Things to do in Alcossebre with kids is one of the questions families ask most when planning their holiday. Alcossebre (Alcalà de Xivert, Castellón) is a quiet, easy-going village where almost everything is close by. Here are ten things to do as a family, from the closest to those that need a car. Coves and playgrounds deserve a guide of their own: here we focus on activities.
1. A taster sailing session at Las Fuentes marina
The Club de Vela Alcossebre, based at Las Fuentes marina, is an accredited sailing school. It's the most natural way for children to step aboard a boat for the first time, in a marina with 283 berths. Ask the club about its seasonal courses.
2. Kayaking and paddleboarding
Alcossebre has kayak and paddleboard companies, and the Cargador sailing club hires out boards. Paddling as a family along the coast, wearing life jackets on a calm day, is a great plan once the children are confident swimmers. Company names change from year to year: the Alcossebre tourism website keeps an up-to-date list.
3. By boat towards the Columbretes Islands
From the marina you can visit the Columbretes Islands Nature Park, a small archipelago off the Castellón coast. It's a long trip, better suited to older children who don't get seasick. The marina also has boat hire companies and sailing trips.
4. Find the Les Fonts springs
On Les Fonts beach (Las Fuentes), fresh water bubbles up through the sand itself: these are the outlets of an ancient underground aquifer, which gave the area its name. Children are amazed to find cold fresh water a step away from the sea. It makes a lovely evening stroll, carrying on along the promenade to the marina.
5. A walk along the Senda Litoral coastal path
A wooden boardwalk links Cargador beach with La Romana beach. It's an accessible walk, easy with a pushchair too, skirting the Cargador dunes, where sea daffodils grow.
6. The Tuesday market
From May to October, Alcossebre's market sets up on Tuesday afternoons on Camí de l'Atall, by the seafront promenade. It's an easy plan after the beach. There's another market all year round on Friday mornings in Alcalà de Xivert.
7. A short hike: the Santa Llúcia hermitage
Route 5 in the Serra d'Irta Nature Park climbs from the Montemar development to the hermitage of Santa Llúcia i Sant Benet, at 312 metres: 1.3 km and about 45 minutes, of moderate difficulty. Take water and a cap, and avoid the hottest hours.
8. A day at the water park
Aquarama in Benicàssim, with around 18 attractions, is about 35 km away (35 minutes by car). Check the season and opening times on the park's website.
9. The 68-metre bell tower in Alcalà de Xivert
About 12 minutes' drive away, the church of San Juan Bautista in Alcalà de Xivert has an octagonal bell tower 68 metres high, one of the tallest in the Valencia region. A good morning out, combined with the Friday market.
10. Fiestas and fairs to enjoy with children
The San Juan Bautista patron saint fiestas (August-September) are the village's main celebrations. In spring there's the Food Fair, and in October the Fira de la Tomata de Penjar, dedicated to Alcalà de Xivert's hanging tomato. Check each year's dates on the official tourism website.
Ideas for a cloudy day
- A morning at the spa as a family: the heated pool at Alcossebre Sea Experience welcomes children aged 3 to 11 during set hours.
- Workshops and games in the aparthotel's shared lounge, or the entertainment and mini club at Hotel Alcossebre.
- A trip to Peñíscola (about 35 minutes) or Benicarló (30 minutes).
Where to stay to do it all on foot
From Cargador beach you can walk to the centre, the promenade and the marina. Read our guide to family hotels in Alcossebre and, if you can't decide between formats, aparthotel or hotel.