Els Ports is a region with small villages. That's why, during your visit...
PLEASE NOTE!
01
Book your meals in advance.
Plan your route in advance and book wherever you like. You can see all the options on our website.
02
Carry cash with you.
Not all towns in the region have an ATM. Do this in advance.
03
Before starting the route, get organized and check the opening hours of the different establishments and services.
If some of them, such as churches or museums, are closed, you can watch the videos on our website to discover their interior.
THE TASTAVINS ROUTE
Suggested visiting times in each village:
Morella, 2 hours:
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Herbers, 45 minutes:
12:30 p.m. – 01:15 p.m.
Peñarroya de Tastavins, 45 minutes:
03:30 p.m. – 04:15 p.m.
Monroyo, 45 minutes:
04:30 p.m. – 05:15 p.m.
La Pobla d'Alcolea, 30 minutes:
05:30 p.m. – 18:00 p.m.
DISTANCE: A 63 km circular route.
RECOMMENDED TIMES:
From 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
PLACES TO EAT:
There are bars and restaurants in Morella, Herbers, Penya-roja de Tastavins and Montroig (remember to book in advance).
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One of the northernmost areas of Els Ports borders the neighboring region of Matarraña, a territory that stands out for the existence of small and picturesque villages with impressive historical centers and heritage .
Facing the Tastavins River, this part of the territory is characterized by its bucolic landscapes and mild temperatures.
This route will take you to places frozen in time, where you can enjoy history, heritage and scenery in a delightful way.
06 · THE TASTAVINS ROUTE
Morella
FIRST STOP
Recommended visit time in the town within the route:
2 hours
Proposed schedule:
From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Please bear in mind that the attractions you’ll be visiting usually open at 11.00 a.m. We therefore recommend that you get an early start and make the most of the time beforehand to wander through the town’s pretty streets.
Useful phone numbers
TOURIST OFFICE:
Tel. 661 42 52 94
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 a.m. – 02.00 p.m.
Sunday 10.00 a.m. – 02.00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays.
Morella, the capital of the Els Ports region, is a town renowned for its imposing castle and for preserving the ancient medieval walls that encircle its historic center, creating an iconic image in the area. Inside, the town's layout is characterized by steep streets, arcades, and stately homes. Architecture, history, and traditions can be enjoyed on this fascinating visit.
EXPLORE
Explore the historic center on foot, from the Towers of Sant Miquel to the Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor, visiting the Council House with its Gothic rooms and medieval prison, the Jewish quarter , the arcaded street of Blasco de Alagón , and the Pla dels Estudis. During your walk, you'll enjoy imposing manor houses, charming corners, and buildings.
VISIT
DID YOU KNOW...
Morella is the quintessential reference point for Carlism in eastern Spain . During the First Carlist War (1833-1839), it was the first town to proclaim the dynastic rights of the pretender to the throne, Carlos María Isidro, and the last place to fall into the hands of the liberals.
DON'T MISS...
You can't leave Morella without trying the " flaons ", a typical local pastry filled with ricotta and almonds that is part of the local gastronomic identity.
06 · THE TASTAVINS ROUTE
Herbers
SECOND STOP
Recommended visit time in the town within the route:
45 minutes
Proposed schedule:
From 12:30 p.m. to 01:15 p.m.
Located beside the Escalona River, a tributary of the Tastavins, lies the town of Herbers, a former medieval manor that boasts an outstanding historical heritage that will surprise you. During your visit, you can enjoy the Baron's Castle, one of the jewels of Els Ports, as well as sample the local brandy of this town steeped in history and tradition.
EXPLORE
Climb the steep streets of the town to the Plaza Mayor . From there, walk up past the Mesón la Lonja and, opposite the old potter's kiln, head towards the church of Sant Bartomeu . To finish the tour, stroll to the Baron's Castle, an old and imposing manor house with roots in the 14th century.
VISIT
DID YOU KNOW...
Rafael Ram de Viu was a historic baron of Herbers who owned the castle of the town and who has gone down in history for leading the first Carlist uprising in the history of Spain.
DON'T MISS...
You can't leave here without trying the famous Herbers Brandy , a liqueur made from brandy and "gitam" , an aromatic plant very common in the territory.
06 · THE TASTAVINS ROUTE
Peñarroya de Tastavins
THIRD STOP
Recommended visit time in the town within the route:
45 minutes
Proposed schedule:
From 03:30 p.m. to 04:15 p.m
The town of Peñarroya de Tastavins is located in the Matarraña region, in the province of Teruel. A must-see on any route through this part of the country, its interesting historic center is a real treat.
Outside the town is the hermitage of the Virgin of the Font, which contains one of the most spectacular medieval painted ceilings in the territory and was declared a national monument in 1931.
EXPLORE
Stroll through the town's streets, enjoying its unique layout and the authentic facades of its houses . Visit the Parish Church of Santa María la Mayor and the Dinópolis Museum .
On the outskirts, visit the chapel of the Virgin of the Fountain and relax exploring its surroundings.
VISIT
DID YOU KNOW...
The " Tastavinsaurus sanzi " was a sauropod dinosaur that lived during the mid-Cretaceous period and was discovered in this area . It is named after the Tastavins River, which originates in the town of Peñarroya.
06 · THE TASTAVINS ROUTE
Monroyo
FOURTH STOP
Recommended visit time in the town within the route:
45 minutes
Proposed schedule:
From 04:30 p.m. to 05:15 p.m.
Monroyo, also known as Montroig de Tastavins or simply Montroig, is a village in the Matarraña region of the province of Teruel, bordering the municipality of Morella. Its historic center retains its medieval structure and contains architectural elements of great interest.
EXPLORE
Take a stroll through the town's streets until you reach the town hall . From there, head to Josa Square, where you'll see the parish church of Santa María . To continue your walk, pass through the Plazoleta Vieja (Old Square) and make your way to the San Domingo gate, enjoying the town's picturesque corners.
VISIT
DID YOU KNOW...
On the rock overlooking the town stands a tower with a clock that needs to be wound up once a week .
06 · THE TASTAVINS ROUTE
La Pobla d'Alcolea
FIFTH STOP
Recommended visit time in the town within the route:
30 minutes
Proposed schedule:
From 05:30 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.
La Pobla d'Alcolea is one of the four districts of Morella, a small population center from which a large territory can be seen.
EXPLORE
Stroll through the small town center, from the Plaza Mayor to the parish church . Outside the town, admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
VISIT
DID YOU KNOW...
On a clear day, the Pyrenees can be seen from La Pobla d'Alcolea.