The easiest way to reach the Serra d'Irta is by car: the AP-7 (exit 44, Alcossebre-Torreblanca) and the N-340 pass a few kilometres away, and from the N-340 the CV-142 takes you down to Alcossebre and the park's coast. Alcossebre is the southern entrance; Peñíscola, the northern one.
By car
| From | Approx. distance | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Castellón de la Plana | about 50 km | about 45 min |
| Valencia | about 120 km | 1 h 30 min |
| Barcelona | about 240 km | 2 h 50 min |
| Zaragoza | about 255 km | 3 h 30 min |
| Madrid | about 465 km | 5 h 15 min |
Estimated distances and times to Alcossebre, without traffic.
In Alcossebre, head north towards the lighthouse: that's where the Ribamar track, the park's coastal track, begins. Peñíscola is about 32 km away by road; along the park track it's a different, slower journey.
By train, bus and plane
- Train: the nearest station is Alcalà de Xivert, about 10 km from Alcossebre, with regional (Media Distancia) trains to Valencia and Barcelona. Benicarló-Peñíscola station is about 31 km away.
- Bus: AMSA, Avanza (from Madrid) and HIFE (Castellón, Valencia, Zaragoza) services.
- Plane: Castellón airport is about 22 km away (25 minutes); Valencia, about 123 km; you can also fly into Reus or Barcelona, depending on where you fly from.
If you're coming from abroad, this practical guide for visitors from abroad explains flights, car hire and the local markets step by step.
Driving onto the park's coast in summer
In summer, the regional government restricts access to the coastal track to protect the park:
- During the summer period set each year, only cars with a booked parking space may enter.
- Bookings are made in the GVA Parcs Naturals app, a few days in advance, one per car.
- There are control barriers in Peñíscola, before Torre Badum, and in Alcossebre, about 2 km in from the Ribamar track entrance.
- Parking overnight and sleeping on the track are prohibited.
- The car parks are small: between 3 and 17 spaces each.
Dates and conditions change every season: always check them on the official coastal track regulation page. On foot and by bike, access is unrestricted all year round.
If you're bringing your bike
The Serra d'Irta is great on a mountain bike. The Ruta del Cranc starts at Cala Blanca, by the Alcossebre lighthouse, and follows the coastal track to Cala del Volante and Cala de l'Arjub in Peñíscola (13.2 km, low difficulty). If you've brought bikes on the car, park at your accommodation and pedal into the park: you won't depend on the regulated spaces in summer. On the tracks, remember that pedestrians have priority and the speed limit for vehicles is 30 km/h.
Visitor centre and information
The Serra d'Irta Natural Park visitor centre is in Peñíscola, at Avenida de la Estación s/n (CV-141, km 1.5). There you can get maps and route information; opening hours change between high and low season, so check beforehand on the park website.
In Alcossebre, the Tourist Info offices in Plaza Vistalegre and at Romana are partner information points for the park.
Where to leave the car if you're staying nearby
If you're staying in the northern part of Alcossebre, such as at the Marcomar Apartments, you can leave the car in the car park and enter the park on foot or by bike, without depending on the regulated spaces. To plan what to do once inside, see the routes and the coves.