Marina Alta from Denia
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RouteXpert Jan Koelstra (jan cabrio)
Last edit: 19-07-2025
Route Summary Marina Alta, a district in the north of the province of Alicante, is known for its beautiful beaches and pleasant climate on the Costa Blanca, luxury villas and tourist appeal.
Within this area, you'll find a number of charming coastal towns such as Denia, Jávea, Moraira, and Calpe. But the hilly interior is undoubtedly spectacular and definitely worth a visit. Here are a few villages you'll pass through, such as Benisilli, Benissiva, Beniali, and Benirama. These originally Moorish villages are all located in the Gallinera Valley and exude a wonderful rural charm. They also offer stunning roads with panoramic views and vistas of the sea or mountain ridges, past waterfalls, mountain passes, gorse trees everywhere, almond trees in the Gallinera Valley, and especially cherry trees, and sometimes you'll find yourself among a flock of sheep. Yes, this is another five-star tour.
This circular tour from Denia goes through the hinterland of the Marina Alta and past the rice fields in the Marjal de Pego-Oliva nature park back to Denia.
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Verdict
Duration
5h 24m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
130.61 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review This tour starts and ends in the coastal town of Denia. You'll loop through the interior of the Marina Alta, visiting Europe's last leper colony; you can break up your journey with a hike up the more than 6,800 Moorish steps to the Vall d'Inferno or walk along the bottom of the Ibert reservoir. The rugged, remote route past Castell de Castells takes you to the Vall de Gallinera with its Moorish villages, where the spring is white and pink with cherry blossoms. You can visit a relatively intact Moorish castle in Forna and then return to Denia past the rice paddies in the Marjas Pego-Oliva Natural Park.
The narrow Moorish streets that wind through the town center reveal that Dénia is a city with a unique history. The Baix la Mar district, next to the harbor, is a prime example of a traditional fishing district with its colorful houses. The food is delicious here! Furthermore, the modernist architecture in the city clearly demonstrates that Dénia flourished as a trading center, particularly in the late 19th century. Dénia's harbor remains very important to the area, yet it retains the charming and characteristic appearance of a Mediterranean port.
On the hill next to the harbor lies El Castillo. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, this castle is Islamic in style. Since then, the castle has undergone numerous modifications, including Renaissance influences. The castle was largely destroyed in 1859 but later restored. Concerts are often held in the castle in the summer evenings. The castle museum also houses the archaeological remains of a Roman settlement called Diannium, which were discovered in the area.
La Presa de Isbert, a completely useless dam, designed at the end of the nineteenth century, was built between 1928 and 1944. However, it proved useless due to the permeability of the calcareous soil. The short tunnel (100m) you pass through along the way was used as a shortcut to the dam. There is no lighting, and in wet weather, large puddles can form. This dam was built in the foothills of the narrow and spectacular Iserna Gorge, with its vertical walls reaching a height of almost 100 meters. During the dam's construction, engineers overlooked several things. The water disappears underground just before the dam, and the reservoir is almost always dry. Only after heavy rain does the water remain backed up in the river for a few days, and the area becomes marshy.
On the way to the former leper village of Fontilles, you can test yourself by climbing the Moorish fortress Castell de Les Atzavares. It's a small fortress consisting of two rectangular enclosures of Islamic origin. The Laguar Valley was the last stronghold of the Valencian Moors. In November 1609, they surrendered and were finally expelled to North Africa. Today, only a few remnants of the (rammed) walls remain. Crampons and chains are provided along the way for the climb to the castle.
Safely continuing on without sprained ankles, you arrive in Fontilles. This is a very special village in the high valley of Laguar. From afar, you can see a stone wall running across the hilltops surrounding the village. The residents came from all over Spain and never returned, as they would spend the rest of their lives here, ravaged by leprosy. From 1923 to 1930, they worked as a form of relief work on the still-existing 3,513-meter-long and three-meter-high wall surrounding the leper colony.
After falling into temporary disrepair, many pavilions have been restored in recent years. A stroll through Fontilles is a breath of fresh air. The buildings, the church, the surrounding area with its forest paths, and a walk to the old cemetery past the old ornamental trees and statues evoke the atmosphere of that era. The old entrance gate has since been demolished, and you can drive in and out freely. Fontilles remains the name of a non-profit organization that aims to eliminate leprosy and other poverty-related diseases and their consequences, as well as support the sustainable development of the affected population.
