Official Tourism Site of the Region of Valencia - Beta -

Desert de les Palmes

Located in the province of Castellón, the Desert de les Palmes Nature Park covers a large expanse of land spanning the municipal districts of Benicàssim, Cabanes, la Pobla Tornesa, Borriol and Castellón de la Plana. Located in a coastal mountain range in the area of Plana Alta, its geography is particularly attractive to all lovers of nature, hiking and beautiful landscapes.

The Park takes its name, Desert de les Palmes, from its location as the solitary remote place chosen by the order of the Discalced Carmelites for their retreat of contemplation and prayer surrounded by fan palm trees. It has a unique kind of beauty thanks to the intense reds of the grindstone, the greys of the limestone and the blacks of the slate that make up this landscape, blanketed by forests bristling with unique species of plants and animals. Water is also a major feature of this Park, which is home to a great many natural springs.

Montornés castle

Mount San Miguel, known popularly as "El Bartolo" is the highest point of the park, with an altitude of 729 m. This geographical feature, along with the new and ancient monasteries, and other places such as Miravet Castle, Montornés Castle and the Old Castle, and the hermitages of Les Santes and la Magdalena, are point of considerable interest in the Park and can be enjoyed by following any of the itineraries organised by the Visitors Centre.

Desert de les Palmes Natur Park

Routes and trails at the Desert de les Palmes

Thematic routes in the Desert de les Palmes

(C) Photografs of Benjamín Albiach