Costa Azahar: Orange Blossom Dreams & Hidden Coves - Ditch the Crowds and Discover Spain's Secret Coastline
Costa Azahar is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away between Valencia and Catalonia, this stretch of coastline isn’t about flashy resorts or packed beaches—it’s about authentic charm, orange blossom-scented air, and the kind of Mediterranean beauty that sneaks up on you and steals your heart.
You’ll notice it the moment you step into Peníscola, a picture-perfect coastal town that looks like it belongs in a film—and for good reason. You’ll wander up to the castillo, perched high on the rock, where the sea seems to stretch on forever. If the place feels familiar, it’s because it doubled as Meereen in Game of Thrones. But honestly, Peníscola doesn’t need Hollywood to make it magical. The cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and quiet little corners are pure, old-school Spain.
A little further down the coast, Alcossebre feels like a hidden paradise. The beaches here are some of the best in the region, with soft sand and crystal-clear water that’s perfect for a lazy swim. But what makes this place special is that it hasn’t lost its local soul. You’ll find small family-run restaurants serving up incredible seafood paella, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay forever.
Then there’s Benicassim, where things take a slightly different turn. Sure, it’s known for its big music festival, but if you explore beyond that, you’ll find beautiful, uncrowded beaches and the stunning Desert de les Palmes Natural Park—a place where you can hike up to panoramic views that make you feel like you’ve got the whole world at your feet.
And if you’re after a proper taste of history, Castellon de la Plana won’t disappoint. It’s not just a gateway to the coast—it’s a city filled with lively markets, elegant squares, and that perfect mix of old and new Spain. You’ll sip an espresso in Plaza Mayor, watching the world go by, and realise that this place has a quiet charm that’s hard to resist.
Costa Azahar isn’t a place you rush through. It’s a place where you slow down, breathe in the scent of the orange groves, and let the Mediterranean sun work its magic. And once it gets under your skin, you’ll be planning your return before you’ve even left.
Top Attractions on the Costa Azahar
The Costa Azahar landscape offers incredible scenery, beautiful beaches, mountainous surroundings, orange groves and a memorable and pleasant climate.
The area is ideal for holidaymakers who like both cultures and those looking for relaxation and serenity. Filled with many green spaces, secluded places, beautiful coastal views, and historic sites and monuments, this part of Spain is less crowded than its busy neighbour on the Costa Blanca.
The Costa Azahar countryside is undoubtedly an area where visitors can relax while walking through the orange and lemons groves or the parks and nature reserves.
There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, rambling, rafting, sailing, water skiing, canoeing, yachting and more.
Valencia, the largest city in Costa Azahar, has gained fame as one of the most dynamic Spanish cities. The main focal point is the outstanding Arts and Science Centre La Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias, built by the famous architect Calatrava.
A short drive north of Valencia is the coastal town of Castellon de la Plana, which has gorgeous beaches and a historic town hall.
A short drive north from Castellon de la Plana is the picturesque town of Oropesa, which still preserves the Tower of the King, built as a defence against pirates. Oropesa is a charming town to explore with its narrow lanes.
The town boasts several fine beaches and unspoiled coves around La Concha and Morre de Gos. It also has a modern yacht harbour with around 700 berths offering full marina facilities, well worth visiting to see all the impressive luxury yachts.
Other coastal towns worth visiting include Morella, enclosed by 14th-century walls and the city of Benicassim, which boasts an imposing 10th-century Moorish castle. Add to the list of tourist attractions that deserve a visit the Planetarium of Castellon, Segobriga Park and Cova Negra Caves and Nature Park
The town of Calig is set inland from Vinaros and Benicarlo and is a tranquil village offering an ideal blend of modern and traditional. There is good nightlife, decent shops, and easy access to all other facilities. The annual fiesta in Calig is celebrated during August with a 10-day fest…. not to be missed.
