Living in Vinaròs: a complete guide

Families looking for a quiet life, retirees who love the sun and the outdoors, aficionados of the coast and of history: Vinaros welcomes you with open arms. This small town on the Mediterranean coast, on a shore with an enchanting name, the Costa del Azahar, is still little known among foreigners who love Spain. Yet it has many assets and offers an exceptional quality of life. Carnival is the ideal time to visit if you are thinking of moving here: in 2024, it ran from 27 January to 12 February.

Discover Vinaròs

The history of Vinaròs

Legend has it that the name “Vinaròs” may be linked to vine growing, which was widespread in the area, and the town's wealth was indeed long tied to wine. But this small seaside town has always known how to adapt and reinvent itself. Over the centuries, it has changed a great deal, from a small fishing village to a modern and very touristy town. Here are a few key dates in its history.

 
• Origins and foundation (6th century BC to 13th century AD): the oldest traces of human presence in Vinaròs date back to the 6th century BC, with the Iberian settlement of Puig de la Misericòrdia. But it was in the 13th century that the town of Vinaròs began to take shape.
 
• Development and consolidation (14th to 19th century): in the 14th century, Vinaròs was fortified. In the 16th century, it became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. And in 1881, it was officially granted the title of city by King Alfonso XII.
 
• Economy and society (18th to 20th century): the wine trade played a key role in the economy of Vinaròs in the 18th century. But after a pest epidemic at the end of the 19th century, the vineyards were replaced by other crops such as olive trees and, later, orange groves, which make the region famous today. Fishing was also a major economic sector. Today, the town's economy is more diverse, and it is above all tourism that keeps it going.
 
• Wars and conflicts (20th century): during the Spanish Civil War, Vinaròs played a strategic role. On 15 April 1938, Nationalist troops reached its coast, cutting Catalonia off from the rest of the Republican zone. This had a major impact on the war, isolating Catalonia and weakening the Republicans' logistics and communications.

The geography of Vinaròs

Vinaròs is in the Valencian Community. It lies on the Costa del Azahar, “the Orange Blossom Coast” in English, halfway between Tarragona and Castellón de la Plana, north of Valencia.

This poetic name pays tribute to the vast orange groves that made the region famous. Their small white flowers open in spring and a sweet scent fills the 120 km of coastline. The town sits between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. The Sierra de Irta runs along the coast and offers a striking natural contrast with the beaches and coastal landscapes of the area. We will come back to it in our chapter on the natural and cultural heritage of the town and its surroundings. Vinaròs is known above all for its 12 km of coastline and its superb beaches. Rocky areas, hidden coves, long stretches of sand: there is something for everyone. Discover our top 3 beaches in the area further down in this guide. If you are looking for a second home in Vinaròs or want to retire here, contact us. We can support your project from start to finish.

The population of Vinaròs

Vinaròs is the administrative centre of the comarca (district) of Baix Maestrat. It has around 30,000 inhabitants according to the latest official census data. Most residents speak Valencian and are known as Vinarocenses. In summer, the town's population almost doubles, reaching 55,000. Vinaròs fills with tourists drawn by an idyllic setting with all the services you need for a great summer. In 2022, they spent more than €36 million in the area (province of Castellón).

The advantages of living in Vinaròs

A dream climate

In Vinaròs, the sun shines almost all year round. The town enjoys a Mediterranean climate that is very pleasant day to day. Summers are bright and hot. Winters are mild, with sunny days and gentle temperatures: it rarely drops below 15°C in the middle of the day. The climate is perfect for retirees who want to spend most of their time outdoors, and ideal for families and children, who can enjoy the outdoors without heavy coats or layers of clothing.

Public transport in Vinaròs

There is a good bus network but no metro in Vinaròs. This will not stop you from getting around town easily or reaching nearby towns and villages. Finding a taxi is no problem either, and the sporty will easily get around by bike.

Quality of life in Vinaròs

Living in Vinaròs means choosing a quiet life and a “ pueblo” (village) mindset, especially out of season. There is little detailed research on this small town, so we looked more closely at its neighbour, Castellón de la Plana. The data come from the crowd-sourced platform Numbeo.

 
• In Castellón de la Plana, air quality is good: the pollution index is below 29.
 
