Moncófar: Coast, Nature and History

Moncófar takes centre stage with the four-kilometre Sendero Azul del Belcaire coastal trail. In 2017, it was recognised as a European Blue Trail for its ecological value. When choosing a holiday apartment in Moncófar, nature, the coast, history and rice dishes are among the area's highlights.

Nature

At the mouth of the Belcaire lies an estuary with native vegetation, birdwatching opportunities and picnic areas; it is also a protected habitat of the European pond turtle. The Estanyol micro-reserve covers 1.3 hectares and is home to native and endemic plants, as well as a designated habitat for the endangered Kentish plover.

Moncofa has six kilometres of coastline with the beaches of Pedraroja, Grau, Masbo, Belcaire, Beniesma and Estanyol. Playa del Belcaire is 500 metres long, lies in a dune landscape, extends to the mouth of the Belcaire River and has a dog beach as well as an open nature interpretation centre. L'Estanyol is a 900-metre-long beach with a flora micro-reserve and a protected habitat for the endangered Kentish plover.

Coast

Playa Beniesma has a naturist section and the remains of a historic watchtower dating from the 16th century. The 550-metre-long Playa Pedraroja has an accessible access point, lifeguard and rescue services, as well as sports courts. Playa Grau belongs to the maritime district of Moncofa and is known for its viewpoints; the town's most traditional beach area was associated with fishing families. Different beach lengths, natural features and facilities provide objective points of comparison for planning your day.

Culture and History

The Museo de Historia y Etnología de Moncofa presents Moncofa's agricultural, fishing and traditional way of life through everyday objects, tools and photographs. It also offers guided tours and activities for school groups. The Ermita de la Magdalena is an 18th-century religious building with a maritime character in the Grao, or seafaring district, of Moncofa, and was built over an Arab rábita.

The remains of the Torre Santa Isabel de Carrillo o Nova come from a watchtower built between 1613 and an unknown date in the middle of the 17th century.

Cuisine

Moncofa's local cuisine combines seafood and garden produce in rice dishes such as paella valenciana, arroz a banda, seafood paella and baked rice. In September, the Jornades Gastronòmiques de l’Arròs i la Paella take place, showcasing local rice dishes prepared in various ways.

Active Travel

The EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route runs through Moncofa. The third stage in the Comunitat Valenciana covers 55 kilometres from Castelló to Sagunt. In Moncofa, an extensive network of irrigation channels and wells bears witness to the area's historic water heritage and is connected with local agriculture.

Further Places

Further places in the same higher-level region: La Pobla Tornesa, Almazora, Cinctorres, Ballestar, Benasal, Benicarló, Traiguera, Portell De Morella

To the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.