Desierto de las Palmas
Las Palmes Desert Natural Park is 3,200 hectares big and is protected for more than 20 years. The park is so spread out that it covers parts of five different municipal districts: Benicàssim, Cabanes, La Pobla Tornesa, Borriol, and Castelló de la Plana. In this natural area, you'll discover a collection of ruins and historical structures.
The term "desert" in the name comes from the Discalced Carmelites, who used it to refer to distant and secluded locations where they would retreat for contemplation and prayer. "Palms", because of the abundance of European Fan Palms (Chamaerops humilis) in the area. The lands have been inhabited since the Neolithic era, but its significant history truly starts with the arrival of the Carmelites.
While planning the route of visiting Desierto de las Palmas, something on the map, just outside the park caught my eye. It was called Silla Naranja (eng. Orange Chair). So we went there and found a huge orange chair! We later read about the whole La ruta de las sillas (eng. The route of the chairs) thing. Apparently there are seven different color chairs in various spots of Castellón province. I don't know what exactly the meaning of this idea is, but I find it hilarious. Later on we found one more in Vilafamés (link to Vilafamés)
We planned to visit the park by car. For the most part, because it would give us the possibility to see as many places as possible at once. Also, our little one was vaccinated a day before and he needed lots of rest in his favorite sleeping spot - car. However, a few sights were difficult or impossible to reach this way, but we tried to make the most out of it.
First stop - Ermita de les Santes (eng. Hermitage of the Saints). It was built in the 14th century and renovated in the 16th. Although the Hermitage is closed, it's a charming structure surrounded by the forest, making it well worth a visit. Lots of possibilities for a picnic or just a brief stop before continuing a hike or a bike ride.
Castillo de Miravet (eng. Miravet Castle) was our next target. However, there was no internet connection in that area, so it tooks us quite a drive until we regained it and could find our way. It is possible to leave the car in the foothills of the castle and then hike till the top. The structure is of Muslim origin, in 1090 was conquered by the Cid. The castle offers a great view of the coast and still has its original walls, defenses, tower remains, interior rooms, and battlements.
We tried reaching Alto del Bartolo (eng. Bartolo Mountain), the highest peak (729m.), by car from different sides, however, unsuccessfully. I believe it's possible with a 4x4 truck, but we don't have one and we are in a tranquil park after all. We will come back and make it to the top on foot one day. Nevertheless, we found a great view a little bit closer to the sea level. Some websites call it Mirador de San José (eng. Viewpoint of San José), but Google Maps mark it as a parking lot between the Ermita de San José (eng. Hermitage of San José) and Gruto del Cristo Crucificado (eng. Grotto of the Crucified Christ). The view is spectacular and it holds the highlight of the whole park, looking almost ghostly, Convento Carmelita (eng. Carmelite Convent). Because of the earthquake in 1697, it lies in ruins now. However, a new monastery was constructed in a safer spot and completed in 1796.
We ended our day trip with another viewing point that was nearby called Portería Alta. It has a slightly different panorama and Ermita del Carmen (eng. Hermitage of Carmen), which unfortunately isn't very well preserved, but still interesting to see, especially in such surroundings.
