{"id":340986,"date":"2025-08-13T11:11:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T11:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/340986\/"},"modified":"2025-08-13T11:11:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T11:11:18","slug":"charming-city-in-spain-is-a-lesser-known-gem-with-40-flights-and-hardly-any-tourists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/340986\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Charming’ city in Spain is a lesser-known gem with \u00a340 flights and ‘hardly any tourists’"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\tCastellon de la Plana has hardly any tourists and plenty to offer (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

We\u2019re all familiar with the beaches<\/a> of Barcelona<\/a>, the vibrant culture of Madrid<\/a> \u2014 and the crowds of tourists that flock to these Spanish hotspots every single year.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s another city in Spain<\/a>, nestled just an hour from Valencia<\/a>, where you can explore a vibrant city and relaxing beaches, without the crowds.<\/p>\n

Castellon de la Plana<\/strong> is located on the Costa del Azahar, and it\u2019s easy to get to: there\u2019s return flights from just \u00a336 if you fly into Valencia, or from \u00a340 if you fly into the closer airport of Castellon de la Plana.<\/p>\n

The city has been enjoyed by those who\u2019ve visited, with one TikToker (@destinationlocator) saying: \u2018[It] completely surprised me.<\/p>\n

\u2018Walking through the charming squares with barely any tourists felt like a secret discovery. The hidden gem offered a refreshing contrast to the usual crowds.\u2019<\/p>\n

Temperatures even reach the low 30s in the summer months, making it the perfect place to top up your tan.<\/p>\n

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But don\u2019t just take our word for it, here\u2019s everything on offer\u2026<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tThe town square of Castellon de la Plana, in Spain (Picture: Getty Images)
\nThings to do in Castellon de la Plana<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a whole lot to see and do, starting with the iconic central market at the epicentre of the city, which has been welcoming people since 1949 on an almost daily basis.<\/p>\n

The market is housed in its dedicated building, the Mercado Central, which has a bustling atmosphere where locals and tourists browse the more than 80 stalls on offer.<\/p>\n

You could easily spend two hours sampling the city\u2019s finest produce and soaking up the flavours of the Valencia region.<\/p>\n

@destinationlocator<\/a> <\/p>\n

From almost missed to must-see!\u00a0You don\u2019t want to skip\u00a0this Spanish town \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Sometimes, the best travel moments are the ones you don\u2019t expect \ud83d\udc81\u200d\u2640\ufe0fWhen I planned my last trip to Spain, I didn\u2019t even pay too much attention to Castellon de la Plana. After all, it was just supposed to be my base to leave my suitcase and head off to Parc Natural de la Serra d\u2019Espad\u00e0 \ud83d\ude03 But then, I explored the streets. And let me tell you, Castell\u00f3n de la Plana completely surprised me! \ud83d\ude0dWalking through the charming squares with barely any tourists felt like a secret discovery. This hidden gem offered a refreshing contrast to the usual crowds \ud83d\ude0a What has been your favourite unexpected travel find? Let me know in the comments \u2764\ufe0f . . . . . . . #spaintravel<\/a> #castellondelaplana<\/a> #solotravel<\/a> #visitspain<\/a> #authentictravel<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u266c FIESTA! UND \u2013 Serpens<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

After, why not head to the nearby Town Hall \u2013 a stunning Baroque building from the 17th century \u2013 before admiring the Santa Maria la Mayor Church, which dates back to the 13th century, although it had to be rebuilt after it was demolished in the Spanish Civil War.<\/p>\n

You can take in the El Fadri gothic bell tower, which is a major landmark in the city, although reviews suggest climbing to the top is slightly anticlimactic.<\/p>\n

Then, make a pit stop in Ribalta park to recharge before heading further from the centre to visit the castle ruins atop a hill, the Hermitage of Santa Mar\u00eda Magdalena.<\/p>\n

In March every year, this place is visited by locals carrying green ribbons for the Las Ca\u00f1as Pilgrimage, to express their devotion to the Virgin Mary and commemorate the city\u2019s founding.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tThe Concatedral de Santa Mar\u00eda and el Fadr\u00ed bell tower from the city hall building (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tWhat to expect in Castellon de la Plana (Picture: iStockphoto\/Getty)<\/p>\n

If a museum is more up your street, there are plenty to choose from. The Museu de la Ciutat de Castell\u00f3 will teach you all about the traditional trades and professions in the city, or the Fine Art museum has some gorgeous paintings.<\/p>\n

Beaches in Castellon de la Plana<\/p>\n

This city really has the best of both worlds. The largest of the three beaches on offer is the sandy El Pinar Beach, which stretches 1,750 along the coast.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s next to a lush green park (El Pinar Park) and focuses on preserving native birds and plants in its dunes. It\u2019s a great place to spend the day with showers, games for children, and areas for volleyball and football.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tOne of the many stunning beaches in the Castellon region of Spain (Picture: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also lots of parking and dining options nearby \u2013 including Restaurante La Goleta which has \u2018lovely calamari and paella\u2019 according to Google Reviews.<\/p>\n

Gurug\u00fa beach boasts similar facilities with several beach bars nearby for those who like a tipple. Close by there\u2019s the Grao de Castellon, with restaurants and bars to stop you going hungry.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tAlternative Spanish destinations to visit in 2025\t\t\t<\/p>\n

What to eat and drink in Castellon de la Plana<\/p>\n

For some glorious (but pricey) seafood \u2013 a must try on the coast \u2013 you can venture to the Michelin-recommended Tasca del Puerto, which has an a la carte menu focused on traditional rice dishes and fresh fish from the market.<\/p>\n

For \u2018genuine and unpretentious\u2019 tapas, you can head to Restaurante Saboritja in the city centre, or if you fancy some paella try Entrefogones by JR.<\/p>\n

Slightly out of the way in Villarreal sits the highly rated El Faro, which serves a traditional Spanish menu for an average price of just \u20ac30.<\/p>\n

If an all-day affair is your vibe, then try Nudo Beach Club, where you can indulge in food and drink all day while you lounge by the pool, next to the ocean.<\/p>\n

Visiting Nudo for lunch from Monday to Thursday will get you free access to the pool.<\/p>\n

Travel and accommodation in Castellon de la Plana<\/p>\n

As mentioned, you can find return flights from \u00a336 if you fly into Valencia, or from \u00a340 if you fly into the closer airport of Castellon de la Plana.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re flying into the latter, you\u2019ll need to go from London Stansted<\/a>, while Valencia flights operate out of Heathrow<\/a>, Gatwick<\/a> and Stansted \u2013 as well as Manchester<\/a> and Birmingham<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A taxi is typically between \u00a334 to \u00a344 from Castellon de la Plana airport to the city centre, with the drive taking about 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tAre you keen to visit lesser-known destinations?<\/p>\n