Alcossebre: Serra d’Irta, Beaches and History

The Serra d’Irta Nature Park lies north of Alcossebre and, together with the d’Irta Marine Reserve, forms a 12,000-hectare protected area. The Serra d’Irta combines semi-arid Mediterranean vegetation with white limestone cliffs and small coves along the coast.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Alcossebre, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions provide the practical framework. In addition, the town offers a range of themes, from Serra d’Irta and the coast to culture and maritime experiences. For your own selection, the main attractions can be distinguished as follows: the protected area, the two beaches, historic buildings, suggested hiking routes and maritime activities each represent a different way to explore Alcossebre. Those who want to vary their days can alternate between landscapes, beaches, history, hiking and water activities; the places and activities mentioned each represent their own thematic focus.

Nature and Coast

At Playa Las Fuentes, freshwater springs emerge through the seabed; they are fed by an aquifer formed during the Jurassic period. The beach offers lifeguards, toilets, showers, foot showers, walkways, children’s and sports areas, as well as pedal boat hire.

Opposite the centre of Alcossebre lies Playa Carregador, an 850-metre-long fine-sand beach with a Blue Flag and accessible-beach status.

Culture and History

A prominent site in the Serra d’Irta is the Ermita de Santa Lucía y San Benito. It stands at an altitude of 312 metres and was built at the end of the 17th century in the Valencian Baroque style. From its viewpoint, the Columbretes Islands and the Baix Maestrat and Plana Alta areas can be seen. The hermitage also houses an Ethnological Interpretation Centre with the Santa Lucía archaeological site and reproductions of the finds recovered during the excavations.

The Torre Ebrí in Alcalà de Xivert-Alcossebre is a watchtower that was part of a 16th-century castle complex and served to detect and protect the town from attacks by the Berbers. On a clear day, the view extends as far as the Ebro Delta.

The historic heritage of the Serra d’Irta includes the castles of Xivert and Polpis, as well as the watchtowers of Badum and Ebrí. They bear witness to the region’s former human settlement and military character; the castles were built in the 10th or 11th century.

Water and Maritime Experiences

A boat trip to the Columbretes Islands departs from Puerto Deportivo Las Fuentes in Alcossebre. It includes a guided visit to Grossa Island and offers time for snorkelling. The Club de Vela Alcossebre also offers dinghy sailing and cruising courses at Puerto Deportivo Las Fuentes.

Paths through the Landscape

Several hiking routes are suggested for Alcalà de Xivert-Alcossebre. They lead through the Serra d’Irta and combine protected nature with historic buildings in the mountain landscape. The coastal path through the Serra d’Irta includes a very easy section at Serradal Beach that is suitable for small children.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alcalà De Xivert.