Almenara’s landscape ranges from mountains and Marjal wetlands to lagoons and Mediterranean beaches. It also bears traces of its history of fortifications, churches and industry. As you plan your trip, you can combine nature and local history or focus on one or the other.
Coast, Wetlands and Lagoons
The Platja d’Almenara Flora Micro-Reserve covers 5.39 hectares and occupies approximately the southern half of Playa de Almenara. It was established to protect Otanthus maritimus and Silene cambessedesii. Nesting by Charadrius alexandrinus has also been confirmed at Playa de Almenara. The species is classified as endangered on the Valencian list of threatened animal species and is under special protection.
The landscape also offers different ways to enjoy nature. Penya de l’Estany is a 29-metre-high hill with panoramic views of three lagoons. L’Ullal, in turn, is an opening through which underground water from the Sierra de Espadán emerges. These features give the natural area its own character, while the beach, wetlands and lagoons each offer a different experience.
Circular Trails and Route Options
The Ruta dels Estanys is an easy 1.5-kilometre circular trail through the dels Estanys natural area. The route up to Castillo de Almenara takes longer: this approximately 4-kilometre circular trail reaches the castle summit in under two hours. These two routes can be compared by their specific distances and stated completion times.
The Ruta Verda is 5 kilometres long and passes through farmland in the municipality of Almenara. It can also be cycled. The routes therefore offer different planning options: a circular trail through a natural area, a climb to a historic site, or a route through the cultural landscape. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.
Fortress, Walls and Church
Castillo de Almenara is a Muslim fortress built in the 10th century on the remains of Roman structures. The complex is flanked by the towers of L’Agüelet and L’Agüeleta. Almenara’s walls also tell of a later period of construction: originally, six towers were built as part of the walls in the second half of the 16th century. Two towers and restored sections of the wall that surrounded the former settlement have survived.
The Iglesia Parroquial de los Santos Juanes was built between 1721 and 1728 on the remains of the former local sanctuary, which dated back to 1528. Since 2007, the church has been classified as a Bien de Relevancia Local. These dates make the development of the town’s history tangible through its buildings and their predecessors.
The History of the Rice Mill
The Molà d’Arròs began in 1753 as a straw store supplying the troops stationed in Almenara. In 1914, the building received permission to install machinery for rice production and became the rice mill known today. Its museum collection showcases machinery used in rice production. Anyone interested in local industrial history can get an insight here into the technical side of this economic sector.
Guided Tours and Festivities
The Conjunt Memorial de Darrere del Castell offers guided tours of various defensive structures in the Almenara area one weekend each month. The visits provide insight into the conflict and the town’s historical heritage. Check the specific date when planning so this activity fits your stay.
The annual events include the Fiestas patronales de Almenara. Celebrated at the end of September in honour of the SantĂsima Virgen del Buen Suceso and San Roque, they include processions through the streets of Almenara. If you are interested in local traditions, you can consider these dates as a separate reason to visit, alongside the historic sites.
Getting Your Bearings
The Tourist-Info Almenara Playa provides tourist information, assistance and orientation for Almenara and the entire Comunitat Valenciana. Its address is Plaza de la Mar, S/N. Check the location before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Pina De Montalgrao, Espadilla, Cirat, Soneja, Casablanca, MoncĂłfar, JĂ©rica, Lucena Del Cid.
For the broader travel overview: Castellon.