• Residents spend little time in traffic jams, as the traffic index is very low: 25 to be precise.
 
• It is no secret: the climate is very good, with an index of 94.
 
• Healthcare results are good: the healthcare index is 62.50.
 
• Daily life is safe in the town and the surrounding area, as shown by the safety index which reaches 73.

Overall, we could also say that Castellón de la Plana and Vinaròs are both in line with Valencia, the capital of the Valencian Community, whose quality of life is known to be exceptional. Its index reaches 198.8, a remarkable score for Spain's third-largest city, given that the maximum score on Numbeo is 250. To put this in perspective, Madrid scores 189 and Paris 125. Valencia also often tops the lists of the best cities for quality of life and the rankings for expats. To find out more about life in Valencia, read our guide: “Living in Valencia: the complete guide”. And if you want to settle in Vinaròs for good or find a second home near the beach, contact us: it is what we do. We offer a fully secure purchase.

The cost of living in Vinaròs

Now for the cost of living. It is key information when you are looking for a place to move to. According to a recent study by INE, Spain's National Statistics Institute, each resident of Spain spent just over €12,700 over the year, and €12,200 in the Valencian Community. This gives an idea of the standard of living. There is little data on the cost of living in Vinaròs, but it is generally lower than elsewhere in Spain. Above all, it is 30 to 40% lower than in Paris, and lower still than in London. This is a real advantage for retirees who move here with a pension from home, or for expats paid a salary from abroad. In detail:

 
• A meal in an ordinary restaurant costs about €10. In Valencia, for example, you would pay €12.
 
• A kilo of apples costs €2, or €2.11 in Valencia.
 
• A public transport ticket costs €1.80. In Valencia, allow €1.50.
 
• Basic utility bills come to about €100 a month, or €110 a month in Valencia.
 
• A gym membership is rather expensive, at about €60, compared with €33 in Valencia. That is to be expected: there is less competition in a small town.
 
• In the area, the average salary is around €1,300 a month, compared with €1,900 a month in Valencia.

As for the budget, allow approximately €2,260 a month (excluding rent) for a family of four. These figures are for the city of Valencia. As for rents in Vinaròs, Idealista, the leading property portal in Spain and southern Europe, tells us that a three-bedroom flat in the centre and/or near the beach rents for €800 to €1,000 a month. We will come back to property in Vinaròs in a dedicated chapter. To get ahead and buy a property in Vinaròs, book an online call with our local team. And to learn more about life in Spain, read our guide: “Living in Spain: pros, cons and practical guide”.

The drawbacks of living in Vinaròs

There are some, of course.

 
• The first may be the language. If you do not yet speak Spanish, or find languages difficult, it is not wise to settle in an area where Valencian is the main language.
 
• Also, bear in mind that Vinaròs is a small town. It is not a large job market. If you need to find work locally, start well in advance. In 2022, just over 12.6% of the town's population was unemployed (a figure in line with the national average at the time). For advice on working in Spain, read our guide: “Working in Spain as a British or American citizen”.
 
• Finally, the town is not particularly well connected to the rest of Spain and Europe. The nearest airport is Castellón de la Plana, about 50 km to the south. It offers domestic and international flights, but it is much smaller and less busy than the major international airports of Valencia, Alicante or Barcelona. Vinaròs has its own railway station, mainly served by medium-distance trains. The AP-7 remains an asset. The Autopista del Mediterráneo (the Mediterranean motorway) runs along the coast and is a major transport route. It links the main coastal cities of Catalonia, the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia, and gives quick, direct access to cities such as Tarragona, Barcelona, Castellón de la Plana, Valencia and Alicante, among others. Between Tarragona and Alicante, it has been toll-free since 1 January 2020.

Foreign residents in Vinaròs

In 2022, just over 5,700 foreign nationals were officially registered in Vinaròs, according to INE. The number has risen clearly since 2021, partly because retirees have been moving to the town since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Retiring in Vinaròs

Daily life in retirement

Its mild climate, its healthcare facilities (more on this below), its affordable cost of living and its many cultural and leisure activities make Vinaròs an ideal small town for a peaceful retirement, away from the hustle and bustle. The growing international community makes it easier for foreign retirees to fit in. You will not be short of things to do: all kinds of leisure activities, and plenty of outdoor outings to keep you fit! Seaside walks, hikes in the Sierra de Irta, golf courses inland and more. There are also retirees' associations for those who are comfortable in Spanish. The best known is the Asociación de Jubilados y Pensionistas Luis López Doriga. It welcomes you every day until 1 pm.

