A classic tapas bar on Castellón's main square serving cold craft beers, pinchos, and traditional Valencian snacks in a lively terrace setting.
Cervecería Palau is a classic tapas bar and terrace on Castellón de la Plana's Plaza Mayor — the central square of the capital of Castellón province, the northernmost province in the Comunitat Valenciana. Castellón is often overlooked by tourists making their way between Valencia and Barcelona, but the city has a vibrant local culture and a strong tavern tradition. Cervecería Palau sits at the heart of this — a reliable, lively bar that serves cold draught beer, pinchos morunos (spiced grilled meat skewers with Moorish seasoning), patatas bravas, and a rotating selection of tapas that reflects the straightforward, generous tradition of the Spanish cervecería. The terrace on the Plaza Mayor is the principal draw in the warmer months, when the square fills with locals and the sight of a city living its daily life in public space is one of the most pleasurable things a visitor can experience in provincial Spain. The interior is comfortable and traditionally decorated for those months when outdoor seating is less appealing. Open daily from 10:00 through midnight, Cervecería Palau is appropriate for all hours — morning coffee, a beer before lunch, midday tapas, or an evening drink. No reservation is required.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Not required
Location
Plaza Mayor, 3, 12001 Castellón de la Plana
Highlights
- Terrace bar on Castellón de la Plana's Plaza Mayor — the city's main social square
- Pinchos morunos: Moorish-seasoned grilled meat skewers — the definitive cervecería tapa
- Cold draught beer (caña) at honest prices in a genuinely local atmosphere
- Open daily from 10:00 — suitable for morning coffee through to late-evening drinks
- A window into everyday provincial Spanish life in a capital city often missed by visitors
Tips for visiting
- Sit on the terrace facing the Plaza Mayor to watch Castellón's daily social life unfold.
- Pinchos morunos are best ordered fresh and eaten hot directly off the grill.
- Cervecerías operate at all hours — no need to time the visit around formal meal service.
- Castellón's weekly market (typically Thursday and Saturday mornings) fills the plaza and adds atmosphere.
- The city's Museu de Belles Arts is a short walk away — a useful pre- or post-tapas stop.
Accessibility
Cervecería Palau is on the flat Plaza Mayor in central Castellón de la Plana. The terrace is at street level and the interior is on the ground floor. The plaza is paved and accessible. No significant barriers to wheelchair access at the entry or terrace level.
Frequently asked questions
What is Castellón de la Plana?
Castellón de la Plana is the capital of Castellón province, the northernmost of the three provinces in the Comunitat Valenciana. It is a working city with a good local food and bar culture, often bypassed by visitors in transit between Valencia and Catalonia.
What are pinchos morunos?
Pinchos morunos are small grilled meat skewers seasoned with a spice blend of Moorish origin — cumin, paprika, coriander, and garlic. They are a common bar tapa across Spain and particularly popular in the Levante.
Is a reservation necessary?
No. Cervecería Palau is a walk-in bar and terrace. No reservations are taken and the format is entirely informal.
Is Castellón worth a stop if travelling between Valencia and Barcelona?
Yes. The old town and Plaza Mayor are pleasant, the local food and bar scene is authentic and unhurried, and the city provides a break from the tourist trail without sacrificing quality. It is well connected by rail to both cities.