Overlooking the Balearic Sea, Oropesa del Mar is a laid-back town north of Valencia. It’s dotted with centuries-old watchtowers, castles and fortifications and fronted by two golden beaches where you can swim, paddle and sail.
Things to do in Oropesa
Rising atop a rocky spur overlooking the town is the Castillo de Oropesa del Mar, which is one of the few monuments remaining from Oropesa del Mar’s defensive bastions. Originally built by the Moors, it belonged to the Knights Hospitaller during the Middle Ages before being conquered by James I of Aragon. In addition to offering a fascinating insight into the town’s past, the castle boasts magnificent views across the Balearic Sea.
You can delve deeper into the local history at the Museo de Oropesa del Mar, which lies in the heart of the Old Town. As you browse its models, artefacts and archaeological remains, learn about the numerous attacks that Oropesa del Mar suffered at the hands of the Barbarossa pirate brothers and the Napoleonic War marshal Louis-Gabriel Suchet.
Stretching along the length of Oropesa del Mar is Playa Morro de Gos, a golden beach offering umbrellas and sun loungers for rent. It’s backed by a promenade lined with seafood restaurants and bars and is a short stroll from the 15th-century Torre del Rey. On the other side of the headland is Playa de la Concha where you can rent pedal boats and paddleboards.
Getting around Oropesa
Oropesa del Mar is around 25 minutes’ drive from Castellon de la Plana and just over an hour from Valencia. Valencia Airport is also just over an hour away and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Oropesa del Mar railway station and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.