the same church square, you'll find the Oropesa del Mar Museum, focusing on local heritage, housed in the former Town Hall.
Also of interest to visitors wishing to wander through the streets of Oropesa del Mar will be the old town prison, the Pou del Ravalet, and the Naipe Museum, with a collection of over 5,000 decks of cards, including the world's largest. Finally, throughout the town's streets, visitors will also find the various sculptures that make up the Open-Air Sculpture Museum.
What to see on the coast of Oropesa del Mar
Outside the old town, near the Mediterranean coast, stands the most emblematic monument of Oropesa del Mar: the King's Tower. It was built by order of Ferdinand of Antequera in 1413 as a countermeasure against frequent pirate attacks.
Further south, a little further from the coast, we find two other towers that served to support the previous one: the Torre de la Corda and the Torre de la Colomera, both from the 16th century.
Returning to the coast, another building of monumental importance is the Oropesa del Mar Lighthouse, which dates from 1859. It still functions and its purpose is, of course, maritime traffic control.
In any case, we cannot talk about the coast without mentioning the magnificent beaches that Oropesa del Mar boasts. In total, there are 12 kilometres of coastline and 7 beaches, whose diversity will allow any type of tourist to enjoy them. Beaches with pure water, open sandy areas with fine, golden sand, secluded and family-friendly ones, small accessible coves, wild beaches of sand and rock…
Further south, a little further from the coast, we find two other towers that served to support the previous one: the Torre de la Corda and the Torre de la Colomera, both from the 16th century.
Returning to the coast, another building of monumental importance is the Oropesa del Mar Lighthouse, which dates from 1859. It still functions and its purpose is, of course, maritime traffic control.
In any case, we cannot talk about the coast without mentioning the magnificent beaches that Oropesa del Mar boasts. In total, there are 12 kilometres of coastline and 7 beaches, whose diversity will allow any type of tourist to enjoy them. Beaches with pure water, open sandy areas with fine, golden sand, secluded and family-friendly ones, small accessible coves, wild beaches of sand and rock…
Among these, we will highlight the three accessible beaches in the municipality of Oropesa del Mar: Les Amplaries, Morro de Gos, and La Concha. They have reserved parking spaces, ramps, special walkways, adapted toilets and showers, amphibious chairs and crutches, as well as support staff. Furthermore, all three are recognised with ISO 13001 and the Q de Qualitur seal; La Concha and Morro de Gos beaches also boast the SICTED distintive, and La Concha beach, additionally, holds the Q de Calidad.
Excursions and routes available in the surroundings of Oropesa del Mar
As if this weren't enough, in the vicinity of Oropesa del Mar, we have the opportunity to undertake various routes and excursions, ideal for nature lovers and for those looking to disconnect, relax, and enjoy themselves at the same time.
First of all, we will mention the two audio-guided routes offered by the local Town Hall. The first of these, “Oropesa del Mar from the Coast,” brings together several of the landmarks we mentioned earlier along the coastline. It begins on the pedestrian promenade opposite L'Illeta and continues along the Oropesa del Mar cape, the entrance to the Torre del Rey, La Concha beach, and Cala del Retor.
The second audio-guided route, “Oropesa del Mar, a journey through time”, begins at the junction of Hospital and Castillo streets, continues towards the entrance of the Castle, reaches the top of the said castle and then proceeds by the Pou del Ravalet and the church square.
In case, instead of urban tourism, we prefer hiking, in Oropesa del Mar and its surroundings we find numerous routes such as, for example, the Ruta del Azahar, very technical and ideal for BTT enthusiasts; several greenways, the route that joins Juvellùs and the Camino de Cabanes, etc.
Regarding possible excursions, Oropesa del Mar is an ideal starting point for visiting nearby towns such as Valencia, Morella, Villafamés, Peñíscola, Onda, or the Columbretes Islands and their nature reserve.
Other nearby milestones include the Prat de Cabanes – Torreblanca, a narrow strip of marshes and swamps formed by quaternary deposits; the Valltorta – Gasulla Cultural Park and its cave paintings; the “Mina Victoria – Esperanza” Mining Park; the San José Caves, where we will find Europe's longest navigable underground river; the Route of the Springs, in the towns of Navajas and Segorbe, and finally the Natural Park of the Desert de Les Palmes and Les Santes, of great natural, landscape, and historical richness. With an area of 3,200 hectares, it comprises five municipalities (Benicàssim, Cabanes, La Pobla Tornesa, Borriol, and Castellón de la Plana) and is one of the oldest, having been protected for over 20 years.
Precisely among the pine, Holm oak, mastic, heather, strawberry trees and sarsaparilla woods of this unparalleled natural environment we find the Convalescent Home Los Madroños, an ideal place to stay if we want to visit the area. But also a place to rest and renew our vital energy, get to know ourselves better and manage our own health. The establishment's offers also include group activities such as meditation, light cooking workshops, etc. All of this, in an environment free from light, noise and chemical pollution, where we can enjoy the fresh air and peace and quiet.