Vinaros – is the first town you come across when entering the Costa Azahar. This ancient town offers a fine beach at El Forti, which runs from the port to the mouth of the River Servol, which is famous for its langostinos ( prawns). For fiesta lovers, the two major ones are the San Antonio in January, the San Sebastian Festival, and the carnivals held in February each year.
Peniscola
This historic city is replete with medieval architecture and has a fine monumental heritage. Located in the northern part of the Costa Azahar, Peniscola has some fantastic beaches and a superb choice of Leisure facilities.
The medieval fortification gives the town a real historic feel. The castle dates from the 13th and 15th centuries. Built originally by the Knights Templar, it was completed by the Montesianos in the 14th century.
The castle was particularly famous for being the home of Pope Benedicte XIII, Pedro de Luna, from 1411 to 1423. It is a fine example of military architecture dating from the early Middle Ages. A visit here is highly recommended, as much of it still remains, including the stables, a grand hall, and a beautiful interior plaza.
If you are looking to buy some holiday gifts, there are plenty of shops along its long promenade to please everyone, as well as plenty of nice bars and restaurants to enjoy the local dish of Paella Valenciana.
Gandia
Located 65 kilometres south of Valencia on the Mediterranean with its vast, golden beaches, it is one of the main tourist destinations in Spain.
It has a Mediterranean subtropical climate with mild, warm winters and hot summers. Temperatures range between 25 and 30 degrees Celcius. Some days may reach 40 degrees in August, but the gentle sea breezes cool you down. The sea remains warm in October, allowing you to swim quietly.
Best beaches on the Costa Azahar
Here are the top picks of beaches on Costa Azahar:
Playa de la Concha: This stunning beach is in the charming town of Oropesa del Mar and boasts crystal-clear waters and fine golden sand.
Playa de Morro de Gos: This beach in Alcossebre is an excellent spot for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Playa del Pinar: Located in Castellón de la Plana, this long and wide beach is perfect for families with children and features plenty of amenities.
Playa de la Garrofera: This beach in Gandía is surrounded by dunes and pine forests and is an excellent spot for a peaceful getaway.
Playa de Benicassim: A long and wide beach in Benicassim. Perfect for chilling out and sunbathing, it is located in the town of Benicassim.
Playa del Arenal: This top-notch urban beach features restaurants, bars, and water sports activities.
Playa del Fortí: Located in Vinaros, it is perfect for a peaceful and romantic stroll along the water's edge.
Playa de Moncofa: This long and wide beach is located in Moncofa, surrounded by beautiful cliffs and natural landscapes.
Playa de la Renegà: This unspoiled beach in Alcala de Xivert is an excellent spot for snorkelling.
Playa de Almenara: This beach, located in the town of Almenara, has stunning views of the Mediterranean and is surrounded by dunes and pine forests.
Getting Around the Costa Azahar
Valencia Airport is the largest airport feeding the Costa Azahar. It is well-connected to all the major cities in Spain and Europe and offers flights operated by national and international airlines.
Once you arrive at the airport, the best way to reach the resorts along the Costa Azahar is by renting a car. Several car rental companies are located at both Valencia and Barcelona airports, making it easy to rent a car and hit the road.
The A-7 motorway runs along the coast and is the region's main artery, making it easy to access all of the towns and beaches on the Costa Azahar. The A7 is a toll-free coastal highway but can get very busy during summer. If you are strapped for time, it's better to use the AP7 toll motorway as it is usually pretty quiet and will cut your travel times by half on most occasions.
If you prefer public transportation, several bus and train services are available. The RENFE train service connects Valencia with other major cities in Spain, including Barcelona and Madrid. Several local train services run along the coast and stop at many of the smaller towns on the Costa Azahar. Check out the Renfe website for train times and fair prices.
In addition to trains, several bus services operate in the region. The primary bus operator is ALSA, which offers several routes connecting the Costa Azahar towns and beaches. Buses are a great option if you want to explore the region on a budget, as they are cheaper than trains or car hire.