This practical guide to Alcossebre brings together what visitors from abroad usually ask before they arrive: which language is spoken, what the weather is like, how opening hours work in Spain, where to go for information and what not to miss. Alcossebre is a quiet, easy-going destination with services all year round.
Language: Spanish and Valencian
In Alcossebre, Spanish (Castilian) and Valencian are both official. Many signs and place names appear in both languages, so don't be surprised to find two names for the same place:
| Valencian | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Alcossebre | Alcocéber / Alcocebre |
| Alcalà de Xivert | Alcalá de Chivert |
| Platja del Carregador | Playa del Cargador |
| Les Fonts | Las Fuentes |
| Serra d'Irta | Sierra de Irta |
Alcossebre's climate
Alcossebre has a mild Mediterranean climate. According to AEMET (Castelló-Almassora station, 1981-2010), the average annual temperature is 17.5 °C and there are 2,755 hours of sunshine a year.
| Season | Average high | Average low |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | ~16 °C | ~6-7 °C |
| Spring (Mar-May) | ~21 °C | ~11 °C |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | ~29-30 °C | ~20 °C |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | ~23 °C | ~14 °C |
The sea reaches around 25 °C in high summer and about 14 °C in winter. It rarely rains: about 467 mm a year, spread over some 45 days. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking; June to September, for the beach.
Opening hours in Spain
- Meals: people eat late in Spain. Lunch is usually between 1.30 and 3.30 pm, and dinner from 8.30 or 9 pm. In summer, many restaurants on the promenade stay open late.
- Shops: small shops usually close at midday, and fewer places open on Sundays.
- Arriving at the apartment: check-in at Casa Azahar apartments is in the afternoon; let them know if you're arriving outside the usual times.
Health and safety
- The emergency number is 112, free and valid throughout the European Union.
- If you're from an EU country, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); UK residents can use a GHIC. Either way, check what your travel insurance covers.
- There's a chemist and medical centre in the centre of Alcossebre.
- In summer, protect yourself from the sun in the middle of the day and drink water often.
- Some beaches have lifeguards in season; the Serra d'Irta coves have no lifeguards or facilities.
Tourist information
Alcossebre has two tourist offices: Tourist Info Alcossebre, in Plaza Vistalegre in the centre, and Tourist Info Alcossebre-Romana. There's also one in Alcalà de Xivert. The Serra d'Irta Natural Park visitor centre is in Peñíscola.
Things you mustn't miss
- The Blue Flag beaches: the Carregador, Romana, El Moro and Manyetes.
- Las Fuentes beach, next to the marina, with freshwater springs in the sand itself.
- The Serra d'Irta Natural Park, with 12 km of unspoilt coast, coves, the lighthouse and watchtowers. Here's a guide to the Serra d'Irta with walks and coves.
- Alcalà de Xivert, with the church of San Juan Bautista and its 68-metre octagonal bell tower.
- The food: arroz al horno, suquet de peix and almond sweets.
Fiestas through the year
Traditional fiestas are a great way to see local life. These are the main ones according to the official tourism website; exact dates vary from year to year.
| When | Fiesta |
|---|---|
| January | Sant Antoni Abad |
| February | Carnival |
| March-April | Holy Week (Easter) |
| June | Sant Benet and Saint John's Night |
| August-September | Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista, the main festival |
| October | Santa Teresa and the Fira de la Tomata de Penjar |
| December | Santa Llúcia and the Christmas Fair |
Tips for a long stay
If you're planning to spend several weeks in Alcossebre in spring or autumn, a self-catering apartment with a kitchen, terrace and heating, like the Madeira Apartments, is more comfortable than a hotel room for a long stay. With a car and free parking you can explore the area without relying on public transport.
Enquire about stays at the Madeira Apartments
Before you travel, read up on how to get here, whether it's worth hiring a car and the market days.