Almazora: Nature and History by the Millars

Almazora combines nature at the Millars estuary with museums, historic buildings and recurring festivals. This offers a range of options for planning a stay: walks and birdwatching, insights into the town’s history, or activities linked to festivals and markets.

Natural surroundings of the Millars and walking routes

The protected landscape at the mouth of the Millars River was designated in 2011. It includes a ZEPA bird protection area, a LIC site and wetlands listed in the regional wetland catalogue. The estuary landscape stretches for 14 kilometres and spans the municipalities of Almassora, Vila-real and Burriana. Birdwatching and hiking are among the activities available there; sites mentioned include Les Goles and the Senda del Botánico Calduch.

Another point of interest along the river is the Ermita de Santa Quiteria, located in Almassora in a natural setting on the banks of the Mijares. The Senda Verde connects Santa Quitèria with Almassora beach and is designed as a walking and cycling route to the hermitage. This makes it possible to consider the natural surroundings and route together when planning a trip. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the current route conditions. Platja del Pla de la Torre is listed on the municipality’s tourist map as one of Almassora’s beaches.

Museums and historic traces

The Museu del Joguet d’Almassora is devoted to toys from different periods. Its historical collection comprises around 1,100 pieces from the Arenós and Agut families; the exhibitions change annually. The collection is divided into five periods from 1890 to 1999: early toys, cardboard and tin, the wartime interruption, plastic and television, and the Didó movement. The museum was established on 22 December 2010. The chronological divisions provide a thread through the changing themes of the collection during a visit.

The Museo Municipal presents the history of the prehistoric settlement of Torrelló de Boverot and its necropolis through more than 100 objects. The objects date from the 8th century BC to the 1st century AD; the museum also explains ancient burial customs and grave goods used in cremation.

Various historical layers are also visible in the townscape. The old town is a Christian settlement dating from the 13th century; surviving sections of the La Murà wall date from the 14th and 15th centuries. Medieval arches dating from the 14th century remain in Plaza Mayor, where the town market used to be held. The parish church, Iglesia Parroquial de la Natividad de Nuestra Señora, is Baroque-Neoclassical and dates to the construction phases of 1685–1691 and 1864. It is classified as a monument of local interest.

Almassora Castle is now a ruin of Muslim origin on a strategically located promontory by the Mijares River; part of its structure is still visible. Remains from the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as traces of Iberian inhabitants, have also been found at the site. The site therefore represents several historical periods, without their being reduced to a single building history.

Festivals, markets and seasons

The Fiestas de Santa Quiteria take place in May and are recognised as a festival of provincial tourist interest. The main day is 22 May: festivities include 22 cauldrons of rice with chicken, followed by a procession from the Ermita de Santa Quiteria to Almassora. Since arrangements can change from year to year, it is advisable to check the dates before travelling.

The Festes del Roser are celebrated on the first Sunday in October and include a communal Pa-i-porta dinner. Almassora’s non-permanent markets are held on Tuesdays and Fridays; they have approximately 87 stalls, including food stalls. Market schedules and stall offerings may change, so it is worth checking the latest information if a market visit is part of your plans.

Festivals and markets can complement your plans if your travel dates coincide.

Discover more destinations: Moncófar, Castell De Cabres, Burriana, Cirat, Altura, Onda, El Grau de Moncofa, La Llosa

For the broader travel overview: Castellon.