Bovalar de Sant Jordi

Bovalar de Sant Jordi is a small but history-rich protected natural area right on the edge of the town of Sant Jordi, in the Baix Maestrat district of Castellón province. Declared a Municipal Natural Site (Paraje Natural Municipal) in 2006, it covers just under 27.4 hectares of Mediterranean pine forest. The entrance sits next to the town's municipal swimming pool, barely a ten-minute walk from the centre, making it an easy destination for an afternoon stroll for locals and visitors passing through the area alike.

What you'll find on site

The main draw of Bovalar is its blend of nature and local heritage. Along the walking route stand four old lime kilns (hornos de cal), once used to produce lime from local stone — a tangible trace of the region's pre-industrial rural economy. Alongside the kilns, walkers passing through the pine grove can find a natural sinkhole and several wrought-iron artistic sculptures scattered along the path, adding an unexpected artistic touch to the walk.

A family-friendly route

The park offers a simple, well-marked path of roughly 2.27 kilometres, which can be extended further for those wanting a longer walk. A distinctive feature of the route is a clue-based game built around the legend of Saint George and the dragon — fitting, since the town itself is named after the saint (Sant Jordi is Catalan for Saint George). Riddles and hints tied to the legend are placed along the trail, turning the walk into a kind of treasure hunt that particularly appeals to children. The path runs through landscape typical of this stretch of the Costa Azahar: Mediterranean pine forest with characteristic undergrowth and moderate shade, pleasant even on warmer days.

Why it's worth a stop

Bovalar de Sant Jordi isn't built for mass tourism — it's more of a local gem, well maintained by the town council for residents and for visitors seeking a quiet dose of nature without venturing far inland. Its closeness to the town centre means the visit can easily be combined with a walk through Sant Jordi itself, no car required. History enthusiasts will appreciate the lime kilns as a physical remnant of the area's past economy, while families with children get an added layer of fun thanks to the legend-based trail game.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the walking route? The main marked loop runs about 2.27 km, though the terrain allows for a longer walk if desired.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes — the clue game based on the legend of Saint George and the dragon was designed specifically with younger visitors in mind.

Besides nature, what else is along the route? Four historic lime kilns, a natural sinkhole, and wrought-iron artistic sculptures placed along the path.

How do you get there? The entrance is right next to Sant Jordi's municipal swimming pool, about a ten-minute walk from the town centre.

Since when has the area been protected? It was declared a Municipal Natural Site in 2006.