Benicàssim
Benicàssim is a municipality and beach resort located in the province of Castellón, on the Costa del Azahar in Spain. The Desert de les Palmes mountain range further inland shelters the town from the north wind.
Benicàssim is located 13 km north of the town of Castellón de la Plana, at the north end of the Valencian Community. The town has a population of 18,991. Its economy is largely based on tourism; the town is well known for its beaches and its music festivals such as Festival Internacional de Benicàssim and the Rototom Sunsplash.
Placename
The placename has an Arabic origin, consisting of a compound name using the characteristic Arabic base feature beni. The name is derived from the Banu Qasim tribe, a segment of the Kutama Berbers that settled the area during the 8th century Arab conquest of Spain.Geography
Beaches
Benicàssim has 6 kilometers of sandy beaches linked by a promenade. The five beaches in this stretch of coast are named- Almadrava Beach
- Heliopolis Beach
- Els Terrers Beach
- Tower of Saint Vincent Beach
- Voramar Beach : This beach is famous for its villas along a beach front promenade.
Desert of the Palms
Just inland from Benicàssim lies the Desert of the Palms. The area is not a literal desert, but a protected natural area and a small mountain range with a maximum elevation of 729 meters. The Columbretes Islands are visible from the top of the range on clear days.Festivals
The town has hosted the prestigious Francisco Tárrega International Guitar Competition since 1967, in honour of Spanish composer and guitarist Francisco Tárrega.Others include Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, Rototom Sunsplash and MABE Benicàssim Art Show.