The origins of the city can be found in the Iberian settlements of El Puig and La Tossa, whose heyday is in the 5th and 4th centuries BC.The name "Beni-Gazló" is first mentioned in documents as an Arabic farm house (alquería).It is granted a Town Charter on the 14th of June 1236, under the name "Benicastló". In 1294 it passes into the hands of the Knights Templar, and later, in 1319, it comes under the control of the Order of Montesa. In 1523 it was awarded the title of Villa (Town), for its loyalty to Empereror Charles I and the Order of Montesa.On October 22, 1926, Alfonso XIII granted the Villa the title of City. It is the stage for a number of military battles, notably the siege of Cabrera, in the First Carlist War (23rd of January, 1838).
Economy
Main economic activities: Industry: furniture, the industrial backbone of Benicarló's economy, with a long tradition. The paint, lacquer and varnish industries are another important sector in the city's economy. The chemical industry, shipbuilding, construction and naval shipyards round off the most important industries. This area is complemented by the textile sector. Nowadays the town's industry was given a significant boost with the construction of the Collet business area (1998) on the road towards Càlig. Fishing: Fishing is tied up with the very location and birth of Benicarló. The port is home to around 50 fishing boats, as well as some leisure crafts. Every year around 1,500,000 kg of different varieties of fish are captured here, such as: flounder, shrimp, snails, whiting, red mullet and sea bream, among others. Agriculture: The area is famous for the quantity and quality of its crops. The most prominent of these are oranges and, another typical product, the ARTICHOKE. The Benicarló Artichoke has the category of Protected Designation of Origin, and it is calculated that around 7.5 million kg of the vegetable are produced every year, the main thrust of Benicarló's agricultural production. Pig and poultry farming are another important part of this sector. Tourism is becoming increasingly important for the city. The hotels in Benicarló, most notably the Parador Nacional de Turismo "Costa Azahar", offer tourists all kinds of services. Year after year, the Playa del Morrongo beach, with its fine sand, is awarded the European Blue Flag for Clean Seas. Its cultural and gastronomic attractions furthermore make it an excellent city for travellers.
What to see
Visiting Benicarló is an experience that takes in the splendour of its bounteous crops and its intense marine life.
Landscape
The terrain of the district is predominantly flat, with few uneven areas (El Puig stands at 166 m.), with an altitude of 21 m. It has a typical Mediterranean climate and is mild all year round. Benicarló, facing the sea, offers us a coastal landscape, made up of soft sandy beaches, as well as shaded woodland areas further inland.