Santa Magdalena de Pulpis combines a striking castle complex with architectural history, dry-stone routes and the Serra d’Irta Natural Park. The historic buildings and varied trails offer different options for planning your visit: from exploring the castle to hiking through ravines and terraces or cycling through the Sierra.

Castle and local history

Castillo de Polpís stands at an altitude of 431 metres above an earlier Arab alcazaba. Alterations made by the Order of Calatrava and the Knights Templar in the 13th century shaped its present appearance. Surviving features include Arab walls, an entrance protected by the Torre del Homenaje, a cistern, the remains of a square tower and remnants of the original settlement. The castle is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest).

The history of the town also reflects a change in the settlement’s location: after the conquest, residents moved from the Castillo to the plain at the foot of Monte Pulpis. The present-day town grew there. The castle and town thus represent different chapters in local history—the earlier settlement above and the later town centre on the plain.

Church and architectural heritage

The Iglesia parroquial de Santa Magdalena (parish church of Saint Mary Magdalene) dates back to an earlier building from 1330. Construction of the present church began in 1860; it was completed and consecrated six years later. The former Gothic chapel had already been converted into a communion chapel in 1863. The present building has a longitudinal nave with side chapels and Ionic details. Its freestanding square bell tower is topped by a small belfry clad in glazed ceramic, in the Valencian Baroque tradition.

Another record of the area’s architectural history is the Torre de San Millán. It was built in 1848 and 1849 as part of the state optical telegraph network. Don Juan María Mathé designed it as a fortified tower with a defensive military character. Traditional local architecture also includes dry-stone structures characteristic of the Baix Maestrat. One example is the Casa del Pastor in the Serra d’Irta.

Landscape and trails

The Serra d’Irta Natural Park includes Santa Magdalena de Pulpis and was declared a natural park in 2002. The Sierra’s elevations are generally between 300 and 400 metres, with three peaks rising above 500 metres. Along the natural park’s coast are 12 kilometres of sandy beaches, alongside dune systems, rocky areas and steep cliffs.

“Route 1: Historic Route of Sta. Magdalena” starts at the local church and passes through fields of dry-farmed crops and a ravine on its way to Castillo de Polpís. Two lime kilns lie along the way, and the route also passes dense vegetation. Route 2 offers a different focus: it crosses dry-stone terraces and structures, with views of the Sierra de Irta, nearby towns and the sea, before reaching the Ermita de Sant Antoni. The chapel dates from the 15th century; its features include a former inn, stables, an arcaded square and a well.

Route 3 passes through the water-rich area of Mas del Señor to the “La caseta” recreation area. There, you’ll find a replica shepherd’s hut built using dry-stone techniques. The three routes therefore differ in their destinations and landscape features. Trail and vegetation conditions may vary by season; check them before setting out.

Cycling routes and more options

There are several route options for cyclists, too. The “R09 – Peñíscola” circular cycling route passes through Santa Magdalena de Pulpis at kilometre 142 and mentions an Arab-style castle and a neoclassical church there. The “IR3. Irta totalmente” mountain biking route runs from Peñíscola through the Sierra de Irta to Santa Magdalena de Pulpis. The natural park has seven signposted hiking trails and three signposted cycling routes. Check the route and any applicable conditions before setting out.

Festivals and local traditions

The festival of San Antonio Abad takes place every year on 17 January and is organised by Mayorales appointed each year. Highlights include a bonfire and a procession. Traditional pastries are also sampled at the festival, which also features the activity known as “gorra.” If you’re planning your trip around this date, check the current programme in advance.

The Fiestas Patronales include verbenas—festive evening events with music and dancing—as well as bull-related events.

Getting there

Santa Magdalena de Pulpis can be reached from the provinces of Castellón and Tarragona via the N-340 and AP-7. Plan your journey based on current traffic and road conditions.

Discover more destinations: La Llosa, Alcalà De Xivert, Caudiel, La Pobla De Benifassà, Altura, Les Alqueries, Assuévar, Borriol.

For the regional travel overview: Castellon.