Benicàssim
Benicasim (Spanish: [benikaˈsin]); or Benicàssim (Valencian: [beniˈkasim]); officially Benicasim/Benicàssim Arabic: بنو قاسم, romanized: banū qāsim, or بني قاسم, banī qāsim, according to numismatic findings) 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. The name is derived from the Banu Qasim tribe, a segment of the Kutama Berbers that settled the area during the 8th century Moorish conquest of Spain.
Benicasim (Spanish) Benicàssim (Valencian) | |
|---|---|
Municipality | |
| Benicasim/Benicàssim | |
Aerial view of Benicàssim | |
|
Flag Coat of arms | |
Location of Benicàssim | |
Benicasim (Spanish) Benicàssim (Valencian) Benicasim (Spanish) Benicàssim (Valencian) | |
| Coordinates: 40°03′19″N 0°03′51″E | |
| Country | Spain |
| Autonomous community | Valencian Community |
| Province | Castellón |
| Comarca | Plana Alta |
| Judicial district | Castellón de la Plana |
| Government | |
| • Alcalde | Francesc Colomer Sánchez (2007) (PSOE) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 36.1 km2 (13.9 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 15 m (49 ft) |
| Population (2018) | |
| • Total | 18,055 |
| • Density | 500/km2 (1,300/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Benicense Benicassut/da |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 12560 |
| Official language(s) | Spanish and Valencian |
| Website | Official website |
Benicassim 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 (2021). 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 (FIB) and the Rototom Sunsplash.