Benicassim Spain
Located within the Comunidad de Valencia, on a stretch of coastline known as the Costa del Azahar, Benicassim is a popular tourist destination with a couple of excellent sandy beaches and a good range of facilities.
The Costa del Azahar Resort of Benicassim
Well known as the venue for the ‘International Festival of Rock Music’, held annually in Benicassim since 1994, the town has a population of around 17,000, a figure which increases considerably during the busy summer months.
Settled since Roman times (and possibly even earlier), its ancient castle dates from the Moorish occupation, and was built during the 10th century. The now ruined Montornés Castle was taken by the notorious El Cid in 1094, and again by Jaime I (Jaume I) in the thirteenth century. The name ‘Benicassim’ is also of Arabic origin, and means roughly “Son of Casimir”.
The defensive Torre de San Vicente was built during the 16th century, and was just one of eighteen similar towers built along the Castellon coastline at around the same time. Its purpose was to act as a watchtower for pirate incursions which were frequent in the area for some centuries after the Reconquest (13th century).
The nearby mountainous region known as El Desierto de Las Palmas became a Natural Park in 1989, it has some interesting geological features. Another protected Natural Park in the region is the Columbretes Islands, a group of 14 islands around 30 miles off the coast.
An attraction which may be more relevant and popular for holidaymakers, is the Aquarama Water Park, a huge park with plenty of water based rides and slides, it attracts visitors from surrounding resorts, as well as Benicassim itself. The telephone number for the Aquarama Water Park is (0034) 964-303-321 and the address is Ctra Nacional 340, Km 968.8, Benicassim, Castellon.
The 2 main beaches for Benicassim are Playa San Vicente and Playa de L’Almadrava, Playa San Vicente carries ‘Blue Flag’ status for cleanliness and safety, while Playa de L’Almadrava is especially good for a variety of water sports facilities.
Benicassim Festival
Benicassim Festival – The resort is maybe best known for its annual music festival, an event which generally takes place in July, attracting many thousands of music fans, it is one of the major European ‘indie music’ events.
Benicassim 2009
The Benicassim 2009 Festival featured the Kings of Leon, Franz Ferdinand, and Paul Weller in its line up, the proposed line up for the 2010 Festival includes The Prodigy, Ian Brown, Kasabian, Dizzee Rascal, PIL (Public Image Ltd) and The Specials.
Benicassim 2010 Tickets
Benicassim 2010 tickets start at £160 to buy click here: and type FIB Benicassim in the search box. |
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Benicassim is situated north of Castellon de la Plana and can be accessed from the A-7 and the N-340, nearby towns, villages and resorts include Borriol, Cabanes, Orpesa (Oropesa del Mar), Marina D’Or, Vilafames, Castellon de la Plana, Torreblanca, Torrenostra, and Burriana.
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