Desert de les Palmes Natural Park
Nature preserve in Spain
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Desert de les Palmes Nature Reserve (Spanish: Parque Natural del Desierto de Las Palmas, Valencian: Desert de les Palmes) is a nature preserve in the province of Castellón, in the Valencian Community, Spain.
Valencian Community, 
Spain| Desierto de Las Palmas Desert de les Palmes | |
|---|---|
 Map of the Desert of the Palms Park | |
 Interactive map of Desierto de Las Palmas Desert de les Palmes | |
| Location | Valencian Community, Spain |
| Nearest city | Benicàssim |
| Coordinates | 40.081°N 0.037°E |
| Area | 3,293 ha (8,140 acres) |
| Established | October 16, 1989 |
| Governing body |  |
Basic information
The 3,293 hectare area was declared a nature preserve by the valencian government on October 16, 1989. The area burned on numerous occasions in 1985 and 1992, which is why there is little wild forest there. The name of the preserve comes from the historical presence of a religious order of Carmelita Mendicants. This order calls spaces that are dedicated to spiritual retreat "holy deserts" (los "Santos Desiertos"[1]). The second part of the name comes from the abundance of palms (Chamaerops humilis) in the area. Chamaerops are the only palm endemic to Europe.[2][3]
Municipalities
Image gallery
Ancient monastery (in ruins).
View of Benicàssim and the Mediterranean Sea from the park.
Mountainous rock formations (popular hiking destination).