A suggestion: When you drive in, immediately turn right, going uphill. After a bend, you'll find a fairly large parking lot on the right, and you'll also have a view of the still completely walled estate.
The scenery along the way and around the next three villages, Campell, Fleix, and Benimaurell, is beautiful. It consists of many terraces planted with olive, cherry, almond, carob, and fig trees. The typical traditional streets and the old communal washhouses of the villages are also worth seeing. Campell, also called el Poble de Baix (Village of the Below), began as a town street between two ravines. Later, a parallel street developed here, with the backs of the houses directly facing the ravine.
It's time for coffee, and Benimaurell is a great spot. A table awaits you on the edge of the village in the authentic Moorish village.
If you still have time and feel like taking a scenic excursion after coffee, take the path to the Vall de l'Inferno. Past Benimaurell, follow the path to a steep, zigzagging cobblestone road of 6,873 steps over the mountains. This stone staircase was built by the Moors to create a safe route for traders and travelers through the mountains. The scenery along the way is spectacular. You'll encounter almond and cherry trees and old wash houses, such as the "lavadero y font grossa" (washing house and fountain).
You continue from Benimaurell with a descent to the next valley (Vall de Castell de Castells) on a narrow local road. Some caution is advised here, as the roadworks were delayed during the reconnaissance, but you're literally riding in nature here. At the bottom, you'll need to maneuver a bit to reach the main road.
You're now puffing away in a deserted, rugged landscape. You might be lucky enough to see water flowing through the riverbed, breaking the silence. But even here, it's still a delight. Via Castell, Famorca, Fageca, Tollos, and Beniaia, you arrive in the Vall de Gallinera, known as the cherry valley. Here lie eight picturesque villages: Benirrama, Benialí, Benissivà, Benitaia, La Carroja, Alpatró, Llombai, and Benissili. The Moorish influence is still visible here, for example, in the names of the villages and the old irrigation systems that provide the valley with the necessary water. The entrances to the valley were defended by castles. You can still visit the ruins of these castles in Benirrama and Benissili. The landscapes of the Vall de Gallinera are breathtaking. Here you'll discover imposing mountains and numerous olive, almond, and cherry trees growing on the Moorish terraces. From the cherry blossom period until the cherry harvest, which is between March and June, it is well worth visiting the valley, but you can also enjoy the beautiful colours of nature in autumn.
As you leave the cherry valley, you'll soon see an immense and relatively intact castle perched on a hill. This is Castell de Forna, built by the Moors to keep an eye on the Christian soldiers sent there to overthrow the Moorish regime. Through the small town of Forna, with its white houses, narrow, steep streets, and fantastic views, the Nautilus restaurant beckons for lunch. In the central square, you'll find a Moorish fountain that was also used by the Romans.
The last part of your hike runs partly through the Marjal Natural Park. This wetland lies adjacent to the Segaria Mountains. The area consists of several canals and is irrigated by the Bullent and Racon rivers. The park is of great ecological value and one of the most interesting wetlands in the region. It boasts a rich flora and fauna and is a breeding ground for numerous aquatic birds. For centuries, the locally renowned Bomba les Tanques rice variety has been cultivated here. This rice is used in paella and authentic Arroces (rice) dishes. In summer, you can take a relaxing boat trip and bathe in the crystal-clear waters of the Salinar.
Then it is only a short distance to Denia to evaluate your trip on a terrace at the harbour or simply enjoy the sun with a drink.
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Valencia
About this region
The Valencian Community (Valencian: Comunitat Valenciana; Spanish: Comunidad Valenciana) is an autonomous community of Spain. It is the fourth most populous autonomous community after Andalusia, Catalonia and Madrid with more than five million inhabitants. Its homonymous capital Valencia is the third largest city and metropolitan area in Spain. It is located along the Mediterranean coast on the east side of the Iberian peninsula. It borders with Catalonia to the north, Aragon and Castilla–La Mancha to the west, and Murcia to the south. The Valencian Community consists of three provinces which are Castellón, Valencia and Alicante.
