In Benicàssim there are traces of the Metal Age. Its primitive settlers chose a location slightly more elevated than the current town and founded Santa Àgueda’s farmstead. The name of the town in Arab means “sons of the Qassem family”, which takes us to the times of Al-Andalus.

In 1094, El Cid conquered the fortress from the Muslims, but it was only definitely captured in 1234 by James I.

The 19th century is the era of bourgeoisie and the slow tourist boom. Benicàssim was one of Spain’s first towns to have a hotel infrastructure: the oldest hotels date back to 1933.

A spiritual place
The desert de les Palmes Natural Park is a part of the Les Palmes mountain range chosen by the barefoot Carmelite fathers at the end of the 17th century for their spiritual retreat. The convent museum exhibits religious works of great historical value and primitive instruments which the friars used for the production of the famous Carmelites’ Liquor in 1896. The remains of the Montornés 10th century castle are at the spur and Sant Vicent former watch tower is located at the promenade.

Blue flag beaches
Benicàssim offers 6 km of fine sand beaches with gentle slopes which provide numerous services for its visitors. In the past years the beaches and Benicàssim have received Europe’s clean seas distinguishing blue flag. Voramar, Almadrava, Sant Vicent, Els Terrers and Heliópolis form the coast. A vast promenade will allow tourists to easily visit all the beaches.

Its festivities and culture gives it away
Santa Águeda and San Antonio Abad patron festivities take place on January 17. On September 22 Santo Tomás de Villanueva is celebrated, with religious, cultural events and bullfights. In October there is a procession which reaches the Cross on Bartolo Mountain.

Several cultural events have given international renown to the town of Benicàssim, mainly: Francisco Tárrega International Guitar Festival (end of August, beginning of September); Festival of Havana Songs (July); Benicàssim International Independent Music Festival (beginning of August); Benicàssim Latin World Festival (beginning of July) and the Harley Davidson International Meeting (beginning of September).