Costa del Azahar is known as the orange blossom coast. To the north is Catalonia; to the west is Argaon with Costa Blanca to the south. Costa del Azahar is part of the provinces of Castellon and Valencia. It has contrasts such as green hills; rugged pine covered mountains, beaches, and busy traditional fishing villages. Costa del Azahar has attracted many visitors in recent years and many have their own Costa del Azahar Villas or Costa del Azahar Apartments to return to each year.
The temperatures very rarely fall below 30c and can rise above this in summer months. In winter has an average of about 17 or 18c, making for mild winters. There are over 300 days of sunshine per year and the coast has little rainfall making for a great year round holiday destination.
The city of Castellon de la Plana is on the Costa de Azahar and is the capital of the Castellon province. Castelon was founded by king Jamie I of Argon when conquering the Moorish kingdom of Valencia and moved the city from the Moorish castle lower to the plains nearer the coast. Where walls, moats and towers were added in middle ages. The church was built, which became a cathedral as it took prominence and became Provincial capital in 19th century. The railway and port expansion brought more people to the city at that time. Its history provides as many sights and attractions as its miles of beaches with their clear waters.
Peniscola is at the northern part of the Costa de Azahar and its old town is perched on a rocky outcrop almost surrounded by the sea. There is a narrow piece of land, which connects the old town and the new parts. It was used to be stronghold for Knights Templar who built the castle on top of Moorish fort remains. Pope Benedict 13th, known as Pedro de Luna, also lived there. El cid the film was also was shot at Peniscola.
Benicassim is 13km north of Castellon and protected by the Oropesa del Mar’s cape. It has sandy beaches and the Palmes mountain range. There are traces of the metal age, which is found at Santa Agueda’s farmstead. In Arab the town name means sons of the Qassem family. In 1094 El cid conquered the fortress from the Muslims and then captured by James I in 1234. There is a parish church devoted to Saint Thomas with Neoclassic style and opposite the temple is Senyor fountain. There is a convent museum in the Palmes Mountains, which has religious works of great value and primitive tools to make its Carmelites liquor in 1896. On the pormenade there are remains of 10th century Montornes castle at the spur and Saint Vincent former watchtower. It has many blue flag beaches with gentle slopes. There are also many religious festivals and music festivals during the year.
Jardin del Papagayo – garden of Parrots is between Peniscola and Benicarlo. There are many different enclosures which you and walk amongst. They contain toucans, parrots and other exotic birds even kangaroos. You can play with the cockatoos and feed them plus there are daily shows with the parrots.
Bio-park at Valencia is a concept on zoo immersion. It is located in the Turia gardens of the old river channel. It is 100 000km2 and some of the enclosures are the Savannah, Madagascar and Africa. The different species of animals can intermingle as they would in there wild natural habitats. There are such attractions like Antelopes, Giraffes, Rhinos, lions, Hyenas, Gorillas, Buffalos, Leopards, Elephants, Hippos, Crocodiles and fish etc. The bio-park is committed to sustainability and conservation. Its recycles 95% of its water and creates power with solar panels located around the park.
Aquarama is in Benicassim and has such attractions as tropical wave pool, rides such as big slide and the kamikazes. Also island of elephants and the Los lagos for relaxion plus waterfalls. There are also Jacuzzi’s and Hydrotherapy and plenty of shaded areas to get out of the sun. You also can enjoy it’s cafes and restaurants. Aquopolis water park is situated in Cullera has rides like Niagara, the black hole, water slides and the lake of adventure.
L’Oceanografic is within Valencia and it has 9 thematic buildings. There is the Red sea Auditorium and Dolphinarium with 5 pools of bottlenose dolphins with dolphins’ displays several times a day. Two towers with sharks, elephant rays and large oceanic fish etc link the ocean aquarium. The artic area is a giant igloo with beluga whales and walruses and Antarctic area has penguins. The wetland area shows transition from land to sea and vice versa. There is also a 70m tunnel for great view of the aquariums. There are also marine turtles, seal exhibition, jellyfish, seahorses and sea dragons.