According to Valencia's Statute of Autonomy, the Valencian people are a nationality. Their origins date back to the Aragonese reconquest of the Moorish Taifa of Valencia, which was taken by James I of Aragon in 1238 during the Reconquista. The newly founded Kingdom of Valencia was granted wide self-government under the Crown of Aragon. Valencia experienced its golden age in the 15th century, as it became the Crown's economic capital. Self-government continued after the unification of the Spanish Kingdom, but was eventually suspended in 1707 by Phillip V of Spain as a result of the Spanish War of Succession. Valencian nationalism resurged towards the end of the 19th century, which led to the modern conception of the Valencian Country. Self-government under the Generalitat Valenciana was finally reestablished in 1982 after Spanish transition to democracy.
Many Valencian people speak Valencian, the region's own co-official language, also known as Catalan in other regions. Valencian was repressed and persecuted during Franco's dictatorship (1939–1975) in favor of Spanish. Since it regained official status in 1982 in the Valencian Statute of Autonomy, Valencian has been implemented in public administration and the education system, leading to an exponential increase in knowledge of its formal standard. According to the general survey from 2015, Valencian is understood by almost the entire population living within the Valencian Community and is spoken by a wide majority, but almost half of the population cannot write it. As of 2020, the population of the Valencian Community comprised 10.63% of the Spanish population.
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According to Valencia's Statute of Autonomy, the Valencian people are a nationality. Their origins date back to the Aragonese reconquest of the Moorish Taifa of Valencia, which was taken by James I of Aragon in 1238 during the Reconquista. The newly founded Kingdom of Valencia was granted wide self-government under the Crown of Aragon. Valencia experienced its golden age in the 15th century, as it became the Crown's economic capital. Self-government continued after the unification of the Spanish Kingdom, but was eventually suspended in 1707 by Phillip V of Spain as a result of the Spanish War of Succession. Valencian nationalism resurged towards the end of the 19th century, which led to the modern conception of the Valencian Country. Self-government under the Generalitat Valenciana was finally reestablished in 1982 after Spanish transition to democracy.
Many Valencian people speak Valencian, the region's own co-official language, also known as Catalan in other regions. Valencian was repressed and persecuted during Franco's dictatorship (1939–1975) in favor of Spanish. Since it regained official status in 1982 in the Valencian Statute of Autonomy, Valencian has been implemented in public administration and the education system, leading to an exponential increase in knowledge of its formal standard. According to the general survey from 2015, Valencian is understood by almost the entire population living within the Valencian Community and is spoken by a wide majority, but almost half of the population cannot write it. As of 2020, the population of the Valencian Community comprised 10.63% of the Spanish population.
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Route Collections in this region Visiting Morella Albarracin and Beceite from Cerdanyola through fantastic secondary roads
Visiting Morella Albarracín and Beceite from Cerdanyola through fantastic secondary roads
This collection of 4 routes runs through the interior of Castellón and Teruel where one of the main attractions is its beautiful secondary roads. Several charming towns and good delicacies await us at each stage:
The first day will take us to Morella. Morella is an extraordinary example of a Gothic city and has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. In the first place, its castle and medieval walls stand out, erected in the 14th century. Within the old enclosure, it has remarkable churches, such as the archpriest of Santa María la Mayor, Gothic (1263-1330), with baroque details; the old convent of San Francisco (13th century); the churches of San Juan, Gothic (15th century) with neoclassical decoration, and of San Nicolás, Gothic; and the hermitages of San Marcos and San Pedro Mártir. In civil architecture, it is worth mentioning the Casa de la Villa (14th and 17th centuries), the Ciurana, Piquer, Rovira and Cardenal Ram houses, as well as the Hospital (15th century). Likewise, strolling through the set of stepped streets and the arcades of Blasco de Alagón, taking the circular tour of the mountain along the Paseo de la Alameda and contemplating the medieval aqueduct of Santa Llúcia outside are essential proposals to get to know this city. Two points of interest stand out in the municipality of Morella: the cave paintings of Morella La Vella, and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Vallirana. Every six years, since 1673, the Virgin is carried up in procession to the city. On the shoulders of the road there are numerous chapels where the pilgrims make prayers and prayers on their 22-kilometre march. Along the way we will enjoy the fantastic views from Fores and the strange sensation of crossing a wind farm.
