Sports and adventure

Benicarló and its surrounding areas—Peñíscola, Vinaròs, Càlig, and the Serra d'Irta—offer a wide range of outdoor activities. From walks along the sea and farmland to mountain trails and historic villages. Below you'll find routes with information about the route, points of interest, difficulty, duration, and recommendations based on the season or type of visitor. Discover the region by bike or on foot!

mountain bike routes

Peñíscola – Alcocebre (Irta Mountains) (≈48 km, ~3-4 h, medium difficulty). Panoramic route along the unspoiled coast of the Sierra de Irta, a "13-kilometer treasure trove of unspoiled Mediterranean coastline." It runs alongside the sea, with views of cliffs and coves (such as Mundina and Arguilaga) and passes the Cabo de Irta lighthouse and Xivert Castle at the top. Although the elevation gain is moderate (~450 m), it's advisable to ride with a well-equipped mountain bike. Ideal for spring/autumn to avoid the summer heat.
Benicarló – Mas d'Ascla – Santa Magdalena (≈52 km, ~4-5 h, moderate difficulty). From Benicarló or Peñíscola, the route runs along farm tracks parallel to the N-340, heading towards Alcalá de Xivert. The route climbs to Mas d'Ascla (an old rural farmhouse) along a well-maintained track. It then connects with paths that lead to the interior of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis. It offers panoramic views of fields of ancient olive trees and the Ulldecona reservoir, with few technical sections. Recommended for cyclists with some experience.
Benicarló – Càlig – Sant Jordi – Traiguera – Benicarló (≈45 km, ~3-4 h, moderate-high). Known as the "Bici Maestrat Inauguration Route," it departs from Plaza Constitución in Benicarló and runs through the municipalities of Càlig, Sant Jordi, and Traiguera. The route is mostly gentle, except for a technical section of about 300 m. It crosses cultivated fields and offers beautiful views from the top of the Sant Gregori Hermitage. It is highly appreciated by local cyclists, although it requires good endurance.
Circular route through the interior mountain range (≈38 km, +650 m, difficult). For very experienced bikers, a possible route is to ascend from Benicarló to the Ermita de Sant Antoni (Peñíscola) and Alto de la Bota, reach the Castillo de Santa Magdalena, and return along trails along the AP-7 motorway. The route alternates between rocky paths and steep climbs (a lot of "bike pushing"). Recommended only for well-trained athletes.

Recommendations: The best times of year are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild. In summer, avoid the hottest hours and strong winds, and in winter, get up early to take advantage of the daylight. For families with children or amateur cyclists, there are flat coastal stretches (e.g., routes from Benicarló to Peñíscola along the bike path), and in summer, sunset rides are popular. In any case, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and warn them if you're taking lonely routes.

