Nature areas

Due to its location between the sea and the mountains, Castell贸 Sud is a unique destination, which offers a wide variety of possibilities to enjoy and learn from nature.

NATURA 2000 NETWORK

The Natura 2000 network is the main instrument for nature conservation in the European Union, ensuring the long-term survival of species and habitats.

The network consists of Special Conservation Areas (ZEC) and Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA). In Castell贸 Sud you will find protected spaces to learn about and enjoy this network.

SERRA D’ESPAD脌 NATURAL PARC

This mountain range in the interior of Castell贸n belongs to the Iberian Range and has a unique geology, climatology and ecology that make it one of the most valued natural environments in the entire Valencian region.

Its Mediterranean ecosystems develop on silicic materials in the form of red Triassic sandstones. This hard and rough geology shapes a rugged terrain with steep slopes and filled with walls and rocks. In every corner, the red of the rock and the ground contrasts with the deep green of the foliage and the trunks of maritime pines and corks, the true identity signs of this territory.

馃挕 Stop at the Serra d’Espad脿 Interpretation Center in Eslida where you will find information about trails and an interesting exhibition about cork.

WETLANDS AND ELS ESTANYS D鈥橝LMENARA

La Marjal is one of the most important wetlands in the Valencian Community. Due to its great value for biodiversity, it has been designated a Ramsar site.

This natural space links Almenara, Xilxes, La Llosa and Moncofa. It is composed of three small lagoons, where you can find threatened species, such as Audouin’s gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) and the samaruc (Valencia hisp谩nica).

馃挕 Els Estanys d’Almenara Green Route allows you to discover a wide variety of flora and is perfect for getting started in birdwatching. Through a circular and accessible path, you will be able to enter a unique environment.

L鈥橢STANY DE NULES

With an area of 2.74 ha. this pond is an ideal refuge for migratory birds that arrive in the winter months, and a breeding ground for nesting birds, such as herons (Ardea cinerea) or egrets (Egretta garcetta).

In addition, this place is a historical witness that has survived agricultural transformations and the urbanization of the coast where large areas were once rice fields.

馃挕 At the Estany de Nules Municipal Nature Reserve, you can follow the self-guided trail for bird watching. Find more information about Castell贸 Sud birdwatching network here.

BELCAIRE RIVER

The source of the Belcaire river is located to the north of the town of Alfondeguilla, after leaving the town from the east, it runs through the area of the La Vall d’Uix贸, where the karst system of the Coves de Sant Josep drains into the river鈥檚 bed, finally, the Belcaire flows into the Mediterranean in the town of Moncofa.

馃挕 By the river mouth you can visit the regenerated dune vegetation through a scenic trail.