Nules between coastal lagoon, beach and cultural heritage

Nules is home to L'Estany de Nules, a municipal natural area designated by a resolution of the Generalitat dated 3 December 2004. The small coastal lagoon was formed by the abundant emergence of groundwater in the marshland. L'Estany is an important refuge for overwintering and migratory birds: birds come here to feed, rest or even nest. The area has been prepared for public use and recreation.

Nature and coast

The coast of Nules is long. Breakwaters temporarily retain sand there, while pebbles dominate the beach surface. Nules Beach is the longest beach in the municipality; its northern section, with rocks and breakwaters, is suitable for surf fishing. Along the beach there are several sports areas, children's playgrounds and a fitness trail. There are also facilities for water sports, several children's areas and a health trail.

Culture and history

The Villa romana de Benicató served both as an agricultural estate and as a residence. It includes a courtyard surrounded by colonnades, with a round basin for collecting and distributing rainwater, as well as surrounding living quarters and rooms for domestic activities. The villa was inhabited from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD; it reached its peak in the 2nd century AD.

The three fully preserved Blocaos of Nules also provide insight into the history of the Spanish Civil War. They have funnel-shaped embrasures and an almost circular machine-gun emplacement each. The Blocaos are among the best-preserved and most significant architectural remains of the Spanish Civil War in the Valencian Community and are easily accessible.

The Museo de Historia de Nules is housed in the former Iglesia de la Sangre, a church dating from the late 16th century. Its archaeological, ethnographic and art-historical collections convey the history of Nules and the area around its former castle. The Convento de la Sagrada Familia is a church with a Latin-cross plan, a dome, side chapels and an ambulatory, and is considered one of the outstanding examples of Discalced Carmelite architecture in Spain.

The Museo de Medallística Enrique Giner is located in the former Ermita de San Miguel, dating from the 18th century. It houses a medal collection spanning the period from the mid-15th century to the present day. The museum is described as the only museum in Spain dedicated to medal art.

Routes and maritime architecture

The Ruta del Modernismo presents 30 doors and can be experienced on a walk through the city's streets. The Ruta del Agua leads to various irrigation engines and irrigation huts in Nules and Mascarell and conveys agricultural traditions through oral tradition.

Mascarell is a small fortified district considered unique in the Valencian Community. The district is protected as a BIC and became a district of Nules at the end of the 19th century. In the Poblado marítimo de Nules, many houses preserve original ceramics, wells, cisterns and ornamental details that give the settlement significant ethnological value. Guided tours of the maritime architecture are offered in the Poblado marítimo de Nules.

Traditions and festivals

The Festes de Sant Joan in Nules are traditional neighborhood festivals featuring bonfires, religious events and popular activities. The Festa de Les Barraquetes takes place on the eighth day after Corpus Christi and originated in the 15th century. The focus is on the municipality's children together with small barraquetes made from reeds collected locally and decorated with flowers.

The Festa de les Camareres takes place on the Sunday after Easter, on the eve of the feast of Saint Vincent Ferrer. During this celebration, women dressed in black, wearing mantillas, gloves and a teja, guard the Capilla de la Sangre and the furnishings of the Virgen de la Soledad, the town's patron saint. The Festa includes a procession in which each camarera is accompanied by a man carrying a candle and a girl dressed in white carrying a palm frond.

The Fira Agrícola i Ramadera de Nules takes place in September. It has been granted the status of Fiesta de Interés Turístico Autonómico of the Comunitat Valenciana.

Other places

Alcudia de Veo, Viver, Fuentes De Ayódar, Figueroles, Pina De Montalgrao, Ares Del Maestre, Tírig, Barracas

Getting there and tours

Nules railway station is connected to the Cercanías network, with services to Valencia and Castellón. By car, Nules can be reached via the AP-7, exit 47, or via the N-340. The guided tours in Nules are free of charge and require advance reservation via the registration form for the respective route. Nules has several public car parks in the town center.

To the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.