Playa de Benafeli

Introduction

Welcome to Playa de Benafeli, a serene and welcoming corner on the coast of Almassora, in the beautiful province of Castellón! We, as beach tourism experts and lovers of the Mediterranean, have explored every detail of this coastline to provide you with a complete and honest guide. Playa de Benafeli is not the most famous beach in the Valencian Community, and perhaps that is precisely what makes it a gem for those seeking tranquility, space, and a more authentic connection with the sea. It's a beach that breathes calm, far from the hustle and bustle of more crowded destinations, inviting us to disconnect and recharge.

Here, the landscape presents a characteristic mix of gravel and sand, giving it a particular charm and a sense of naturalness. The waters are usually calm and clean, perfect for a relaxing swim or for children to play without worries. Along its one-kilometer stretch, Playa de Benafeli offers enough space for everyone, allowing you to find that little piece of paradise to lay down your towel and enjoy the Castellón sun. It's one of those Castellón beaches that, while perhaps not appearing in top search results, pleasantly surprises us with its authenticity and its ability to offer a simple yet deeply rewarding beach experience.

How to Get to Playa de Benafeli

Getting to Playa de Benafeli is relatively straightforward, making it even more attractive for a spontaneous getaway. It's located in the municipality of Almassora, just south of the town center and well-connected to the main access routes in the province of Castellón. If you're coming by car, the AP-7 motorway and the A-7 highway are your best allies, with exits that lead directly towards Almassora and, from there, to the coastal area.

Once in Almassora, the signage to the beach is clear. We recommend following the signs for 'Almassora Playa' or 'Playa de Benafeli'. Along the promenade and adjacent streets, you can generally find free parking options, especially outside the peak summer months, which greatly facilitates the visit. Although it doesn't have its own train station on the coast, the Castellón de la Plana train station is a short drive or taxi ride away, and from there, you can take a local bus that connects to the beach area. For those who prefer cycling, the area has sections of bike lanes that invite a pleasant ride to the seashore.

The Sand and Water

Playa de Benafeli offers us a unique sensory experience, marked by the particularity of its surface. Here, you won't find the typical fine, golden sand that characterizes other Mediterranean beaches. Instead, you're greeted by an interesting mix of sand and gravel, with a predominance of small and medium-sized pebbles and stones, especially at the shoreline. This characteristic, far from being a drawback, gives it a more natural and wild character, and we love it for the different sensation it provides when walking barefoot. However, for the more sensitive, water shoes or sandals can be an excellent idea to fully enjoy walks along the shore.

As for the water, Playa de Benafeli prides itself on having crystal clear and clean waters, a reflection of the care and lower crowds that characterize it. The sea's hue usually varies between intense blues and greens, inviting us to a refreshing and tranquil swim. The entry into the sea is generally gentle, without significant drops, making it a safe place for the whole family to bathe. Furthermore, being a gravel and sand beach, the water tends to stay clearer, as the sand isn't stirred up as easily as on purely sandy beaches. The water temperature in the summer months is very pleasant, ideal for swimming and spending long hours enjoying the Mediterranean at a leisurely pace.

Services and Facilities

Despite its quiet and less crowded atmosphere, Playa de Benafeli does not lack the essential services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and pleasant beach day. We greatly appreciate that, without being an overly urbanized beach, it offers the necessary comforts to make our stay as pleasant as possible. Among the most notable services we can find are:

• Showers: Essential for washing off the salt and sand after a refreshing swim, the showers at Playa de Benafeli are conveniently located along the promenade, making them accessible to all visitors.
• Parking: As mentioned, car access is easy, and there are parking areas near the beach and along the promenade, allowing us to arrive comfortably without major worries about finding a spot.
• Chiringuitos: Although not in large numbers, during the summer season, some chiringuitos (beach bars) are usually set up right on the beach. These establishments offer us the chance to enjoy a refreshing drink, an ice cream, or even a light meal without having to go far from the shore. They're perfect for a snack and enjoying the sea breeze.
• Lifeguards: Safety is paramount, and Playa de Benafeli has a lifeguard service during the summer months. The watchtowers and lifeguards look after the safety of bathers, giving us great peace of mind, especially if we're with children.
• Restrooms/WC: Associated with the chiringuitos or at specific points along the promenade, we find public restrooms that are kept clean and accessible, a basic but fundamental service for any beach.

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