An EU-funded project has built a combined pedestrian and cycle path between the coastal municipalities of Cabanes and Torreblanca in the province of Castellón, part of the Valencia autonomous community of Spain. Running through the El Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca natural park, the path – which takes the name of the park – has a total length of 12.8 km. The project included the adaptation of two 3.16 km-long footpaths.
- 22 July 2022
“With these works, the regional ministry will create a signposted cycle and pedestrian route in the coastal area of Cabanes and Torreblanca, fulfilling the objectives of promoting natural and cultural heritage and connecting people with natural spaces via accessible cycle paths.”
The route is the first section of cycle path in the Valencia autonomous community to be integrated into the EuroVelo cycle network. It forms part of EuroVelo Route 8, which is known as the Mediterranean Route.
The conception of the El Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca route as an integral part of a network of cycling and pedestrian routes rather than as an isolated local or municipal route is novel for the autonomous community. Several similar routes are scattered throughout its territory, but most of them are not connected.
An integrated European cycle network
In the long term, the EuroVelo Mediterranean Route is being developed with the aim of creating a cycle route connecting Cádiz, in the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia, with Athens, the Turkish city of Izmir and Cyprus.
As well as advancing the development of the Mediterranean Route, the El Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca path constitutes a northwards continuation of the cycle lane that runs between Benicàssim and Oropesa del Mar. By increasing the length of cycle paths in the area, it contributes to the creation of a regional network for non-motorised transport.
Highlighting natural and cultural heritage
Promoted by the Directorate-General of Public Works of the Valencian Regional Ministry of Housing, Public Works and Territorial Planning, the El Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca route has been built primarily to enable people to reach the area’s green spaces more easily by bicycle or on foot. More than 8 000 residents now have easy access to the region’s network of cycle paths and footpaths thanks to the project.
Foremost among the local green spaces is the El Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca natural park, which is a site of great ecological significance. It is known for its numerous paths, which link a multitude of visitor attractions of a cultural, historical and scenic nature.
Raising awareness of the natural and cultural heritage of the park and the surrounding area through the project has already generated new economic activity. As soon as the route opened, a number of local companies began offering cycle tourism services.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “El Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca natural park pedestrian-cycle route (Castellón)” is EUR 376 376, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 188 188 through the “Comunidad Valenciana” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency”.