Road cycling routes

Route of the Cisterns and Hermitage of Sant Gregori (Benicarló) (13.7 km, +43 m, easy). A short circular route perfect for cycling. It starts in Benicarló and passes by the historic medieval cisterns (Fossa del Pastor, Vell, Sotada) and the Hermitage of Sant Gregori. The paths are flat and well paved. Ideal for the whole family or novice cyclists, with a stop at the Mirador del Petril. Approximate cycling time: 1-1.5 hours. Recommended at any time of year, even in summer (early mornings).
“Millennial Olive Trees” Route (≈64 km, +654 m, average). Circular route from Benicarló through the municipalities of Càlig, Traiguera, La Jana, and Cervera del Maestre. It runs almost entirely on paved secondary roads, crossing landscapes of lowland forest and hundreds of ancient olive trees. It takes about 4-5 hours at a moderate pace. The return section along the CV-10 is somewhat more demanding but not very arduous. It is suitable for cyclists with some experience; it is best to start early in summer or in autumn/winter when the weather cools down.
Peñíscola – Santa Magdalena – La Salsadella – Sant Mateu – Cervera – Càlig – Peñíscola (≈68 km, +750 m, medium). Coastal-inland route that covers beautiful stretches of Castellón's Maestrazgo region. It enters via the N-340 to Santa Magdalena de Pulpis and La Salsadella, then follows mountain roads to Sant Mateu, Cervera del Maestre, and back to the coast. It is recommended to do this route on a Sunday due to less traffic on the N-340. It crosses part of the Peñíscola Marsh, the medieval village of Sant Mateu, and viewpoints over the reservoir. It lasts about 4-5 hours, with several gentle climbs.
Port of Fredes (Peñíscola – Fredes – Peñíscola) (≈136 km, +2,000 m, difficult). A long and demanding route, designed for highly trained cyclists. It climbs up the A-226 to the Fredes Pass (Els Ports) and returns along the same route. The Fredes Pass is steep and long; the climb is "very good" according to amateur routes, with a highly recommended stop at La Sénia (e.g., Bar El Punt de Trobada). The total route takes about 6-7 hours, so it's recommended to bring food and plan breaks. Ideal for spring and autumn; in summer, take extra precautions due to the heat.
Benicarló – La Sénia – Ulldecona Reservoir – Benicarló (≈88 km, +700 m, medium). Circular route through the interior: Benicarló, Alcanar, La Sénia, Ulldecona reservoir, Traiguera, return. Landscapes of the orchards and mountains of Els Ports. Gentle ascent to the reservoir, agricultural panoramas. Duration 4-5 hours. Good for autumn, avoiding high summer.

Recommendations: All of these routes can be done year-round, avoiding intense summer sunlight. It's advisable to wear a helmet and reflective lights (especially on routes through tunnels or at dawn). For families and less experienced cyclists, the short Aljibes route is ideal; in summer, the Benicarló–Peñíscola coastal bike path allows for safe rides with children. Always check the condition of your bike and consult traffic conditions on the N-340 if the route is used.

Hiking trails

Benicarló – Peñíscola (Castle) Seafront Promenade (≈10 km round trip, +4 m, easy). An ideal family-friendly coastal urban route. It starts at Playa de la Caracola (Benicarló/Peñíscola border) and follows the promenade to the imposing walls of Peñíscola Castle. Then return along the same path or along the shore. It's a 2-3 hour gentle walk along the sand or along a path by the sea. Perfect in autumn, winter, or spring, or to avoid the strong midday sun in summer (there are beach bars like Gurugú at the beginning).
Route of the 14 beaches (Benicarló – Vinaròs round trip) (≈22 km, +65 m, easy). Starting at Playa de la Caracola (Benicarló), the route passes all the coves and natural beaches of the north coast: Gurugú, Racó de las Tortugas, Pedroñeras, Tropicana, Cavet, and so on, until reaching Playa del Fortí in Vinaròs. This is a continuous trail of dunes and the Mediterranean coast. The hike takes about 5-6 hours in total. Points of interest: the dunes of La Caracola and Pebret, Serradal swamps, unspoiled rocky coves, and the historic beach of Les Valls. Recommended in autumn/spring due to mild temperatures; wear a hat and water in the summer sun.
Hermitage of Sant Gregori – Basseta del Bovalar – Corral del Petiquillo (≈12.8 km, +102 m, easy). A circular route that starts and returns to Benicarló. It follows farm roads to the Hermitage of Sant Gregori, then continues past the Bovalar reservoir (an old wash house and agricultural wetland) and the Corral del Petiquillo. The terrain is mostly flat and surrounded by orange groves. Ideal for a morning walk with the family (stage one of a local race). The total distance takes approximately three hours at a slow pace. The orchard blooms in winter and spring, with its splendid orchard.
Sant Antoni viewpoint (Peñíscola) (≈19.7 km, +360 m, medium). A long route with a steep final climb. From the urban area of Peñíscola (Hotel Plaza or Estación), the route leads up along paths and trails to the Hermitage of Sant Antoni and the geodetic vertex. The effort is rewarded with spectacular views of the coastline and the entire Peñíscola. Approx. 5-6 hours of walking, suitable for hikers in good shape. Recommended on clear days (spring or sunny winter); do it very early in the summer.