{{filter.label}}
Holidays in Alcossebre
Alcossebre is a charming coastal village on the Costa del Azahar in the province of Castellón, Spain, known for its blend of sea and mountain landscapes and lack of excessive urbanization.
History and Description
Description: Alcossebre is a small population center belonging to the municipality of Alcalà de Xivert. It boasts over 10 km of coastline with five main, high-quality beaches (like El Carregador, Romana, El Moro, Manyetes, and Las Fuentes) and several unspoiled coves.
Unique Feature: It is situated at the foot of the Serra d'Irta, where the mountain meets the Mediterranean, creating a beautiful and protected natural environment. One of its beaches, Las Fuentes (Les Fonts), is famous for having freshwater springs that emerge directly from the sand.
History Highlights:
The area has history dating back to the 13th century, belonging to the municipality of Alcalà de Xivert.
Repopulation was ordered by the Master of the Knights Templar around 1260.
Tourism began to take off in the 1960s, changing the local dynamic.
Architectural Heritage (nearby): Visit the Hermitage of Santa Lucía (a wonderful viewpoint), the Xivert Castle in Alcalà de Xivert, and the Torre de Capicorb (an old coastal surveillance tower).
Typical Foods (Gastronomy)
Alcossebre's cuisine is a perfect example of the Mediterranean Diet, combining fresh seafood with products from the mountains and fertile market gardens.
Rice Dishes: As part of the Valencian Community, there are countless rice recipes, including various types of Paella, arroz a la marinera (seafood rice), and arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock).
Seafood: Fresh fish and seafood are staples. Look for octopus stew with potatoes and suquet de peix (a fish stew that changes daily based on the catch).
Mountain Cuisine: Traditional stews like gaspatxera pot (combining pork, lamb, and local vegetables) or rabbit cooked with snails (if you enjoy game).
Local Ingredient: La tomata de penjar (hanging tomato) is a traditional variety of tomato grown locally, characterized by a different flavor and long shelf life. There is even a fair dedicated to it.
Activities & Shops
Water Sports: The Mediterranean waters are great for sailing, diving, snorkeling, paddle surfing, and kayaking. Boat trips to the Columbretes Islands Natural Park are popular.
Hiking/Biking: Explore the trails and routes in the Serra d'Irta Natural Park. A notable climb is to the Hermitage of Santa Lucía for the panoramic views.
Promenade: The Alcossebre Promenade connects the main beaches and is great for strolling, eating, and accessing shops/markets.
Shopping:
Street Markets: A large Summer Market is held weekly (typically on Tuesdays) on the Promenade, selling everything from fresh produce and food to clothing and handicrafts.
There is also a Night Market during July and August, focusing on crafts, jewelry, and fashion.
An Antiques Market is usually held on Fridays.
Festivals
The town has a vibrant calendar of events rooted in tradition:
January Foguera de Sant Antoni Bonfires and popular paellas.
February Carnival Lively parades, including children's and the main Gran Desfile de Colles with handmade costumes.
April Easter (Semana Santa) Tourists arrive to enjoy the beaches and a traditional Mona de Pascua (Easter cake) picnic.
June Festivity of Sant Benet Cultural and religious homage at the Hermitage of Santa Lucía.
June Noche de San Juan (Midsummer's Eve) Bonfires, parades, music, and fireworks at midnight.
September Patron Saint's Festivities Week-long celebration with bullfighting events, concerts, and marquees on the promenade.
October Penjar Tomato Fair Gastronomic fair in Alcalà de Xivert promoting the local hanging tomato.
December Fiesta de Santa Lucía Processions, concerts, and a Christmas Fair.
Nature
Serra d'Irta Natural Park: This is Alcossebre's greatest natural asset, stretching along 15 km of coastline. It is an intact, protected area with cliffs, small virgin coves (like Cala Mundina and Cala Blanca), and rich flora and fauna.
Columbretes Islands Natural Park: A small volcanic archipelago located off the coast, it is a protected marine reserve of great ecological wealth, accessible for excursions and diving.