The second day brings us closer to Albarracín, passing through the no less interesting Teruel. Albarracín is a unique place. Strolling through its streets, going through its wall and entering its monuments is like taking a trip to the Middle Ages. You will admire every corner, its reddish-colored houses, its doors and knockers, its tiny windows with lace curtains or its continuous balconies in rich wrought iron and carved wood. The beautiful architectural and urban legacy of Albarracín exudes charm and calm. You will admire every corner, its reddish-colored houses, its doors and knockers, its tiny windows with lace curtains, its continuous balconies in rich wrought iron and carved wood. Not to mention the wonderful views that you will get from its enviable location. The Plaza Mayor, where the Town Hall is located, is a good place to start your visit to this picturesque town, which is home to a number of interesting monuments and museums, such as the cathedral, the churches of Santiago and Santa María, the Casa- Noble Museum of the Pérez and Toyuela family, the Municipal Museum and the Diocesan Museum. If you go with children, don't miss the Toy Museum. If you want to enjoy the natural environment of Albarracín, you can take a pleasant walk along the Guadalaviar River and walk along the riverside promenade next to the meander excavated by the river as it passes through the town. I recommend you use the car parks at the entrance to the town and wear comfortable shoes to avoid the numerous slopes and stairs that you will find during your tour of Albarracín. Another attraction that Albarracín offers you is the Territorio Dinópolis branch dedicated to the world of fossils and prehistoric seas: Mar Nummus. Nearby is one of the most surprising landscape and cultural complexes in Aragon: the Rodeno Pinares Protected Landscape. The chromatic contrasts between the green of the pine forest and the red of the rodeno stone create a space of great color, strength and beauty. Excellent samples of Levantine rock art are preserved in its rocky shelters, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The best way to get to know Albarracín is, without a doubt, enjoying a guided tour of its streets and its most emblematic monuments. They are organized by the Fundación Santa María and also by the tourist services company El Andador.
For the third day, two exciting visits await us: Valderrobres and Beciete.
Valderrobres is the capital of the Matarraña region. Without a doubt, its presence in this list of the most beautiful towns in Teruel and in Spain is more than justified. Its enclave next to the ports of Beceite and the passage of the Matarraña River through the center of the municipality enhances the monumentality of Valderrobres. It overflows with architectural, cultural and artistic heritage, and in addition, its is located in a wonderful natural environment, the Matarraña River with the reflection of the Valderrobres stone bridge. The capital of Matarraña is located just half an hour from Alcañiz and three quarters of an hour from Tortosa or Morella. Access can only be done by roads, which are in perfect condition. Valderrobres is a medium-sized town with about 2,500 inhabitants. Here you will find restaurant services, accommodation, grocery stores where you can get your typical products and other types of establishments common in a county seat. There are abundant archaeological sites that allow us to know the Iberian origin of the town although, as in the case of Calaceite, the maximum splendor of the Teruel town took place in the Middle Ages. And it is that during the fifteenth century it even hosted several sessions of the Courts of the Kingdom of Aragon presided over by King Alfonso V. The magic of Valderrobres is located in its historic center. I recommend that you leave your vehicle in one of its authorized car parks and go on foot to the main access to the historic center. You will cross the stone bridge over the Matarraña River. From there you will discover the spectacular silhouette formed by the castle and the Church of Santa María in the center of the old town. On the stone bridge dates from the fifteenth century. There you will find the Portal de San Roque, a place where the pontazgo right was collected during the Middle Ages and from which you will access the Plaza de España. In the Plaza de España you will discover the magnificent building of the Town Hall. It is a 16th century building with a large fish market and typical of the Aragonese Renaissance, including an Aragonese gallery and a large eaves carved in wood with vegetal decoration. The rest of the buildings maintain the same medieval aesthetic. From that moment you will think you have gone back to that time. From there you must go to the top of the hill to visit the monumental complex made up of the castle and the church. You will do it through narrow and steep streets. Don't miss any detail. They will fascinate you! When you finish your ascent through the cobbled streets you will find one of the treasures of the visit. The Church of Santa María la Mayor. In addition to the impressive rose window, which you have been seeing from afar, its portal stands out. splendid! The Church, dating from the 14th century, has been recently restored. It is an Aragonese Levantine Gothic temple in which its ribbed vaults stand out. Right next to it is the castle. At the beginning of December 2021, its restoration has been completed and together with the church they form a unique heritage complex. Do not hesitate to visit the castle. The visit is well worth it. Its spacious rooms will amaze you.
