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Irta mountains
Nature reserve
The Sierra de Irta Nature Reserve is the only coastal enclave along the entire Mediterranean coast that is not built-up. This mountain range runs for 15 km parallel to the coast, and its cliffs, beaches and coves form a truly spectacular coastal landscape.
Its singularity lies in the combination of sea and mountains in such close proximity. There are wonderful views of the coast from the highest peaks and, on a clear day, it is even possible to see the Columbretes Islands.
The protected area covers 12,000 hectares, and contains a rich artistic heritage with the Xivert and Pulpis castles (which belonged to the Knights Templar) and the chapels of Saint Antoni Abad and Saint Lucia (which were both built in the 17th century). There is also a network of watchtowers that protected the area against incursions from the sea, the most important being Ebrí Tower and Badum Tower (of Muslim origin).
This amazing natural landscape is dotted with tiny, practically unspoilt coves, where the crystal waters beckon you in for a refreshing swim. There are also two small sandy beaches, with one of the few existing dunes that has examples of the vegetation typical of the coast of Castellón.
Its typical Mediterranean vegetation of coastal bushes is also outstanding and there are two natural microreserves that can be pointed out: one is Argilaga Cove, where Erodium Sanguischristi grows, and the other can be found on the cliffs of Badum Tower, where Limonium Perplexum grows.
The most relevant characteristics of the Irta mountain wildlife are also linked to the coast, as the Audouin seagull and the European Stag, which are common sights on the cliffs and beaches of this mountain range.
Its singularity lies in the combination of sea and mountains in such close proximity. There are wonderful views of the coast from the highest peaks and, on a clear day, it is even possible to see the Columbretes Islands.
The protected area covers 12,000 hectares, and contains a rich artistic heritage with the Xivert and Pulpis castles (which belonged to the Knights Templar) and the chapels of Saint Antoni Abad and Saint Lucia (which were both built in the 17th century). There is also a network of watchtowers that protected the area against incursions from the sea, the most important being Ebrí Tower and Badum Tower (of Muslim origin).
This amazing natural landscape is dotted with tiny, practically unspoilt coves, where the crystal waters beckon you in for a refreshing swim. There are also two small sandy beaches, with one of the few existing dunes that has examples of the vegetation typical of the coast of Castellón.
Its typical Mediterranean vegetation of coastal bushes is also outstanding and there are two natural microreserves that can be pointed out: one is Argilaga Cove, where Erodium Sanguischristi grows, and the other can be found on the cliffs of Badum Tower, where Limonium Perplexum grows.
The most relevant characteristics of the Irta mountain wildlife are also linked to the coast, as the Audouin seagull and the European Stag, which are common sights on the cliffs and beaches of this mountain range.
