What to do in Castellón

Castellón covers from the Mediterranean to the Maestrazgo highlands in just a few kilometres of altitude change. Penyagolosa, at 1,814 metres, is the highest peak in the Valencian Community and is reached from Sant Joan de Penyagolosa on the GR-7: a 12-kilometre route with 800 metres of elevation gain through pine and juniper that can be snow-covered in winter. The Maestrazgo to the north connects medieval villages above 1,000 metres via lightly used hiking trails through tableland and canyon scenery. Canyoning at the Chorro de Lucena descends a limestone gorge with abseils of up to 30 metres and clear pools suitable for swimming in summer. On the coast, the Columbretes Islands are a marine reserve with restricted access: only 50 divers per day are permitted entry, maintaining underwater wildlife density among the highest in the western Mediterranean. Currents around the islands are technical and visibility exceeds 30 metres in normal conditions. The Coves de Sant Josep in Vall d'Uixò are considered the longest navigable underground river system in Europe, with 1,200 metres accessible by motor boat. Cycling finds its ground in the Desert de les Palmes natural park near Benicàssim, with gravel tracks through pine forest and hermitages overlooking the Mediterranean.