Peñíscola (~25 km, about 30 min)
The star trip. Peñíscola is a walled peninsula with its old town perched over the sea, crowned by the Papa Luna Castle (Benedict XIII), the Templar fortress where the Aragonese pope set up his seat in the early 15th century.
Get lost in the cobbled lanes of the “City in the Sea”, walk the ramparts and the Artillery Park with its views, and head down to the port. The town has been the backdrop for well-known productions (including El Cid and recent big-budget series). Combine it with the North Beach.
Check castle opening times and tickets on the Peñíscola tourism website (peniscola.es) before you go.
Morella (~60 km, just over 1 hour)
Heading inland across Castellón on the N-232 you reach Morella, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Spain. It is fully walled and crowned by an imposing castle on a hilltop, with views over Els Ports.
Wander its arcaded streets, visit the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor and try the mountain cuisine (Morella croquettes, truffle in season, cured meats and cheeses). Given the distance and the winding road, plan it as a full-day trip.
More information at morella.net (Morella Tourist Office).
Alcalà de Xivert (~7 km, about 10 min)
The inland town of Alcossebre’s own municipality, just next door. Its landmark is the Baroque bell tower of the church of San Juan Bautista, one of the tallest and most slender in the Valencian Community.
Above the town, in the Serra d’Irta, stands the Templar castle of Xivert (of Andalusi origin), a great spot for a walk and panoramic views. Ideal for half a day.
Details and access at alcaladexivert.es.
Castellón de la Plana and Benicàssim (~50–65 km, 40–55 min)
South along the AP-7 or the N-340. Castelló de la Plana, the provincial capital, offers the Plaza Mayor ensemble with the Co-Cathedral of Santa María and the El Fadrí bell tower, museums and the Grao seafront district.
Nearby, Benicàssim pairs its beaches and the promenade of Belle Époque villas with the Desert de les Palmes, a natural park with a monastery and viewpoints. A plan that blends city, beach and nature.
Routes and times at turismodecastellon.com.
Vinaròs and Benicarló (~25–35 km, 25–35 min)
To the north, two seafaring towns with strong culinary character. Vinaròs is famous for its prawn (langostino), with a lively fish market and port; Benicarló for its artichoke with Denomination of Origin. Both have a seafront promenade, an old quarter and good local-produce restaurants.
It is the perfect getaway for a market lunch and a quiet stroll by the sea, with Peñíscola halfway if you want to string two visits together.
Information at turismovinaros.com and benicarlo.org.
Further afield: Coves de Sant Josep (~90 km, full-day option)
If you have a spare day and want something different, in La Vall d’Uixò (south of Castellón, about 90 km) are the Coves de Sant Josep, the longest navigable underground river in Europe. The visit is by boat through illuminated galleries and is a great plan with children.
As it is further away, allow most of the day. Booking is highly recommended in high season.
Times, prices and bookings at riosubterraneo.com (the caves’ official website).
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best day trip from Alcossebre?
- Peñíscola, about 25 km (30 min): the Papa Luna Castle and its walled old town over the sea are a must, and pair well with the beach.
- Can you visit Morella and return the same day?
- Yes. It is about 60 km (just over 1 hour on the N-232). It is a full-day trip on a mountain road, so set off early.
- What can I see near Alcossebre without driving far?
- Alcalà de Xivert, just ~7 km, with its tall Baroque bell tower and the Xivert castle; and to the north, Vinaròs and Benicarló, 25–35 min away.
- Do I need a car for these getaways?
- It is the easiest option. Some connections exist by train/bus (Alcalà de Xivert, Castellón, Benicarló-Peñíscola), but for Morella and the caves a car is practically essential.
Data reviewed July 2026. Distances and times are indicative. Confirm opening hours, access and bookings for castles, caves and monuments on their official websites or at tourist offices before travelling.