The final destination of this day is Beceite. The Ports of Beceite are a mountainous massif that separates the Ebro valley from the Mediterranean and extends between the provinces of Tarragona, Castellón and Teruel. Its steep mountains, pierced by numerous rivers and ravines, hide impressive places such as the Parrizal de Beceite, Las Rocas del Masmut, la Pesquera and the Salt de la Portellada. The best-known enclave is the Parrizal de Beceite, which offers a fantastic walk between stone walls and along the Matarraña riverbed itself. Entering the Parrizal is a fantastic experience, suitable for all ages given its ease. The route begins very close to Beceite and runs parallel to the Matarraña River. During the tour you will cross the river several times with the help of footbridges that will take you over small pools of transparent water. The path ends at Los Estrechos, where the river is channeled by vertiginous walls that reach an impossible width of 1.5 m. for 60 meters high and impressive stone needles known as Les Gubies. Keep in mind that access is regulated on weekends, bank holidays and high season. Another great attraction in the area is the Rocas del Masmut, an impressive reddish rock more than 100 meters high near Peñarroya de Tastavins, with a large colony of vultures. And do not forget to contemplate the beautiful 20-meter waterfall of El Salt, a few kilometers from the town of La Portellada. A great density of vegetation serves as a refuge for numerous animals, such as the Hispanic goat. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons and eagle owls also nest in this rugged landscape. The ravines pierced by crystal clear waters, among which the Pesquera and Escresala ravines stand out, with abundant native crabs and trout, are also the habitat of the dipper.
And as the end of this collection, following wonderful secondary roads, we will visit Horta de Sant Joan and Miravet.
Horta de Sant Joan is the tourist and cultural capital of La Terra Alta. This is a medieval town located on top of a 543 meter high hill. The The municipality is bounded to the south by Arnes, Paüls and Alfara de Carles, to the west by Lledó and Arenys de Lledó (Teruel), to the north by Caseres, Bot andto the east of Prat de Comte. Although the Ebro River does not pass through the Horta de SantJoan terminus, the Algars River which forms a dividing line between the province of Teruel in the western part, the river Estrets in the southern part of the term and the river Canaletes in the eastern part. All these rivers are tributaries or sub-tributaries of the Ebro River. The remains found indicate the uncertain origin of an Iberian settlement in the highest part. These lands were later conquered by Muslims and later by Christians. In the year 1174 the king ceded the town to the temple workers and they began a repopulation of Horta de Sant Joan, although it was not until the 19th century that there was significant growth.
Miravet is a fairly small town, but with several interesting places that are worth visiting. In half a day you can see almost everything, but if you can spend a little more time you will enjoy it much more. One of the must-sees is the Castle. Once at the visitor center we buy the tickets. The price is €5, although for students, youth card holders or retirees, among others, they have a €2 discount on the price. Summer opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while in winter they close at 5:30 p.m., except for January and February, which close at 4:00 p.m. Inside the Miravet castle is a marvel and although it was partially destroyed during the Battle of the Ebro it is still well preserved.
Old Church: This church was built in the Renaissance period between the 16th and 17th centuries and remained abandoned for a long time until it was restored. Now it has become a cultural and historical monument of Miravet and quite an interesting visit. It is said that it was built where the old mosque from Muslim times might have previously been located. Inside you can see several permanent exhibitions on the history of Miravet or the Templars, among others. It is shaped like a cross and highlights a dome with sgraffito with a hole from a bomb impact during the Battle of the Ebro, in the midst of the Civil War. Also, there is a stone table made by the Templars in the 12th century and that was originally from the castle, until it was transferred to the church around 1750.
Historic center of Miravet: After visiting the church, you can discover the old quarter of the town, where there are very pretty corners and cobbled houses that we love. In the center of Miravet we can find outstanding buildings such as the Old Mill, the Portal del Motxi or the Palacio del Comendador. We continued walking through the old town until we reached the Plaza del Arenal (where we had parked). It is one of the best known and surprising activities that can be done in Miravet. In reality, it is nothing more than reaching the river and getting the car on a boat to cross it, in this way you reach the opposite side. But it is very surprising and people do it because it is the last boat crossing on the entire Ebro that works without a motor. An experience that will not leave you indifferent! The price for crossing to the other side of the river is €3 per vehicle, you can also cross without a car for €1 per person. Although crossing without a car does not make much sense, since on the other side of the river there is nothing until a few kilometers further on. But you can walk a bit along the path that runs alongside the Ebro. Hours are from 09:00 to 19:00, although in winter they close an hour earlier. If you have seen any photos of Miravet, it is probably from the pier. It is the best place to see the panorama of the town and from where you will also have the best views of the castle. We sat on the pier to have a snack while we enjoyed the tranquility of the place and the beautiful views. If you go at sunset you will have a beautiful sunset and the reflection of the views in the water, a perfect plan!
