Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
Modern, beachside hotel (4*)
The luxurious, classically elegant Parador de Benicarló is just metres from the quiet Mediterranean coastline of the picturesque and unspoilt Costa del Azahar. This is a predominantly Spanish resort, with less international tourism than further up the coast, giving it more charm and attraction than many resorts.
The Parador de Benicarló is a charming two-storey modern building set in expansive gardens. The interior has an almost retro-coastal feel, with colourful, airy communal spaces offering plenty of comfortable seating areas both inside and outside the building. Rooms are bright with large windows leading onto balconies and many rooms are sea-facing. You can relax at the Parador with a stroll through the large gardens and a dip in the outdoor pool in summer months. For those looking to fit in some exercise, the hotel has an onsite gym, tennis court and bike rentals nearby.
The Parador is notable for its spaciousness. In the summer months, the Parador de Benicarló lays on occasional barbecues in the garden for its guests. The surrounding region, often referred to as 'La Huerta de España' (Spain's orchard or allotment) is noted for its cultivation of oranges and artichokes. Benicarló holds an Artichoke Fair in January and in the Parador’s excellent restaurant guests may sip orange juice from freshly plucked fruit from the local trees. In summer months the Parador's additional restaurant, La Arrocería, opens for lunch in summer months offering specialised rice dishes and paella.
In front of the main building of Benicarló's Parador is a large car park for guests, with security barriers. Good beaches are a short walk away, the area behind the Parador's gardens having limited access. As such this gives the Parador a quieter setting away from most visitors.
In addition to its beautiful sandy beaches, Benicarló is an important fishing port and tourist centre on the Costa del Azahar. The town itself dates back to the Middle Ages, where it was originally founded as a small Arab town, and much of the urban planning remains the same. Combining a long beach and beautiful architecture, this town really does have something to offer every kind of tourist, a testament to the region itself which is famed for the interesting contrast between beachside towns and a range of fascinating historical castles such as the ones at Ares del Maestre, Cervera, and Benasal.
Benicarló’s relationship with the sea is reflected in its popular beaches and the still-active fishing industry, which supplies the ingredients for some of the area’s most popular seafood dishes. In addition to this fishing tradition, Benicarló also has its roots firmly planted in the farming industry, and the oranges and artichokes cultivated in the area are some of the most celebrated throughout the whole of Spain. The Maestrazgo region has a number fascinating cultural and historical aspects to enthrall visitors. The landscape, both beautiful and unforgiving is home to a range of orange blossoms, almond trees and fig trees, interspersed amongst tricky rocky terrain. It is believed to have been occupied by settlers dating back from the 6th and 5th centuries BC; however the Iberian settlers from the 4th century BC are by far those whose history is most celebrated and recognised throughout the region. Archaeological digs over the past 30 years have yielded a number of historical treasures, such as pre-historic fishhooks, safety pins, flour mills, and even fragments of looms (further alluding to the region’s still-booming wool industry) which have all been discovered in the area, and are now on display at the Museum of Pre-History and History, home to one of Europe’s most valuable Iberian culture collections. In fact, some coastal areas still have remnants of stone lodgings built by these celebrated settlers. The nearby town of Sant Mateu, the region’s capital, has a wide range of activities to offer visitors. The old remnants of the Citadel remain, preserved as a reminder of the town’s heritage. Similarly, the old Romanesque-style church of San Pedro has been conserved. Sant Mateu was the site of some of the most extreme activities under the Spanish Inquisition and the Museum of Medieval Prisons gives insight into the brutality and historical importance of this period. Sant Mateu is also the site of a rumoured ‘miracle’ of the Mare de Deu dels Angels during the Spanish Civil War. It is alleged that when a fire broke out following a nearby battle, the area surrounding the Shrine was completely levelled; however the Mare de Deu statue remained intact and untouched by the flames.
Of note: Within easy reach of here is Peñiscola - about 8km from the Parador de Benicarló - which is a more developed resort with the attraction of the spectacular Castle of Papa Luna and its curved, shallow beach. We recommend a visit here to climb up to the castle walls (not a strenuous activity) and to enjoy the local restaurants overlooking the fortifications and the beach. A small market is occasionally to be found here. The castle and beach may seem familiar to you, since they featured in the film 'El Cid' with Charlton Heston. Artichoke Festival The town of Benicarló celebrates its regional speciality- the artichoke, with a festival. The surrounding area of Benicarló is famous for its horticulture, nestled between mountains and the sea. Artichokes are widely used in local cuisine and have their own gastronomic fair taking place at the beginning of the year. The intention of the festival is to celebrate the historical roots of the artichoke and also to demonstrate how it has developed over the years in many Spanish dishes. The public are welcome to join in the fiesta by sampling a variety of recipes and tapas, and the Parador participates actively in this festival.
The Parador is scheduled to close between 6th March 2025 until 1st September 2028 whilst it undergoes refurbishment following flooding damages to the local area. Please note this date is subject to change if renovations continue longer than expected.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Breakfast is served from 8.00 to 10.00
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner is served from 20.30 to 23.00 (from 20.00 to 22.30 in winter). It may be possible to arrive up to 30 minutes before close and still enjoy a meal.
La Arrocería restaurant is open from late June to late August offering lunch from 13.00 to 17.00
The Parador de Benicarló is located next to the sea on the Costa del Azahar. The recommended access is from the A-7 motorway, which converges on the N-340 2 km from Benicarló at exit No. 43. Benicarlo is located 70 km from Castellon/Castelló, the capital of the province. You can also reach the Parador by train, the station being just 1.5 km away.
There is free outdoor parking in front of the Parador.
This sunny, eastern region is home to Spain's 3rd largest city, Valencia. The Paradors here offer excellent coastal locations, comfortable modern hotels, golf and wonderful rice dishes.
