Benicarló is proud of having once been a flourishing Muslim farmstead. Later, the town taken by James I the Conqueror, was renamed Benicastló and had to report to the castle of Peñíscola until 1359.

Benicarló’s inhabitants have faced many ups and downs. They experienced the uprising of the labour unions (“Germanías”) in the 16th century, and the town was besieged by its supporters. Nevertheless, Benicarló resisted, as in the War of Independence from France in 1810. In 1837, Carlists attacked and devastated the place. The 19th century in Benicarló is remembered for the wine trade with South America and the prestige acquired by its barrel industry.

In Plaza San Bartolomé there is an 18th century church honouring the saint.
The Sant Francesc Convent (City Museum) was completed in 1578. Our urban stroll finishes at Crist de la Mar Chapel Sant Gregori a 16th century Chapel is located 2 km away from the town. El Puig Iberian settlement is interesting

A little tourist potential
Going from north to south, the first beach is Mar Xica, with pebbles and is around 1 km long.
Southward from the promenade is Morrongo beach, a cove with fine sand.
Further south are Gurugú and Caracola beaches.

Looking inland
Benicarló’s proximity to the interior allows day trips inland. One option could be going to Benifassà’s Tinença, with sites such as the Ulldecona reservoir or the Santa Maria de Benifassà monastery.

A sports town
The town has three grass football pitches and an enclosed sports centre. The indoor pool allows swimming to be practiced all year round. The athletics tracks are located nearby.

Several private clubs complete the offerings of sports infrastructures.
Marine sports in general are booming. For instance, there is a Sailing School. Scuba diving can be enjoyed in privileged locations such as on the sea floor by the Columbretes Islands natural reserve.

The sea and vegetable gardens’ flavours
The most appreciated and typical cooking ingredients come from the sea: “caixetes”, razor shells, monkfish, red mullet, shrimp and crawfish, among others.

The orchards are rich in tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, beans, lettuce and artichokes, the latter being the only product of Castellón with its origin and quality guaranteed. Let’s not forget the oranges and lemons.

Bulls in the sea
The festivities of Benicarló’s patron saint take place during the second half of August and one of the major events is the bulls in the sea (“bous a la mar”). Benicarló’s festivity of the artichoke in January must not be missed either.