The 4 routes that make up this collection are:
1.- Cerdanyola to Morella. About 350 kms with 8 hours of duration
2.- From Morella to Albarracin visiting Teruel. 180 km with about 4.5 hours of duration.
3.- From Albarracin to Valderrobres and Beceite. 227 kms with a little less than 5 hours of duration
4.- From Beceite to Cerdanyola visiting Horta de Sant Joan and Miravet. 250 kms and just over 8 hours long.
This collection of 4 routes runs through the interior of Castellón and Teruel where one of the main attractions is its beautiful secondary roads. Several charming towns and good delicacies await us at each stage:
The first day will take us to Morella. Morella is an extraordinary example of a Gothic city and has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. In the first place, its castle and medieval walls stand out, erected in the 14th century. Within the old enclosure, it has remarkable churches, such as the archpriest of Santa María la Mayor, Gothic (1263-1330), with baroque details; the old convent of San Francisco (13th century); the churches of San Juan, Gothic (15th century) with neoclassical decoration, and of San Nicolás, Gothic; and the hermitages of San Marcos and San Pedro Mártir. In civil architecture, it is worth mentioning the Casa de la Villa (14th and 17th centuries), the Ciurana, Piquer, Rovira and Cardenal Ram houses, as well as the Hospital (15th century). Likewise, strolling through the set of stepped streets and the arcades of Blasco de Alagón, taking the circular tour of the mountain along the Paseo de la Alameda and contemplating the medieval aqueduct of Santa Llúcia outside are essential proposals to get to know this city. Two points of interest stand out in the municipality of Morella: the cave paintings of Morella La Vella, and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Vallirana. Every six years, since 1673, the Virgin is carried up in procession to the city. On the shoulders of the road there are numerous chapels where the pilgrims make prayers and prayers on their 22-kilometre march. Along the way we will enjoy the fantastic views from Fores and the strange sensation of crossing a wind farm.
The second day brings us closer to Albarracín, passing through the no less interesting Teruel. Albarracín is a unique place. Strolling through its streets, going through its wall and entering its monuments is like taking a trip to the Middle Ages. You will admire every corner, its reddish-colored houses, its doors and knockers, its tiny windows with lace curtains or its continuous balconies in rich wrought iron and carved wood. The beautiful architectural and urban legacy of Albarracín exudes charm and calm. You will admire every corner, its reddish-colored houses, its doors and knockers, its tiny windows with lace curtains, its continuous balconies in rich wrought iron and carved wood. Not to mention the wonderful views that you will get from its enviable location. The Plaza Mayor, where the Town Hall is located, is a good place to start your visit to this picturesque town, which is home to a number of interesting monuments and museums, such as the cathedral, the churches of Santiago and Santa María, the Casa- Noble Museum of the Pérez and Toyuela family, the Municipal Museum and the Diocesan Museum. If you go with children, don't miss the Toy Museum. If you want to enjoy the natural environment of Albarracín, you can take a pleasant walk along the Guadalaviar River and walk along the riverside promenade next to the meander excavated by the river as it passes through the town. I recommend you use the car parks at the entrance to the town and wear comfortable shoes to avoid the numerous slopes and stairs that you will find during your tour of Albarracín. Another attraction that Albarracín offers you is the Territorio Dinópolis branch dedicated to the world of fossils and prehistoric seas: Mar Nummus. Nearby is one of the most surprising landscape and cultural complexes in Aragon: the Rodeno Pinares Protected Landscape. The chromatic contrasts between the green of the pine forest and the red of the rodeno stone create a space of great color, strength and beauty. Excellent samples of Levantine rock art are preserved in its rocky shelters, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The best way to get to know Albarracín is, without a doubt, enjoying a guided tour of its streets and its most emblematic monuments. They are organized by the Fundación Santa María and also by the tourist services company El Andador.
