Vinaros Information

On the coast, Vinaròs welcomes us into the Valencian Community from the north. Its image displays all the charm of Costa del Azahar.

Its fishing port, typical coastal buildings and paradisiacal sand and pebble beaches represent the perfect setting where visitors can enjoy a real gourmet treasure: the famous “llagostí” (king prawn) from Vinaròs.

Vinaròs was originally a Muslim farmhouse called “Beni ar-Rus”. Following the Christians’ conquest, it became part of Peñíscola.

In the 14th century, the town grew thanks to the booming activities of business and shipping companies. The expansion was partly due to the wine trade from Vinaròs to Europe and the American colonies. In 1540 the town was upgraded to “Villa” because it had supported the Crown during the uprising of the labour unions “Germanías”. Incidentally, in 1571 Miguel de Cervantes disembarked at Vinaròs port.

A living memory
From the 18th century o­nwards, the poor areas o­n the outskirts of the town thrived and in the 19th century a wall was built around them and the sailors’ quarter. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Mare de Déu de l’Assumpció archpriest church. This Gothic-Renaissance building was designated as a Historical and Artistic Monument in 1978. Opposite it is the 17th century town hall.

At Plaza San Agustín there are remains of the Augustinian Fathers’ convent. The primitive church is today the Wenceslao Aiguals de Izco, the town’s auditorium. Attached to it, Santa Victòria chapel hosts the town’s museum. The town’s market is also in the same square.

The man and the sea
The port is a symbol of Vinaròs’ history, economy and trade. Since the 14th century, the beach of this sailors’ town had tried to become the port of Aragón. After a Royal Charter in 1709 compared the port with those of Valencia, Dénia, Alicante and Peñíscola, Vinaròs was authorised for trade outside the kingdom.

Today, Vinaròs port deals exclusively with imports, with fishing being the main economic activity. Auctions of fish and seafood are held at the fish market. Near the port is the Nautical Club, with its modern facilities and capacity for over 200 ships and other services.

Sand and pebble
The Mediterranean has diverse and revealing shapes as demonstrated by its different beaches and coves. Let us start in the north.

Fitness as well
Vinaròs offers its visitors a complete choice of sport facilities. There is a Nautical Club, an enclosed sports centre and several open tracks, a Tennis Club with courts to play squash, a public fronton, acclimatised swimming pool and football grounds.

The town council for sports encourages all kinds of sports activities and events in order to help involve the little o­nes in leisure and competition sports.

And in the evening...
Vinaròs can have fun too, a good example of it being the variety of fiestas that take place here all year round. Yet the town is also equipped with all sorts of premises making it a complete leisure centre suitable for all ages in the evening and night any time of the year. It is a centre of attraction for tourists and neighbours of the entire region who come here to enjoy a magnificent range of possibilities.

The king prawn from Vinaròs
Without a doubt, the king of the kitchen in Vinaròs is the sea produce and in
particular the famous king prawn which can be tasted in any of the numerous restaurants in the town.

And its Carnival too
The famous Carnivals of Vinaròs take place in February. Over 3.000 people
parade in 33 groups, showing off their spectacular and colourful
costumes. This sailors’ town’s favourite ambassador, the king prawn
has a festivity in its honour, around August 15. Among the events,
there is free tasting of the excellent shell fish