 
• Address: Carrer de la Mare de Déu del Pilar, 140, 12500, Vinaròs.
 
• Phone: +34 964 45 66 06 and +34 643 83 54 76.

Where to live in Vinaròs when you retire?

For retirement, the best choices are clearly:

 
• The paseo marítimo for its direct sea views.
 
• The Vinaròs coastline (Costa Norte and Costa Sur). You will enjoy a peaceful daily life with the sea close by and all services within walking distance.

If you are looking to retire to the Vinaròs area, book a call online with our specialist advisers. They can guide you and find the property best suited to your needs. This video call is, of course, free and with no obligation.

Healthcare in and around Vinaròs

The town has good healthcare services, with a hospital equipped to meet the needs of the local population and expats.→ Hospital Comarcal de Vinaròs · Address: Avinguda Gil d’Atrosillo, s/n, 12500, Vinaròs · Phone: +34 964 477 101 · Website: https://vinaros.san.gva.es/ca/saip You can also rely on the medical facilities of Castellón de la Plana. As you now know, it is the largest city near Vinaròs. It is about an hour's drive away and very well equipped.→ Public sector

 
• Consorcio Hospital Provincial de Castellón de la Plana · Address: Avenida del Doctor Clarà, 19, 12002, Castellón de la Plana · Phone: +34 964 37 60 00 · Website: http://hospitalprovincial.es/
 
• Hospital Universitario de La Plana · Address: Carretera de Vila-real a Burriana, km 0.5, 12540, Villarreal, Castellón de la Plana · Phone: +34 964 39 97 75 · Website: http://www.laplana.san.gva.es/
 
• Hospital General Universitario de Castellón de la Plana · Address: Avenida de Benicàssim, 128, 12004, Castellón de la Plana · Phone: +34 964 725 000 · Website: http://castellon.san.gva.es/

→ Private sector

 
• Hospital Vithas Castellón de la Plana · Address: Carrer Santa Maria Rosa Molas, 25, 12004, Castellón de la Plana · Phone: +34 964 72 60 00 · Website: https://vithas.es/centro/vithas-hospital-castellon/

Family life in Vinaròs

Where to live in Vinaròs with a family?

Vinaròs is a perfect place for a fresh start as a family. You could enjoy a quiet daily life, far from the noise, traffic jams and bustle of big cities. For families looking for the best areas to settle with children, we recommend the Costa Sur, the Costa Norte and the centre of Vinaròs. Its covered market is open every day of the week and is barely two minutes from the beach.

Education and schools in Vinaròs

In Vinaròs, the school system is of good quality, as in the rest of the country. It is divided into public, private and semi-private schools (the concertados). For more details on schooling in Spain, see our full guide: “The school system in Spain”. Here is what to remember about Vinaròs: → Public and concertados According to the latest data from micole.net, the reference for school rankings in Spain, the best public schools in Vinaròs are:

 
• Colegio Nuestra Señora De La Consolación: this school takes children from nursery to the end of secondary school. It is a private school under contract with the state. These religious schools, known as concertados, are inexpensive: allow on average €100 a month for your child's schooling, excluding extra costs. At this school, teaching is in Valencian and Castilian Spanish, and there is a wide range of extracurricular activities.
  Address: Carrer de la Mare de Déu del Socors, 74, 12500, Vinaròs · Phone: +34 964 45 06 25 · Website: https://www.consolacionvinaros.com/es/
 
• Colegio Divina Providencia: here too, you can enrol your child from nursery, and again you will pay about €100 a month, as it is a semi-private school. Your child can also take part in after-school activities.
  Address: Carrer del Convent, 12, 12500, Vinaròs · Phone: +34 964 40 76 20 · Website: http://www.divinaprovidenciavinaros.es/
 
