A protected unspoilt coastline
The Sierra de Irta Natural Park protects more than ten kilometres of coast between Alcossebre and Peñíscola, one of the last undeveloped stretches of the Mediterranean. It is a double space: a land park, with low Mediterranean scrub, pine woods and cliffs, and a marine reserve with seabeds of great ecological value.
That protection is exactly what makes the area unique: gravel-and-rock coves with no buildings, transparent water and a landscape best explored on foot, by bike or from the sea.
Seaside trails and hidden coves
The finest way to discover Irta is on foot. From the south of Alcossebre, coastal trails follow the shoreline and link discreet coves. Among the best known nearby are Cala Blanca, Cala Mundina and Cala del Moro, made of gravel and rock, with clean water and none of the crowds of the town beaches.
The routes alternate flat stretches beside the water with climbs along the hillside. There are no services in the wildest coves, so come prepared and plan the walk out and back carefully.
The Irta lighthouse
One of the park's landmarks is the Irta lighthouse, looking out over the coast between Alcossebre and Peñíscola. It is a popular goal for walking and mountain-bike routes: the track runs along the park's trails and rewards you with sweeping views of the unspoilt coastline and the open sea. As it is a protected, shadeless area, this stretch is best enjoyed early in the morning or at sunset.
The centuries-old watchtowers
The Irta coast is dotted with watchtowers built centuries ago to guard the sea against pirate raids. The most emblematic are the Torre Ebrí, on a hill with panoramic views, and the Torre Badum, by the sea in the heart of the park. They make excellent hiking goals and are genuine viewpoints over the protected coastline.
Mountain biking, snorkelling and kayaking
The park's network of tracks and paths is ideal for mountain biking, with routes that combine the mountain interior and coastal sections. In the water, the marine reserve invites you to snorkel over rocky seabeds full of life and to kayak, the best way to reach coves that are almost inaccessible by land. The clarity of the water here is one of its great attractions.
Tips for your visit
The park has hardly any services in the wild coves, so plan ahead: carry enough water, a hat and sun protection. Wear closed shoes with good grip: the trails have gravel, rock and slopes. Respect the protected environment: leave no litter, light no fires, stay on the marked paths and respect the wildlife and vegetation. Check the state of the trails and the season before setting off, and avoid the middle of the day in summer.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the Sierra de Irta Natural Park?
- On the coast of the province of Castellón, between Alcossebre and Peñíscola. The access on foot and by bike to its trails and coves starts from the south of Alcossebre.
- Can you swim in the coves of Irta?
- Yes. Cala Blanca, Cala Mundina and Cala del Moro are gravel-and-rock coves with very clean water. They have no services, so come prepared.
- Can you cycle in the Sierra de Irta?
- Yes, the park has tracks and paths well suited to mountain biking, including the route to the Irta lighthouse and the watchtowers.
- What should I bring to visit the park?
- Enough water, a hat and sun protection, closed shoes with good grip, and respect for the protected environment: there are hardly any services in the wildest coves.
Editorial content reviewed July 2026. Check the state of the trails and the season with Turismo Alcossebre (alcossebre.org) before setting off.