Benicàssim


Benicàssim is a municipality and beach resort located in the province of Castelló, on the Costa del Azahar in Spain. The Desert de les Palmes mountain range further inland shelters the town from the north wind. The name is derived from the Banu Qasim tribe, a segment of the Kutama Berbers that settled the area during the 8th century Moorish conquest of Spain.
Benicassim is located 13 km north of the town of Castelló de la Plana, at the north end of the Valencian Community. The town has a population of 18,098. Its economy is largely based on tourism; the town is well known for its beaches and its music festivals such as Festival Internacional de Benicàssim and the Rototom Sunsplash.

Beaches

Benicassim has 6 kilometers of sandy beaches linked by a promenade. The five beaches in this stretch of coast are named
The beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag quality certification since 1987.

Desert of the Palms

Just inland from Benicàssim lies the Desert of the Palms. The area is not a literal desert, but a protected natural area and a small mountain range with a maximum elevation of 729 meters. The Columbretes Islands are visible from the top of the range on clear days.

Festivals

The ”Vía Verde” is a 5.5 km long cycle and walking path along the rugged coast between the resort towns of Benicassim and Oropesa del Mar.