After visiting Zaragoza and deciding that it was not quite where we wanted to be next, we took the opportunity to drive home via the Northern Valencian coast. We headed to Benicassim to stay for a few nights and explore the area plus check out Castellón de la Plana a large city about 1 hour drive or train north of Valencia and 3 hours drive or train south of Barcelona. We wanted to check out the coastal towns even though we thought they may be too small and many of them close down over winter due to them being holiday towns and this is not what we wanted.

It’s beautiful coast but unfortunately like many areas further down on the southern coast, here on the east coast the holiday towns and cities are very over developed. There are miles of apartments right on the coast. The one small town we quite liked was probably too small and a bit far from transport. The Northern Valencian coast is probably not as popular for expats but still gets a big influx of tourists both Spanish and international.

We already liked the sound of the city of Castellón de la Plana – it is not on the tourist route and does not attract lots of expats although there is a small community there. It is also only 15 minutes by tram down to the El Grau de Castellon (port) which also has some really great beaches once you leave the port area.

The city is also an easy drive to many other small beachside towns as well as to the inland villages of the autonomous communities of Aragon, Castile la Mancha, Valencian Community, and Catalunya.

We spent some time there and liked the vibe of the city and have decided to base ourselves there next. Unfortunately we did not take many photos and these 2 seem to be all I have.