• Instituto José Vilaplana de Vinaròs: a public, non-religious, mixed secondary school. It follows a general curriculum and offers bilingual teaching, with Spanish and Valencian as the main languages. Among its services, the José Vilaplana public school offers school transport for its pupils.
  Address: Avinguda Gil d’Atrosillo, 26, 12500, Vinaròs · Phone: +34 964 40 56 45 · Website: https://ceice.gva.es/es/web/centros-docentes/consulta-general?viewUrl162652993=/abc/i_guiadecentros/es/centro.asp&codi=12003468

If you want to look at options further afield, including Castellón de la Plana, we can recommend the following school, also well rated by Micole:

 
• Instituto Matilde Salvador: a public, non-religious, mixed secondary school that takes pupils up to the baccalaureate (the end of secondary school). There is a school transport service.
  Address: Av. de Casalduch, 120, 12005, Castelló de la Plana · Phone: +34 964 73 89 90 · Website: https://portal.edu.gva.es/iesmatildesalvador/

→ International schools We have listed below some excellent international schools. They all focus on teaching in English and Castilian Spanish. As a reminder, these schools charge fees: allow between €700 and €1,000 a month, for tuition only.

 
• International English School of Castellón de la Plana: its advantage is that it takes children from the age of one until the end of their schooling. Teaching is multilingual, one of the main features of this type of school, which is why foreign families and expats value them.
  Address: Ronda Circunvalación, 348, 12004, Castelló de la Plana · Phone: +34 964 26 12 41 · Website: https://castellon.iepgroup.es/
 
• Agora Lledó International School: it also takes children from the age of one.
  Address: Camí Caminás, 12003 Castelló de la Plana · Phone: +34 964 72 31 70 · Website: https://lledo.agorainternationalschool.es/

Note that there is no international school in Vinaròs itself: the nearest ones are in Castellón de la Plana, listed above. Families looking for British or American schools will find a wider choice around Valencia: see our guide “British and international schools in Spain: the complete guide”. If you are looking to settle in the Vinaròs or Castellón de la Plana area, book a call online with our specialist advisers. They will answer all your questions and can take charge of your property project.

Vinaròs, a cultural and natural treasure

Vinaròs stands out for its rich food heritage, its traditional festivals and its remarkable architecture. Getting to know this local culture is essential for any expat or potential property buyer. Here is a closer look at the heritage of Vinaròs.

Cultural heritage of Vinaròs

 
• The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady (Iglesia de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora) stands in the town centre and is an important landmark for residents and visitors. Built in the 17th century, it is known for its impressive façade, which perfectly blends Renaissance and Baroque styles. The church stands out for its central nave and side chapels, typical of French churches. It looks like a fortress, as it was also used as a defensive bastion, notably during the Catalan revolt in the reign of Philip II.
 
• The central market is another essential part of local life. This covered market has all the food shops you need for a healthy daily diet, as mentioned earlier.
 
• The seafront promenade and the harbour are the heart of the town and favourite meeting places for families after school and at weekends, and for retirees at any time of day.

If you have the chance, also visit:

 
• The Convent of Sant Agustí: a former convent that has been turned into a municipal auditorium.
 
• The Giner House: in the heart of Vinaròs, it was built in 1914. It belonged to the Giner family of Vinaròs, a well-known line of merchants. The building reflects the bourgeoisie of the early 20th century. The interior is remarkably well preserved, with balustrades typical of the period and furniture that has stood the test of time.
 
• The Membrillera House (casa de Les Coroneles) dates from the 17th century. Its beautifully preserved façade hides a warm interior on four floors. The picturesque attic opens onto a terrace topped by a surprising dome fitted with a telescope, which offers an exceptional view of the town.
 
• The Hermitage of La Misericòrdia: a little outside the centre of Vinaròs, this imposing 15th-century building is simply splendid and perfectly preserved. Above all, the hermitage sits in an exceptional natural setting, surrounded by woodland with stunning views of natural wonders such as the Ebro Delta and the Columbretes Islands, which we describe below. For the devout or the curious, a pilgrimage in honour of Saint Sebastian takes place there every year.

The Vinaròs carnival, a major cultural event

To fit in locally, it helps to know the traditions, and this is the most important one in town. Every year, Vinaròs hosts a colourful carnival that sets the town and its surroundings alight. → In 2024, it ran from 27 January to 12 February. That year, the theme was the gods of Olympus: parties, workshops for children, spectacular parades and more. Find the full programme by clicking on this official link.

