Home to gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, Benicasim is much more than just a coastal resort hosting internationally renowned music festivals. The town sits between the sea and the mountains on Spain’s sunny Costa del Azahar and boasts a lively cultural scene with a warm, welcoming community. It’s no surprise that living in Benicasim is popular for people looking to retire or relocate to the laid-back Mediterranean coast.
What is Benicasim known for?
When people think of Benicasim, two things often come to mind. Firstly, the town is famous for its paradisiacal, Blue Flag beaches, including Heliopolis and Els Terrers. Secondly, Benicasim is associated with its summer music festivals, including the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB) and Rototom Sunsplash Festival– two of Spain’s top festivals. These events attract thousands of visitors annually, drawing a large international crowd to the town.
Is Benicasim a good place to live?
Benicasim certainly has plenty to offer for those considering a move. The first thing that often attracts newcomers is the fantastic weather. Situated in the region of Valencia, Benicasim enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. This is a big draw for Brits and other foreigners escaping the harsh weather in their own countries who want to enjoy the outdoors all year round.
But there's more to Benicasim than its lovely beaches and lively festivals. The town is nestled against the mountains of Desert de les Palmes natural park, making it a great spot for cycling and hiking enthusiasts. Then there's the scenic via verde del mar or greenway - a coastal pathway that takes you along the sea to Oropesa del Mar, another favourite among those relocating.
Benicasim also charms with its elegant Belle Époque architecture and sunny streets flanked with palm trees. It offers a small-town vibe with its population of around 20,000, all while providing access to larger city amenities. The community is welcoming and safe, making it a warm and friendly place for newcomers to settle in.
Pros and cons of living in Benicasim
When considering a move to Benicasim, weighing the advantages and drawbacks is important.
Some of the advantages of relocating to Benicasim include:
- Coastal living: access to beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational activities.
- Cultural scene: known for its lively festivals and historical landmarks.
- Affordability: sost-effective living with reasonable property and rental prices.
However, there are always downsides too:
- Seasonal activity swings: summer brings overcrowding with tourists, but the town can become quiet during the off-peak season.
- Limited job opportunities: work may be limited to primarily the tourism sector.
Benicasim property for sale: apartments and villas
Benicasim offers a range of housing options on and around its various beaches. You’ll find luxury villas with land and more modern apartments. Looking at the housing market in March 2025, the average cost for buying a house in Benicasim was €2,366 per m2, while rental properties were priced at €10.1 per m2, resulting in a monthly rent of approximately €808 for an 80 m2 apartment. Neighbourhoods away from the seafront tend to be more affordable. The district Pueblo offered cheaper property prices at €1,695 per m2 and is home to many of Benicasim’s new-build apartments.
If you’re looking for somewhere smaller to settle, houses for sale in Burriana - a nearby town on the other side of Castellón de la Plana - came at a lower price at around €992 per m2. In general, living in Castellon is a popular choice due to its pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, and more affordable property prices compared to the next-door province of Alicante.
Transportation and connectivity
While there isn't a dedicated Benicasim Airport, the town offers excellent local transport options. Castellón – Costa Azahar Airport is just 30 minutes away by car, Valencia Airport is an hour from the town, and Barcelona Airport is three hours away. This makes it easy to travel to any city in Europe from Benicasim.
The city of Castellón de la Plana is just a convenient 10-minute train journey from Benicasim, allowing you to easily enjoy a big-city experience or head there for errands.
Living in Benicasim for foreigners
Benicasim is often a choice for people who want to retire in Spain, or young families looking to relocate from a bigger city. It is well-suited for foreign residents, providing various services to help expats integrate smoothly.
The community is diverse and welcoming, with opportunities for social engagement through local events such as English social clubs that arrange regular outings. There are also several golf courses in and around Benicasim, including Costa d’Azahar Golf Club and Mediterráneo Golf Club, which have golf communities and residential areas.
It's a good idea to get involved in the local celebrations, such as the magical night of San Juan in June and Paella Day in January. And while English is spoken in many tourist areas, learning some Spanish can enhance your experience and ease day-to-day interactions.
Just up the road, Castellón de la Plana offers a selection of British schools, in addition to English-speaking lawyers that can help you with real estate, navigating Spanish bureaucracy and more.
