Chilches, Castellón: beaches, history and Mediterranean nature
Between the Mediterranean Sea and the landscapes of the Sierra de Espadán mountains lies Chilches (Xilxes in Valencian), a small municipality in the Plana Baja region of the province of Castellón. With just over 3,000 inhabitants, this destination surprises visitors with its combination of sea, nature, tradition and culture. Its blue flag beaches, rich wetlands, history linked to the Romans and Muslims, and popular festivals make it an ideal place to enjoy a few days of relaxation. Halfway between Castellón de la Plana and Valencia, Chilches offers visitors the perfect balance: Mediterranean tranquillity, good food and endless places to discover.
A brief history of Chilches
The origins of Chilches date back to Roman times, around 201 BC. The discovery of a milestone from the Via Augusta and a bronze statuette of Mercury confirm that this territory was an important passageway in Roman communications. After the fall of the Empire, the place became a Muslim village consisting of four farmsteads. In 1238, James I conquered Chilches and incorporated it into the Crown of Aragon, although he soon sold it to various feudal lords, and it became part of the barony of Almenara.
The town suffered harsh episodes, such as the looting by rebellious Moors in 1256 and attacks by Barbary pirates in 1583, which devastated the coast. The title of Villa Real was granted in 1297 by Royal Pragmatic, and in 1306 it was confirmed as a Barony. Over time, the town consolidated its urban centre and traditions, although the threat of coastal attacks marked much of its Middle Ages and Modern Age.
What to see in Chilches
Although its main attraction is its beaches, Chilches has a historic centre and surroundings full of interesting places that are worth exploring on foot.
Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady
This is the main church in the town. Its construction began at the end of the 17th century, combining Baroque and Neoclassical elements. The church consists of a single nave with side chapels and a slightly marked transept. Interestingly, it is the only domotised church in Spain, with a system that controls the lighting, the ringing of the bells and even detects presence.
Pelayo2, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Medieval Cemetery
In 2007, an ancient cemetery was discovered during construction work in the heart of the town, next to the church. There, 326 tombs and more than 170 burials dating from the 17th and 18th centuries were found, as well as coins, rosaries, earrings and disc-shaped steles. Today, it is one of the most important archaeological finds in the municipality.
Union Fountain
Built in 1916 thanks to financial contributions from the residents themselves, this fountain was the first to supply water to the town. Its symbolism is clear: the union of the people to improve everyone’s lives. It is located at a lower level than the town centre, which gives it a very distinctive feel.
Chapel of the Holy Christ of La Junquera
Just over a kilometre from the centre, on the road to the beaches, is this small chapel that houses the image of the patron saint of Chilches. Tradition has it that in 1625 two brothers found a carving of Christ here on a reed bed. The current temple, restored in 2000, retains its simplicity: a Latin cross plan, a façade with a curved pediment and belfry, and a ceramic altarpiece commemorating the discovery.
Charming squares and streets
The urban route passes through the Plaza de España, where the Town Hall, the Casa Abadía and the parish church stand. Also noteworthy are the Plaza del Santísimo Cristo de la Junquera, with its gardens, Calle Arbelló and Plaza Alfonso XIII, spaces that combine a peaceful atmosphere with the flavour of Valencian villages.
The Chilches promenade and beaches
One of the municipality’s main attractions is its coastline, located just 3.5 km from the town centre. Access is via a straight road that crosses the Marjalería wetlands until it reaches the seaside village.
Seafront promenade
It stretches along 1.5 km of coastline and is entirely pedestrianised. Between green areas and paved sections, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll by the sea. Its highlight is a walkway that juts out 100 metres into the Mediterranean, with a circular bench from which to contemplate spectacular views of the horizon.
Manuel Escuder, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
El Cerezo Beach
Longer (820 m), it is ideal for families and those looking for accessibility, as architectural barriers have been removed to accommodate people with reduced mobility. It also boasts Blue Flag, ISO 9001, 14001 and the Q for Tourism Quality certifications. Its waters are perfect for diving or water sports, and in the summer season it usually exceeds 1,700 visitors per day.
