Benicarlo is a small fishing port and agricultural town with a long beach and coastal bike lane that stretch all the way south to Peñiscola and on to the Serra de Irta Natural Park. Great views of the castle, stretching out from end of the horizon, as you approach Peñiscola on bike.

Like the famous fiestas in Valencia, Benicarlo celebrates fallas fiestas in March when large hand made, sculptured structures are built in the streets by local neighbouhood groups. They are admired, contemplated by thousands of visitors, judged and then burnt, all except  the winner!! 

Pedestrian streets lead down to the port area. Real local town atmosphere. Great fish market, fantastic bikeshop, run by a local MTB guide. Top-end bike hire available.

Benicarlo is famous for artichokes which are used in local cooking, particularly in paellas. There is a long pebble beach north to Vinaros. Cala Puntal is the beachy head where surfers meet in winter, north of Mar Chica beach bar, an Ibiza style chill-out  by the sea.