Alcossebre brings together coastal landscapes, protected nature and historic sites. Those who want to include natural and cultural heritage in their trip alongside the beach will find several specific points of interest here. The Serra d’Irta Natural Park lies north of the town; together with the d’Irta Marine Reserve, it forms a 12,000-hectare protected area. The Serra combines semi-arid Mediterranean vegetation with white limestone cliffs and small coves along the coast.
Beaches with different features
Playa Las Fuentes is known for its freshwater springs, which emerge through the seabed and are fed by an aquifer formed during the Jurassic period. The beach offers lifeguards, toilets, showers, foot showers, walkways, children's and sports areas, as well as pedal boat rentals; some services may vary seasonally. Playa Carregador is opposite Alcossebre town centre. The 850-metre-long sandy beach has Blue Flag status and is designated as an accessible beach. The beaches therefore have different features: springs and facilities define Las Fuentes, while Carregador is particularly notable for its length, fine sand, award and location opposite the town centre.
Hiking in the Serra d’Irta
Several hiking routes are recommended for Alcalà de Xivert-Alcossebre. They pass through the Serra d’Irta and combine protected nature with historic buildings in the mountain landscape. A section of the coastal path through the Serra d’Irta at Serradal Beach is very easy and suitable for young children; trail conditions may vary. This specific information about the difficulty level and suitability applies to the section at Serradal.
Hermitage, views and history
The Ermita de Santa Lucía y San Benito is located in the Serra d’Irta at an altitude of 312 metres. It was built in the late 17th century in the Valencian Baroque style. From the hermitage's viewpoint, you can see the Columbretes Islands and the Baix Maestrat and Plana Alta areas. It also houses an Ethnological Interpretation Centre with the Santa Lucía archaeological site and reproductions of finds recovered during excavations.
The historic heritage of the Serra d’Irta includes the castles of Xivert and Polpis and the watchtowers of Badum and Ebrí. They bear witness to earlier human settlement and the region's military character; the castles were built in the 10th or 11th century. Torre Ebrí in Alcalà de Xivert-Alcossebre was a watchtower and part of a 16th-century castle complex. It served to detect and protect the town from attacks by the Berbers. In clear weather, the view from Torre Ebrí extends as far as the Ebro Delta.
Boat trips and sailing courses
A boat trip to the Columbretes Islands departs from Puerto Deportivo Las Fuentes in Alcossebre. It includes a guided visit to Grossa Island and time for snorkelling. Check departure arrangements before your trip. Club de Vela Alcossebre also offers dinghy sailing and cruising courses at Puerto Deportivo Las Fuentes. The options are therefore quite different: a trip with a visit to the islands and time to snorkel, or courses in two types of sailing.
For the broader travel overview: Alcalà De Xivert.
