El Club · Vilafamés

This fortified complex of Muslim origin sits atop the highest point of the town, offering one of the town’s most iconic views thanks to its location on a sandstone hill. The tour takes visitors through this defensive complex, which was transformed after the Reconquista by the Order of the Master of Montesa and later reinforced during the Carlist Wars. Its main attractions include its imposing circular tower, the remains of its walls, and the exceptional panoramic views it offers of the valley and the town’s historic center.

The Bolimini Cave is a natural cave located in the municipality of Vilafamés, in the Plana Alta region (Castellón), within the Bovalar area. It is a geological formation composed of conglomerates, a rare feature in this type of cave. The cave has an actual length of approximately 121 meters, a maximum depth of -18.7 meters, and a small, inconspicuous entrance on a sloping hillside. Its structure opens into two spacious interior chambers with vaults up to 3 meters high, accessed via a natural staircase. From the visitor area, the most notable feature is a large wall-flow formation about 6 meters long that, like a chapel, covers a rock niche where water collects from the cave’s only active area. This constant dripping provides a unique source of drinking water that collects in an artificial basin located at the back of the second chamber. The vegetation outside is typical of the mountainous region, featuring carob trees, asparagus plants, palm hearts, fig trees, olive trees, pines, rosemary, and thyme. The place name BOLIMINI derives from the compound word BOL-ARMENIO, which refers to a type of red clay containing iron oxides and having a greasy texture that is found in the cave and was historically mined for medicinal purposes, painting, and modeling. The cave was mentioned by Cavanilles in the 18th century and is also documented as “Cova de la Bealdona” in a document from 1423. Its most famous story is its use as a hiding place and safe haven for local residents during the bombings of the Spanish Civil War, as Vilafamés was a prime military target due to its nearby airfield. This seems to be the origin of the small pool located beneath the stalactite formation, which would have supplied water to the refugees. The cave is practically invisible to anyone unfamiliar with the area, which adds an element of discovery to a visit. It’s well worth a visit to admire the spectacular grandeur of its vast interior and the uniqueness of its natural water supply. The best time to visit depends on ease of access; it’s advisable to avoid periods of heavy rain, which could make the access trail difficult to navigate.

This pioneering museum, founded in 1970 by art critic Vicente Aguilera Cerni, is one of Spain’s first contemporary art museums and is located in the majestic Palau del Batlle, a 15th-century Gothic civil building. During the visit, you’ll explore its galleries to discover an impressive collection of more than five hundred works spanning from the mid-20th century to the present day. The main highlights include the dialogue between avant-garde art and the palace’s historic architecture, as well as the presence of works by internationally renowned artists in a unique rural setting.

The Sant Miquel Municipal Natural Area is a 43.5-hectare protected area located south of the municipality of Vilafamés, in the La Plana Alta region (Castellón, Valencian Community). Designated in 2007, this area stands out for its high ecological, scenic, and historical value, in a setting that combines a well-developed thermomediterranean forest with geological features unique to the region, such as Triassic sandstones, dolomites, and marly limestones. From the visitor overlook, one can see lush vegetation dominated by Aleppo pines, kermes oaks, and holm oaks, which contrasts with the degraded and anthropogenically altered surroundings, giving the site high local scenic value. The site is also home to the San Miquel Hermitage, dating back to 1640, a historical and cultural landmark that adds significance to the self-guided trail that runs through it. Its importance is further reinforced by its protected status as a Municipal Natural Site and by its inclusion in local guides and biodiversity projects such as “Biodiversidad Virtual,” which identifies plant and animal species such as the robin. The best time to visit is during spring or fall, when the vegetation is most active and temperatures are ideal for hiking.