For the third day, two exciting visits await us: Valderrobres and Beciete.
Valderrobres is the capital of the Matarraña region. Without a doubt, its presence in this list of the most beautiful towns in Teruel and in Spain is more than justified. Its enclave next to the ports of Beceite and the passage of the Matarraña River through the center of the municipality enhances the monumentality of Valderrobres. It overflows with architectural, cultural and artistic heritage, and in addition, its is located in a wonderful natural environment, the Matarraña River with the reflection of the Valderrobres stone bridge. The capital of Matarraña is located just half an hour from Alcañiz and three quarters of an hour from Tortosa or Morella. Access can only be done by roads, which are in perfect condition. Valderrobres is a medium-sized town with about 2,500 inhabitants. Here you will find restaurant services, accommodation, grocery stores where you can get your typical products and other types of establishments common in a county seat. There are abundant archaeological sites that allow us to know the Iberian origin of the town although, as in the case of Calaceite, the maximum splendor of the Teruel town took place in the Middle Ages. And it is that during the fifteenth century it even hosted several sessions of the Courts of the Kingdom of Aragon presided over by King Alfonso V. The magic of Valderrobres is located in its historic center. I recommend that you leave your vehicle in one of its authorized car parks and go on foot to the main access to the historic center. You will cross the stone bridge over the Matarraña River. From there you will discover the spectacular silhouette formed by the castle and the Church of Santa María in the center of the old town. On the stone bridge dates from the fifteenth century. There you will find the Portal de San Roque, a place where the pontazgo right was collected during the Middle Ages and from which you will access the Plaza de España. In the Plaza de España you will discover the magnificent building of the Town Hall. It is a 16th century building with a large fish market and typical of the Aragonese Renaissance, including an Aragonese gallery and a large eaves carved in wood with vegetal decoration. The rest of the buildings maintain the same medieval aesthetic. From that moment you will think you have gone back to that time. From there you must go to the top of the hill to visit the monumental complex made up of the castle and the church. You will do it through narrow and steep streets. Don't miss any detail. They will fascinate you! When you finish your ascent through the cobbled streets you will find one of the treasures of the visit. The Church of Santa María la Mayor. In addition to the impressive rose window, which you have been seeing from afar, its portal stands out. splendid! The Church, dating from the 14th century, has been recently restored. It is an Aragonese Levantine Gothic temple in which its ribbed vaults stand out. Right next to it is the castle. At the beginning of December 2021, its restoration has been completed and together with the church they form a unique heritage complex. Do not hesitate to visit the castle. The visit is well worth it. Its spacious rooms will amaze you.
The final destination of this day is Beceite. The Ports of Beceite are a mountainous massif that separates the Ebro valley from the Mediterranean and extends between the provinces of Tarragona, Castellón and Teruel. Its steep mountains, pierced by numerous rivers and ravines, hide impressive places such as the Parrizal de Beceite, Las Rocas del Masmut, la Pesquera and the Salt de la Portellada. The best-known enclave is the Parrizal de Beceite, which offers a fantastic walk between stone walls and along the Matarraña riverbed itself. Entering the Parrizal is a fantastic experience, suitable for all ages given its ease. The route begins very close to Beceite and runs parallel to the Matarraña River. During the tour you will cross the river several times with the help of footbridges that will take you over small pools of transparent water. The path ends at Los Estrechos, where the river is channeled by vertiginous walls that reach an impossible width of 1.5 m. for 60 meters high and impressive stone needles known as Les Gubies. Keep in mind that access is regulated on weekends, bank holidays and high season. Another great attraction in the area is the Rocas del Masmut, an impressive reddish rock more than 100 meters high near Peñarroya de Tastavins, with a large colony of vultures. And do not forget to contemplate the beautiful 20-meter waterfall of El Salt, a few kilometers from the town of La Portellada. A great density of vegetation serves as a refuge for numerous animals, such as the Hispanic goat. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons and eagle owls also nest in this rugged landscape. The ravines pierced by crystal clear waters, among which the Pesquera and Escresala ravines stand out, with abundant native crabs and trout, are also the habitat of the dipper.
And as the end of this collection, following wonderful secondary roads, we will visit Horta de Sant Joan and Miravet.
