Hiring a car is the easiest way to get around on a holiday in Alcossebre. The town has no railway station of its own (the nearest is in Alcalà de Xivert, about 10 km away), and the area's best day trips, such as the Serra d'Irta coves or the inland villages, are far more enjoyable with your own transport. Most people pick one up at their arrival airport.
Do I need a car in Alcossebre?
It's not essential if your plan is beach and strolling: Alcossebre has supermarkets, restaurants and services, and from the Madeira Apartments Las Fuentes beach is a 6-minute walk. It's highly recommended if you want to:
- Reach the Serra d'Irta coves and the car parks along the coastal track.
- Take day trips to Peñíscola, Morella or Xivert Castle.
- Go to the Friday market in Alcalà de Xivert.
- Do the big weekly shop.
Which airport to hire from
| Airport | Time to Alcossebre | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Castellón | ~25 min | The shortest drive |
| Valencia | ~1 h 30 min | Lots of flights and car hire companies |
| Reus | ~2 h | Useful if your flight lands there |
| Barcelona | ~2 h 45 min | The widest choice, but the longest drive |
Compare prices and terms in advance, especially for July and August, and check with the hire company what they require from your driving licence and what insurance is included.
Roads and driving
- The AP-7 runs along the Mediterranean coast from the French border; for Alcossebre, take exit 44 (Alcossebre-Torreblanca).
- The N-340 runs parallel to the motorway and passes Alcalà de Xivert.
- From the N-340, the CV-142 takes you down to Alcossebre and the coast.
- In Spain you drive on the right and speed limits are signposted; on the tracks inside the natural park, the limit is 30 km/h.
Where to park
The Madeira Apartments have free outdoor parking within the complex: when you arrive you'll be told how to reach your space. In summer, parking by the central beaches mid-morning can be tricky, so it's easiest to leave the car at the apartment and walk to the beach.
Madeira Apartments with free parking
Driving to the Serra d'Irta coves: take note in summer
The coastal track linking Alcossebre with Peñíscola crosses the Serra d'Irta Natural Park. In summer, to drive in you need to book a parking space with the GVA Parcs Naturals app, a few days in advance; there are control barriers and overnight parking is prohibited. The dates of the scheme change every year, so check them on the park's website before you go. Outside those dates access is easier, but the park's rules apply all year round.
If you enjoy walking, this guide to Serra d'Irta walks and coves has easy routes setting off from the Alcossebre lighthouse.
Day trips by car from Alcossebre
| Destination | Approx. distance | Approx. time | What to see |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcalà de Xivert | 9 km | 12 min | Church of San Juan Bautista and its 68 m bell tower |
| Torreblanca | 9 km | 15 min | Neighbouring coastal town |
| Peñíscola | 32 km | 35 min | Old town and castle by the sea |
| Benicarló | 31 km | 30 min | Coastal town and harbour |
| Vinaròs | 40 km | 35-40 min | Coastal town in the north of the province |
| Morella | 95 km | 1 h 25 min | Walled town inland |
If you'd rather not hire a car
You can have a holiday in Alcossebre without a car. Arrive by train at Alcalà de Xivert or by bus (AMSA, Avanza from Madrid or HIFE from Castellón, Valencia and Zaragoza) and arrange the last leg to the apartment. Once there, the beach, supermarkets, restaurants and the Tuesday market are all within walking distance. For an occasional trip to Peñíscola or the coves, you can hire a car for just a day or two.
Rather not drive? Read how to get there by train or bus and plan your shopping with our guide to markets and supermarkets.