Between Moncofa and La Llosa, just minutes from Castelló and València, Xilxes (Chilches) is one of those destinations worth putting on your list if you're looking for things to do with kids on the Castellón coast. It's a small town of around 3,000 inhabitants, with a peaceful town centre and a beach area about 3 kilometres away, perfect for taking it easy and letting the little ones set the pace.
Here's what to see and do in Xilxes with kids, from the beach to the marshland, plus what to visit nearby.
Xilxes beaches with kids: Les Cases, El Cerezo and La Marina
Xilxes has three beaches with very different personalities, so you can choose according to your children's ages.
- Les Cases. The most family-friendly beach: 532 metres of sand, protected by breakwaters and very shallow, ideal for the youngest. It has a Blue Flag, a shaded pine area to sit in, lifeguards, a restaurant, showers, toilets, parking and accessible access. One stretch has gravel, so it's worth bringing water shoes or flip-flops.
- El Cerezo. At 820 metres, it also has a Blue Flag and full services, a playground and sports facilities by the sea. Being more exposed, it tends to have bigger waves, so it's better for kids who are already confident in the water.
- La Marina. The most natural and peaceful beach: one kilometre of dunes, reed beds and scrub, with no certification and no crowds. It's perfect for a stroll, and a section of the Sendero Azul (Blue Trail) and the self-guided bird trail pass through it.
Xilxes seafront promenade: play areas, statues and beach football
Between the beaches and the town, the seafront promenade runs for about 1.5 kilometres with green areas, play areas, sculptures and a sea viewpoint. It's a comfortable walk for bikes, scooters or strollers, and between the promenade and the swimming area there are beach football and volleyball courts.
The marshland: birds, rice fields and melons
East of the town stretches the marshland (marjalería), a wetland protected for its ecological value. It changes with the seasons: winter is a good time to spot migratory birds, in spring and summer it is flooded to grow rice and the landscape looks like a mirror, and in summer the melon fields arrive, a product Xilxes is well known for.
Self-guided bird trail
At the end of the walk towards La Llosa, a self-guided bird-watching trail begins. With a QR code you can listen to an explanation of the birdsong around you, and there is a downloadable leaflet on the Xilxes tourism website. Bring binoculars and a cap: it's a great way to let the kids play at being explorers.
Traces of War: trenches to explore as a family
In 2022, a defensive complex with trenches, shelters, an observatory and observation posts was restored, with information panels and signposting for a short walk. It's an original way to show children a piece of the town's history.
In the town: church, fountain and hermitage
If you'd like to add a little heritage, in Plaza de España you can see the Church of the Assumption, from the late 17th century, and the Font de la Unió, the town's first public fountain, from 1916. One kilometre from the town centre is the Hermitage of the Santo Cristo de la Junquera, which you can reach on foot.
Festivals and traditions
Xilxes celebrates Sant Vicent Ferrer the week after Easter, the seafront neighbourhood's festival in August and the patron saint festivities in September, and it hosts the Titemon puppet festival.
Near Xilxes: Coves de Sant Josep and Estanys d'Almenara
A few minutes away, in La Vall d'Uixó, the Coves de Sant Josep (Caves of Sant Josep) make a great rainy-day plan. The visit lasts about 40 minutes, with 800 metres by boat along the underground river and 250 metres on foot. According to published information, tickets cost 18 euros for adults and 12 euros for children aged 3 to 12, and children under 3 go in free. It's best to book online as capacity is limited, and you can call +34 964 660 785.
Another nearby option is the Estanys d'Almenara, three freshwater lagoons with views from the Penya de l'Estany, a good spot for birdwatching.
Getting there and tips
- By car. From Castellón or València, take the CV-10, exit 287.
- By train. There are Cercanías commuter trains between Castellón and València.
- Information. The tourist office is on Avenida Chilches, on the corner of Calle del Pilar. You can write to xilxes@touristinfo.net or call +34 964 760 566.
- In winter. It's a quiet time for walks through the marshland and the bird trail; bring warm clothes, as the wind often blows along the coast.
Now you know: Xilxes with kids is a perfect destination for a relaxed getaway of beach and nature. And if you want more ideas, don't miss our family activities calendar, where we gather the best plans to do with kids in the Valencian Community.
