OUT AND ABOUT

MORELLA

Discover the medieval town of Morella in the El Maestrazago region, perched on high and crowned with a spectacular ruined castle. En-route from resort visit the small hilltop town of Cervera del Maestre and see local craftsman carving from olive wood (souvenir opportunity). Once in Morella, take time to explore its narrow (steep) winding cobbled streets lined with artisan stores, bars, boutiques and restaurants. For those with the energy a journey to the castle is memorable (and physically demanding) -the views are truly incredible!. Winding your way back to resort visit the old town of San Mateu and the mountains of Alcala.

VILLAFAMES AND CABANES

Wander through unspoilt valleys to the intriguing medieval town of Villafames. Explore the maze of sloping streets, which lead to the restored castle keep. Admire the stunning church and museum of contemporary art housed in a 15th century mansion house. See the old washhouse, which is still in use today! Enjoy a traditional lunch of tapas and local beverages before continuing your journey. Drive back to resort along the picturesque mountain road winding slowly down to the beach at Torre la Sal, where you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade with it’s tiny old beach houses and local bars.

PENISCOLA

Peniscola (20 minutes drive), known as “Ciudad en la Mar” or City in the Sea... was the setting for Valencia in the film ‘El Cid’ starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren. It has a fine monumental heritage. Its 11th century battlements and ancient church are clearly visible from a great distance. Pe–iscola’s narrow cobbled streets are filled with attractive shops and excellent restaurants. At the fishing port each afternoon, a spectacular fish auction is held where much of the fish served by the local hotels and restaurants is bought. In season there is a nightly bazaar type market under the castle walls and the area around the tourist office has artists, more unusual souvenirs, punch and judy show, and street performers. This area is the liveliest, especially at weekends. The feast of “Moros y Cristianos” is celebrated in Peniscola on September 8th

BENICARLO

Benicarlo is 5km north from Peniscola. This fishing town has an 18th century church that is worth visiting together with an archaeological museum. There are many restaurants serving the coastal speciality of paella in the town. Impressive new marina at the port. All services to be found in town, Wednesday market.

The local festival is the “Fallas” (burning figures) which takes place in Benicarlo on March 19th.

VINAROS
Next town along the coast, similar population to Benicarl—, also fishing fleet and shops. Good beach and harbour. Thursday market. The Carnivals of Vinaros are in February.

TORTOSA
Attractive town set on the banks of the Ebro, 50km from Pe–’scola. Impressive Parador Nacional set in the castle overlooking the town. Good local food to be had in the restaurant. Impressive scenery and gorges as river winds northwards towards Mora.

SAN MATEU
Capital of the local province, the Maestrazago”. This tiny town has an attractive village square and several restaurants. Restaurant on the corner of the square has reasonable menus available. 5 km from the town is Nuestra Se–ora de los Angeles, a monastery worth visiting, with restaurant serving local food.

OROPESSA
13km further south of Alcossebre is Oropessa the home of Marina D’Or. The beach town of Oropessa is one of the more developed resorts on the Costa Del Azahar. It has several fine beaches, including La Concha (the shell) and Morre de Gos. The many unspoilt beach coves have classic views of the Mediterranean and a reputation for clean and safe waters.

CAVES SAN JOSE

Near Vall D’Uix—. 6km from the N340, 25km south west Castell—n. The caves were inhabited more than 15000 years ago. Cave paintings bear this fact out. No one knows how long the underground river of San Jose has existed. One thing is for certain, the caves offer one of the most incredible subterranean boat ride experiences in all of Spain. The whole trip lasts about 40 minutes. It is divided in to a boat ride of 2 kms, then a walk of 250 metres along a passage which is also beautifully lit. The temperature stays constant all year round.

THE COLUMBRETES ISLANDS
A small archipelago, of great ecological importance, situated 35 km off the coast of Alcossebre. The four small volcanic islands of La Isla Grande, La Ferrera, La Forada and El Bergantin extend over three nautical miles and were declared a natural park in 1990. The islands were uninhabited, save the occasional pirates, until the nineteenth century when a lighthouse was built on the largest island in the group, naturally enough called La Isla Grande, or Big Island. They are also the nesting grounds of several rare European birds, including Audouin’s gull, Cory’s shearwater and Eleonora’s Falcon.

A trip to Las Columbretes, obviously subject to certain limitations in order to maintain the ecological balance required by a Nature park, constitutes an unforgettable experience for anyone fortunate enough to be able to sail there, and the sea is generally very calm. The journey can be made from any point along the Costa del Azahar but it should be remembered that visitors are strictly controlled. One may only land of Columbrete Grande and even then only in the presence of a Nature Park ranger. The journey is more than worthwhile to take in the magnificent sights formed by volcanic remains, amidst a blue sea where shoals of fish and crustaceans move between banks of red coral.