What to see and visit in Alcossebre

In the old quarter of Alcalá de Xivert stands this grandiose building which is the pride of Valencian baroque architecture. The spectacular façade of the temple is an open-air altarpiece, a true work of art. Inside the church you can visit a museum with some pieces recovered from the sacking it suffered in 1936.

Next to the façade, on the right side, is the most emblematic monument of Alcalá, the highest bell tower in the whole province (68 metres) and one of the most beautiful in the Valencian Community. The views of the sea from the top of the tower are a true delight only available to those who venture to the top of such an architectural masterpiece.

Located at the top of the Sierra de Irta on its westernmost slope, this fortress of Islamic origin has managed to maintain its splendour despite the passing of the centuries.

Its origins date back to between the 10th and 11th centuries, and it was later reformed in the 13th century due to its strategic value at that time. It was later conquered by the Christian side and today it is possible to distinguish its architecture in the building as a whole.

Dating from the 16th century and located in the heart of the Sierra de Irta 500 metres above sea level, the Torré Ebrí is in perfect condition and rises 8.5 metres above the cliff with a diameter of 5.5 metres.

It formerly formed part of a warning and lookout system centralised in Xivert castle to warn of possible pirate attacks from the sea. Today, together with the Cap i Corb and San Benito towers, it is one of the few towers still standing and is a jewel of heritage surrounded by the unspoilt nature of the Natural Park.

Fridays are market days in Alcalá de Xivert. A few metres from the church, in the Ricardo Cardona Mestre square, a market of fresh and zero kilometre products is held every Friday morning. It is a perfect opportunity to discover the most characteristic gastronomy of the area.

The market is located under a monumental modernist-style pergola structure that was commissioned by the Baron of Alcahalí in 1921. Today, the original wooden roof has been replaced by a lighter glass roof.

Halfway between the mainland and the Balearic Islands, 27 miles from Alcocéber, are the wild Columbretes Islands, a small archipelago of volcanic origin that stands out for its great ecological value and its crystal-clear waters.

The Columbretes are made up of four islands: La Grossa, La Ferrera, La Foradada and El Carallot. Their remoteness from the mainland, the volcanic substratum and the harsh marine environment have given rise to a flora and fauna rich in endemic species. Undoubtedly, a totally different plan during your holidays on the Costa de Azahar.

The Sierra de Irta, located to the north of Alcocéber, is one of the last remaining undeveloped coastal mountain ranges along the Mediterranean coast and is one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Valencian coast.

The mountain range reaches its highest point (572 metres) at Campanilles peak, and its slopes slope gently down towards the sea. Along its 12 kilometres of coastline, practically unaltered, there are numerous cliffs and coves of great beauty and high ecological value that are home to numerous plant and animal species.

Located just 30 kilometres from Alcocéber, the town of Peñíscola is always worth a visit. Its whitewashed streets and walls built next to the sea enclose the spectacular Castle of Papa Luna, built by the Templars and Pontifical See of the Pope. It is a real pleasure to walk through this old town full of beauty and history.

Discover a complete route through the old town of Peñíscola and the main places of interest in the city and enjoy one of the most sought-after excursions in the area.

To the south of the Alcocéber beaches is one of the best preserved old watchtowers in the area. It was once used to control and warn of possible pirate attacks from the sea.

With a height of 13 metres, it was built by the Order of Montesa in 1427 at the mouth of the San Miguel river. It is currently in the hands of a private property, but it offers a panoramic view of great beauty due to its contrast with the blue of the Mediterranean.

This beautiful 18th century building houses the patron saint of the municipality, the Virgen de los Desamparados. The events that take place during the festivities in her honour on the second Sunday in May are held around her.

The chapel has two domes and different ornamental elements, including a large frieze of Manises tiles, a classic of Valencian craftsmanship, which decorates the entire interior perimeter of the church.

For centuries, agriculture has been the main activity in the interior of the province of Castellón. A province that is not exactly characterised by the existence of large rivers, hence the importance of taking advantage of underground water with wells built over the centuries and which on numerous occasions have survived to the present day, forming a cultural attraction within the local landscape, worthy of being visited.

These include the "Pou Ample", from 1627, the "Pla de Dalt", from 1792, the one on the corner of Tremedal street and San Luis street, from 1884, and the old well in the cloister of the Franciscan friars' convent.