Camping by Costa del Azahar

The Costa del Azahar stretches for more than 200 kilometres along the coasts of the Spanish provinces of Castillón and Valencia. Camping by the sea is particularly beautiful on the extensive sandy beaches, with your own beach right outside the caravan door. If you are travelling with the whole family, you can look forward to a carefree holiday. There are plenty of campsites with pools where children can play and have fun.

Special features of camping on the Costa del Azahar

The coast of orange blossom, as the Costa del Azahar is also known, is still untouched by mass tourism, unlike its neighbouring coasts. Nevertheless, there are plenty of campsites on the Costa del Azahar that are located directly by the sea. Many even boast direct access to the beach and the pitches offer breathtaking views of the gentle waves of the Mediterranean. The famous Balearic Islands lie just off the coast. Those dreaming of an island holiday are in good hands on one of the campsites there. Those who can't decide between a beach and hiking holiday will feel at home on one of the campsites in the rolling hills of the Sierra de Espadán. The nature park is just a few kilometres from the sea and the mountain ranges are perfect for hiking.

Journey

The route from Germany to the campsite on the Costa del Azahar is worth the journey in itself, as it takes you through the imposing mountain ranges of Switzerland and along the Mediterranean coast. From southern Germany, for example from Munich, it is around 1500 kilometres to the start of the Orange Blossom Coast. To really enjoy the journey and not miss out on some of the scenic highlights, there are two overnight stops along the way. There are some lovely campsites on the large Lake Geneva and the city of Geneva is definitely worth a visit. From Geneva, continue through France to the Mediterranean coast. Narbonne, for example, is a good place for a second stopover, as the French town is located right next to a national park with beautiful sandy beaches that invite you to linger. The rest of the route runs almost continuously along the European Route 15 along the Mediterranean. For your lunch break, take one of the exits to the sea and enjoy a delicious lunch there. Tolls are charged in both Switzerland and France.

Holiday destinations on the Costa del Azahar, Spain

On the coast of orange blossom, there are a number of larger and smaller holiday resorts to suit every taste. Those looking for beach parties and a lively atmosphere will love Valencia. Peñíscola is also very lively and offers a fabulous panoramic view of the sea. Families particularly like smaller towns such as Oliva or Torreblanca.

The coastal pearl of Peñíscola

Peñíscola is located on a peninsula and impresses visitors with its pretty medieval old town. The white stone houses cling to the hillside and narrow alleyways lead up to the town's best vantage point: an impressive 14th century castle. In the summer months, the many lively festivals and creative entertainment programmes attract numerous visitors. The mountains and the Serra d'Irta Nature Park begin right next to the town. Lonely, romantic rocky coves and green slopes with olive trees dominate the landscape here.

In the dunes of Oliva

For families with children and those who prefer things a little quieter, Oliva is a true summer holiday paradise. The small Spanish town is surrounded by a multitude of extensive beaches with fine yellow sand. The water here only gets deep slowly and the dunes invite you to romp and play. There is a promenade that runs through the authentic-looking town centre. A colourful weekly market takes place in the town centre every Friday.

Activities and excursions

The extensive sandy beaches and mountainous hinterland of the Costa de Azahar offer space for a wide range of leisure activities.

Water sports in the Mediterranean

From kitesurfing to water skiing - there is a suitable sport for all ages on the Costa del Azahar. Surf schools offer courses and if you want to whizz across the water at even greater speed, you can hire a jet ski. Exploring the colourful underwater world of the Mediterranean while snorkelling or diving is an exciting experience, and anglers will also get their money's worth on the Costa del Azahar if they take part in a fishing trip. It is also fun to paddle along the coast in rowing boats or kayaks. Some of the yacht clubs have interesting sailing programmes that are suitable for both beginners and experienced sailors.

Mountain fun with a view of the sea

In the densely overgrown forests of the Sierra de Espadán Nature Park, small mountain paths wind their way past babbling springs and imposing gorges. The well-marked hiking trails lead to ancient castle ruins from the Arab era and other cultural and historical treasures such as the Castro ice hut. The guided tours on cork harvesting and honey production are also exciting. The Sierra Calderona nature park and mountain range also offers numerous hiking routes through fragrant pine forests and wild rose bushes.

Gastronomy

Paella Valenciana is probably the most famous dish on the Costa del Azahar. However, the region's cuisine has much more to offer and its proximity to the sea is also reflected in its culinary delights. Dishes with seafood and fish are not uncommon. A type of paella, only with pasta instead of rice, is fideua, which is flavoured with seafood. A typical delicacy is grilled prawns, which are usually served with a lemon wedge and a sprig of rosemary. As is customary in Mediterranean cuisine, a generous portion of high-quality olive oil is added to the dishes. In the fertile landscape, olive groves and almond trees line up alongside fruity-smelling orchards. The many orange trees have given the coast its name.

Best time to visit

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the weather on the beautiful Costa del Azahar remains mild all year round. In summer, temperatures rise up to 29°C and with more than nine hours of sunshine a day, nothing stands in the way of an extensive beach holiday. During this time, there is an average of around six days of rain per month and the warm water temperature of up to 25°C is perfect for long days of swimming with children. There is plenty of sunshine from April to September. The slightly cooler autumn and spring are good seasons to go on hikes and excursions in the beautiful countryside and experience the orange trees in full bloom.