Alcossebre: Coast, Nature and History

Alcossebre offers several different starting points for planning a trip: beaches with their own character, the protected landscape of the Serra d’Irta and historic buildings. If you’re looking for a hotel in Alcossebre, you can first decide whether the beach, nature or history will be the main focus of your trip. The places below offer practical guidance.

Nature Park and Beaches

The Serra d’Irta Nature Park lies north of Alcossebre. Together with the d’Irta Marine Reserve, it forms a 12,000-hectare protected area. The Serra’s landscape is characterized by semi-arid Mediterranean vegetation, white limestone cliffs and small coves. This brings coastal landforms and vegetation together in one landscape, while the protected area also includes the sea.

At Playa Las Fuentes, freshwater springs shape the beach: water flows up through the seabed, supplied by an aquifer formed during the Jurassic period. Facilities there include lifeguards, toilets, showers, foot showers, boardwalks, children’s and sports areas, and pedal-boat rentals. Some facilities may vary by season. Playa Carregador offers a different focus: it faces the town center, is 850 meters long and has fine sand. It has also been awarded the Blue Flag and is designated as an accessible beach. The two beaches therefore differ in specific points of reference, such as springs and facilities on the one hand, and length and designated beach status on the other.

Hermitage, Views and Archaeology

The Ermita de Santa Lucía y San Benito combines architecture with views across the region. It lies in the Serra d’Irta at an altitude of 312 meters and was built in the Valencian Baroque style toward the end of the 17th century. From the hermitage’s viewpoint, you can see the Columbretes Islands and the Baix Maestrat and Plana Alta areas. The hermitage also houses an Ethnological Interpretation Center, with the Santa Lucía archaeological site and reproductions of finds recovered during excavations. Views and cultural history therefore come together here: the outlook takes in the named islands and areas, while the center focuses on archaeological finds and ethnological interpretation.

Castles and Watchtowers

The Serra d’Irta’s historical heritage includes the castles of Xivert and Polpis, as well as the Badum and Ebrí watchtowers. They bear witness to earlier human settlement and the region’s military character; the castles were built in the 10th or 11th century. Torre Ebrí offers a further glimpse into the past: the watchtower was part of a 16th-century castle complex and was used to spot Berber attacks and protect the town. On a clear day, the view from Torre Ebrí reaches as far as the Ebro Delta.

Hiking and Water Activities

Several hiking routes are recommended in Alcalà de Xivert-Alcossebre. They pass through the Serra d’Irta, combining protected nature with historic buildings in a mountain setting. At Serradal beach, the coastal path through the Serra d’Irta includes a very easy section suitable for young children. Trail conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

There are also different options on the water. A boat trip to the Columbretes Islands departs from Puerto Deportivo Las Fuentes and includes a guided visit to Illa Grossa, as well as time for snorkeling. Confirm the departure before your trip. The Club de Vela Alcossebre at Puerto Deportivo Las Fuentes also offers courses in cruising and dinghy sailing. The boat trip includes a visit to the island and snorkeling, while these courses focus on sailing disciplines. If you’re planning to take a course, check the available dates in advance.

For a broader travel overview: Alcalà De Xivert.