Discovering nature

The surroundings of Vinaròs are full of places of interest, such as the Ebro Delta Natural Park and the Sierra de Irta, mentioned earlier. Both are paradises for nature lovers, but there are others.

 
• The Ebro Delta: the Ebro Delta is a wetland of great ecological importance in the region. It is one of the largest wetland deltas in the Mediterranean. The area is known for its remarkable biodiversity, especially its many migratory and resident birds. The delta is also known for its rice fields, fishing and farming. It is a popular place for birdwatching, hiking and water sports. Its unique landscape of marshes, rivers, rice fields and beaches makes it popular with locals and tourists alike. Allow between an hour and a quarter and an hour and a half by car from Vinaròs.
 
• The Columbretes Islands: once a pirates' hideout, these islands are a haven for hiking and wildlife watching. Lying off the coast of Castellón de la Plana, these four islands form a volcanic archipelago in the shape of a “C”. Of exceptional natural beauty, they are famous for their unique flora and fauna. They are also popular for diving, thanks to their crystal-clear waters and rich marine life. The reserve is protected, and visits are limited and regulated to minimise the impact on the environment.
 
• The San José Caves: in La Vall d’Uixó, about 60 km from Vinaròs, this cave has the longest navigable underground river in Europe. It offers a unique boat trip past impressive rock formations and stalactites. Formed 250 million years ago, the cave also has prehistoric paintings recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. Visits last about 45 minutes and include a section on foot. For more details, you can visit the website: San José Caves.
 
• The Sierra de Irta Natural Park: you can get there in about thirty minutes by car from Vinaròs. It covers 12,000 hectares north of Alcossebre. Its landscape features pines, dwarf palms and other hardy plant species. Its coastline of white limestone cliffs and small coves is breathtaking. It is one of the last undeveloped coastal mountain areas on the Mediterranean and one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Valencian coast. The park is also home to historic buildings and rich biodiversity. For more information, here is the link to the website: Serra d’Irta Natural Park.

The most beautiful beaches in Vinaròs

As we said in the introduction, with 12 km of coastline, Vinaròs has many beautiful beaches and coves. Here is the Alveo Search team's top 3:

 
• Cala Aiguaoliva: this cove in Vinaròs is known for its peaceful, natural setting. Its clear waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The bonus? Dogs are allowed.
 
• Playa del Clot: this is the beach in the urban area of Vinaròs, which makes it popular with families and retirees. It is well equipped, and being close to the town centre is ideal for everyday life.
 
• Playa del Trabucador: located in the Ebro Delta, about 70 km from Vinaròs. Its strip of sand between the sea and a lagoon makes it truly unique. It is very popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. Its natural landscape is exceptional and well worth the trip.

Want to enjoy them all year round? Contact us and our team will find you a property close to the most beautiful beaches of Vinaròs and the surrounding area.

Neighbouring towns not to miss

 
• The historic town of Peñíscola is famous for its majestic castle (el castillo del Papa Luna), built by the Knights Templar in the Middle Ages. You reach it along a promenade that starts at the beach (Playa Norte) and continues through the historic centre. The castle's tourist and cultural appeal has grown over the years, partly thanks to the many film scenes shot in Peñíscola (El Cid, Paris-Timbuktu). Michel Piccoli, Sophia Loren and Charlton Heston all stayed there. If you want to buy a property in Peñíscola, contact us. We also have advisers on site.
 
• Morella: this historic town, perched on a hill and surrounded by medieval walls, is about an hour's drive from Vinaròs. It is known for its impressive castle, its cobbled streets and its rich historical and cultural heritage. The surrounding nature is splendid: dry riverbeds and forests of pine and holm oak. In 2013, it joined the “Most Beautiful Villages in Spain” network.

The food of Vinaròs

Vinaròs is a culinary crossroads, famous for its seafood, its many rice dishes and its traditional pastries. Wine growing is not particularly developed in the area today. For the past two years, the town has hosted a renowned food festival: the Ruta de Sabor (the Flavour Route in English), which showcases local produce. The 2023 edition drew more than 25,000 visitors over three days. Looking for a good restaurant? Here are our recommendations!