Les Cases Beach
This 532-metre-long beach combines fine sand with wooded areas that provide shade on hot summer days. It has been awarded the Blue Flag and ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, and offers a full range of services for visitors. Activities such as chess tournaments, drawing competitions and beach volleyball championships are organised here, including a night tournament in August that marks the start of the local festivities.
Joalay, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
La Marjal de Xilxes: nature and biodiversity
Between the town centre and the coast lies the Marjalería de Chilches, a wetland of great ecological value. In winter it becomes a refuge for numerous migratory birds, while in spring and summer its flooded fields offer a unique landscape of ‘natural mirrors’. Rice used to be grown in this area, although today citrus fields and the famous sweet and juicy Chilches melon predominate. The marsh is perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle, either along the Sendero Azul (Blue Trail) or routes such as the Poliola-Miranda-Contesa, which combine nature and heritage.
Festivals and traditions
Chilches keeps its customs alive through a varied calendar of festivities:
- San Vicente Ferrer (April): celebrated the week after Easter, with religious ceremonies, open-air dances and the popular bous al carrer (bull runs).
- San Roque (August): begins on the Saturday before 15 August and combines recreational activities and bullfighting.
- Patron Saint’s Day (September): in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de la Junquera, patron saint of the municipality. It includes processions, concerts, theatre, bullfighting and the election of the queen of the festivities, who represents the town for a whole year.
- Summer Festivals (second week of August): these take place in the coastal area and last for 10 days. There are concerts, night-time hiking trails, fun runs, sporting activities and mobile discos by the sea.
The bullfighting tradition of the bous al carrer remains one of the most representative elements of Chilches’ festive identity.
Gastronomy: flavours of the sea and the vegetable garden
The cuisine of Chilches reflects its landscape: the Mediterranean and the Valencian vegetable garden. Among the most typical dishes are arroz a banda (rice with fish), arròs amb fesols i naps (rice with beans and turnips), all i pebre (garlic and pepper) and conejo con tomate (rabbit with tomato). When it comes to desserts, the stars of the show are sweet potato cakes and, above all, Chilches melons, renowned for their quality and flavour. The fusion of agricultural tradition and seafood makes the local cuisine another of the municipality’s great attractions.
Complementing the exquisite local cuisine are the region’s renowned wines, including the highly regarded Cava and the distinguished Vinos de la Tierra de Castellón. The pairing of these exceptional wines with the delicious local cuisine creates a symphony of flavours that will undoubtedly delight the palates of discerning epicureans and casual diners alike, cementing Chilches’ reputation as a culinary gem in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Active tourism and activities
Beyond its beaches, Chilches is an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities:
- Water sports: windsurfing, catamaran sailing, jet skiing, paddle surfing or simply enjoying diving off the coast.
- Beach sports: beach volleyball, beach football or family games by the sea.
- Hiking and cycling: routes through the marshlands, walks through the orange groves or tours to the Sierra de Espadán mountains.
The combination of sea and nature makes Chilches a versatile destination, perfect for family holidays, romantic getaways or adventure trips.
Landscape, surroundings and accommodation
Chilches sits 7 metres above sea level and its municipal area is marked by three landscapes:
- The mountainous terrain to the west, which connects with the Sierra de Espadán.
- The orange groves that dominate the south and north.
- The marshes to the east, before reaching the Mediterranean.
The climate is typically Mediterranean: mild winters and warm summers, allowing you to enjoy the municipality all year round.
In terms of accommodation, Chilches mainly offers rental apartments, but here is a typical hostel in the area, frequented by most travellers who visit this fantastic town:
Conclusion
Chilches, in the province of Castellón, is a destination that brings together the best of the Valencian Community in a small municipality: blue flag beaches, unspoilt nature, a fascinating historical past and a cultural and gastronomic offering that makes it an essential getaway. Whether strolling along its promenade, exploring the marshland trails, sampling its rice dishes or enjoying its local festivals, Chilches invites you to discover an authentic Mediterranean, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
Here is a list of items that may come in handy during your visit to Chilches:
- Compact microfibre towel
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Polarised sunglasses
- Slip-resistant flip-flops
- Anti-theft belt
- Anti-theft backpack
- Universal plug adapter
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