Beaches and Coves: The town has many quality beaches (El Carregador, Romana, etc.) and less developed coves, maintaining a lower level of urbanization compared to other coastal towns.
History and Description
Description: Alcossebre is a small population center belonging to the municipality of Alcalà de Xivert. It boasts over 10 km of coastline with five main, high-quality beaches (like El Carregador, Romana, El Moro, Manyetes, and Las Fuentes) and several unspoiled coves.
Unique Feature: It is situated at the foot of the Serra d'Irta, where the mountain meets the Mediterranean, creating a beautiful and protected natural environment. One of its beaches, Las Fuentes (Les Fonts), is famous for having freshwater springs that emerge directly from the sand.
History Highlights:
The area has history dating back to the 13th century, belonging to the municipality of Alcalà de Xivert.
Repopulation was ordered by the Master of the Knights Templar around 1260.
Tourism began to take off in the 1960s, changing the local dynamic.
Architectural Heritage (nearby): Visit the Hermitage of Santa Lucía (a wonderful viewpoint), the Xivert Castle in Alcalà de Xivert, and the Torre de Capicorb (an old coastal surveillance tower).
Typical Foods (Gastronomy)
Alcossebre's cuisine is a perfect example of the Mediterranean Diet, combining fresh seafood with products from the mountains and fertile market gardens.
Rice Dishes: As part of the Valencian Community, there are countless rice recipes, including various types of Paella, arroz a la marinera (seafood rice), and arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock).
Seafood: Fresh fish and seafood are staples. Look for octopus stew with potatoes and suquet de peix (a fish stew that changes daily based on the catch).
Mountain Cuisine: Traditional stews like gaspatxera pot (combining pork, lamb, and local vegetables) or rabbit cooked with snails (if you enjoy game).
Local Ingredient: La tomata de penjar (hanging tomato) is a traditional variety of tomato grown locally, characterized by a different flavor and long shelf life. There is even a fair dedicated to it.
Activities & Shops
Water Sports: The Mediterranean waters are great for sailing, diving, snorkeling, paddle surfing, and kayaking. Boat trips to the Columbretes Islands Natural Park are popular.
Hiking/Biking: Explore the trails and routes in the Serra d'Irta Natural Park. A notable climb is to the Hermitage of Santa Lucía for the panoramic views.
Promenade: The Alcossebre Promenade connects the main beaches and is great for strolling, eating, and accessing shops/markets.
Shopping:
Street Markets: A large Summer Market is held weekly (typically on Tuesdays) on the Promenade, selling everything from fresh produce and food to clothing and handicrafts.
There is also a Night Market during July and August, focusing on crafts, jewelry, and fashion.
An Antiques Market is usually held on Fridays.
Festivals
The town has a vibrant calendar of events rooted in tradition:
January Foguera de Sant Antoni Bonfires and popular paellas.
February Carnival Lively parades, including children's and the main Gran Desfile de Colles with handmade costumes.
April Easter (Semana Santa) Tourists arrive to enjoy the beaches and a traditional Mona de Pascua (Easter cake) picnic.
June Festivity of Sant Benet Cultural and religious homage at the Hermitage of Santa Lucía.
June Noche de San Juan (Midsummer's Eve) Bonfires, parades, music, and fireworks at midnight.
September Patron Saint's Festivities Week-long celebration with bullfighting events, concerts, and marquees on the promenade.
October Penjar Tomato Fair Gastronomic fair in Alcalà de Xivert promoting the local hanging tomato.
December Fiesta de Santa Lucía Processions, concerts, and a Christmas Fair.
Nature
Serra d'Irta Natural Park: This is Alcossebre's greatest natural asset, stretching along 15 km of coastline. It is an intact, protected area with cliffs, small virgin coves (like Cala Mundina and Cala Blanca), and rich flora and fauna.
Columbretes Islands Natural Park: A small volcanic archipelago located off the coast, it is a protected marine reserve of great ecological wealth, accessible for excursions and diving.
Beaches and Coves: The town has many quality beaches (El Carregador, Romana, etc.) and less developed coves, maintaining a lower level of urbanization compared to other coastal towns.
Click to show the map