 
• Restaurant Rubén Miralles, one Michelin star: an experience not to be missed! The chef serves creative fine dining based on market produce and deeply rooted in Valencian cuisine. It is in the town centre, just behind the market.
  Website: https://gastroranking.es/r/restaurant-ruben-miralles_170798/ Bookings: +34 964 02 69 39.
 
• La Carabassa: authentic, delicious cooking with fresh, seasonal, local produce. It is also in the old town.
  Website: https://gastroranking.es/r/la-carabassa_118666/. Bookings: +34 964 45 57 28.

Why buy property in Vinaròs?

For its irresistible coastline, for peace and quiet if you want a second home or plan to retire here, and also for the returns you can expect from a rental property. Its appeal to tourists is a major asset. Let's look at this in more detail.

An attractive property market

The Vinaròs property market offers a range of properties for every budget. From a seafront villa to a flat in the historic centre, Vinaròs has something to offer you. In January 2024, the Idealista portal reported that prices in Vinaròs averaged €1,400 per square metre, €600 below the national average, despite a rise of almost 14% in a year. Rocio, our local property specialist, tells us that a 3-bedroom flat costs about €130,000. For a house, allow an average budget of €250,000. Retirees from France, Germany and the Netherlands are the main buyers in the town. Families living in Barcelona (two hours by car) or Zaragoza (three hours away) look for second homes to escape to at weekends and during the school holidays.

Which areas should you choose for buying property in Vinaròs?

According to Rocio, the three areas to target for a purchase in Vinaròs are:

 
• The Costa Norte (€1,681 per square metre on average). It is divided into several areas: Boverals, Saldonar, Ameradors, Barbiguera, Triador and Cales. All are ideal for buying property.
 
• The Costa Sur. It is also divided into different areas: Salinas, Puntal, Les Roques and Aiguaoliva.
 
• The paseo marítimo, meaning the beachfront. In this area, target Paseo Colón and the San Pedro and Blasco Ibáñez areas.

There is no precise data on property prices on the Costa Sur and the paseo marítimo. From our experience, however, they are slightly above the town average.

Rental yields in Vinaròs

On this point, there is one important thing to understand: in Vinaròs, the rental market is almost 100% holiday lets. When we talk about returns, we therefore mean short-term rental returns. Holiday rental yields are high, at around 6-7%. Our regular readers know that you should never take on this kind of project alone. Why? Because the rules vary from one autonomous community to another, on this subject as on others, and they change constantly. On this topic, read our guide: “Tourist rental licence in Spain: the complete guide”. If you want to invest in holiday rentals in Vinaròs, book a call with us. Our team can help you make a safe, turnkey investment. Finally, to understand how buying a property in Spain works, follow our guide: “How to buy a property in Spain: the complete guide”.

FAQ

What is the cost of living in Vinaròs?

Allow about €2,260 a month (excluding rent) for a family of four. In Vinaròs, a three-bedroom flat near the beach rents for €800 to €1,000 a month, and the average purchase price is €1,400 per square metre. Remember that the cost of living is 30 to 40% lower than in Paris, and lower still than in London. Expats with an income or a pension from abroad will live very well here, without having to tighten their belts.

What is the quality of life like in Vinaròs?

The quality of life in Vinaròs is excellent: climate, sense of safety, excellent air quality, little traffic, low cost of living, good healthcare and more. The town has everything going for it.

What are the reasons to buy property in Vinaròs?

There is no shortage of reasons to buy in Vinaròs. It is a pleasant, sunny and quiet seaside town, perfect for retiring, buying a second home or investing in holiday rentals (you can expect rental yields of 6-7% a year). It offers a wide range of properties, from modern flats to luxury seafront villas. The price per square metre is below the national average: €1,400 per square metre.

Why is Vinaròs particularly well suited to retirement?

Retiring in Vinaròs is a good idea. Daily life by the beach helps you stay fit, the climate is good, the healthcare facilities are of good quality and there are endless indoor and outdoor leisure options. Retirees age well in Vinaròs.

Is Vinaròs a good place for family life?

Vinaròs is an ideal choice for family life if you want a quiet, outdoor life by the beach. Bear in mind that it is a small seaside town without an airport. There is also no international school nearby: the nearest ones are in Castellón de la Plana, about an hour's drive away.