Horta de Sant Joan is the tourist and cultural capital of La Terra Alta. This is a medieval town located on top of a 543 meter high hill. The The municipality is bounded to the south by Arnes, Paüls and Alfara de Carles, to the west by Lledó and Arenys de Lledó (Teruel), to the north by Caseres, Bot andto the east of Prat de Comte. Although the Ebro River does not pass through the Horta de SantJoan terminus, the Algars River which forms a dividing line between the province of Teruel in the western part, the river Estrets in the southern part of the term and the river Canaletes in the eastern part. All these rivers are tributaries or sub-tributaries of the Ebro River. The remains found indicate the uncertain origin of an Iberian settlement in the highest part. These lands were later conquered by Muslims and later by Christians. In the year 1174 the king ceded the town to the temple workers and they began a repopulation of Horta de Sant Joan, although it was not until the 19th century that there was significant growth.
Miravet is a fairly small town, but with several interesting places that are worth visiting. In half a day you can see almost everything, but if you can spend a little more time you will enjoy it much more. One of the must-sees is the Castle. Once at the visitor center we buy the tickets. The price is €5, although for students, youth card holders or retirees, among others, they have a €2 discount on the price. Summer opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while in winter they close at 5:30 p.m., except for January and February, which close at 4:00 p.m. Inside the Miravet castle is a marvel and although it was partially destroyed during the Battle of the Ebro it is still well preserved.
Old Church: This church was built in the Renaissance period between the 16th and 17th centuries and remained abandoned for a long time until it was restored. Now it has become a cultural and historical monument of Miravet and quite an interesting visit. It is said that it was built where the old mosque from Muslim times might have previously been located. Inside you can see several permanent exhibitions on the history of Miravet or the Templars, among others. It is shaped like a cross and highlights a dome with sgraffito with a hole from a bomb impact during the Battle of the Ebro, in the midst of the Civil War. Also, there is a stone table made by the Templars in the 12th century and that was originally from the castle, until it was transferred to the church around 1750.
Historic center of Miravet: After visiting the church, you can discover the old quarter of the town, where there are very pretty corners and cobbled houses that we love. In the center of Miravet we can find outstanding buildings such as the Old Mill, the Portal del Motxi or the Palacio del Comendador. We continued walking through the old town until we reached the Plaza del Arenal (where we had parked). It is one of the best known and surprising activities that can be done in Miravet. In reality, it is nothing more than reaching the river and getting the car on a boat to cross it, in this way you reach the opposite side. But it is very surprising and people do it because it is the last boat crossing on the entire Ebro that works without a motor. An experience that will not leave you indifferent! The price for crossing to the other side of the river is €3 per vehicle, you can also cross without a car for €1 per person. Although crossing without a car does not make much sense, since on the other side of the river there is nothing until a few kilometers further on. But you can walk a bit along the path that runs alongside the Ebro. Hours are from 09:00 to 19:00, although in winter they close an hour earlier. If you have seen any photos of Miravet, it is probably from the pier. It is the best place to see the panorama of the town and from where you will also have the best views of the castle. We sat on the pier to have a snack while we enjoyed the tranquility of the place and the beautiful views. If you go at sunset you will have a beautiful sunset and the reflection of the views in the water, a perfect plan!
The 4 routes that make up this collection are:
1.- Cerdanyola to Morella. About 350 kms with 8 hours of duration
2.- From Morella to Albarracin visiting Teruel. 180 km with about 4.5 hours of duration.
3.- From Albarracin to Valderrobres and Beceite. 227 kms with a little less than 5 hours of duration
4.- From Beceite to Cerdanyola visiting Horta de Sant Joan and Miravet. 250 kms and just over 8 hours long.
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A 5-day tour from Peniscola visiting Toledo Merida Avila Segovia Siquenza Barcelona
A 5-route, 5-day tour of Peniscola, Aranjuez, Toledo, Consuegra, Molinos, Merida, Avila, Segovia, seguiranza and Barcelona, taking in these sites will immerse you in the rich history and culture of Spain. From stunning medieval fortresses to charming windmill villages, you will pass through picturesque roads enjoying the exquisite local cuisine and natural beauty that each place has to offer. It will be an unforgettable experience full of discoveries and unforgettable moments. Definitely a trip worth taking!
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