Mountains run through from north to south crashing valleys and plateaus in a violent topography which gives the quintessence of this nature. An aesthetic category based on the idea that the roughness could excite the retina and thus produce pleasure to the romantic view of nature.
Centuries ago this area was the border among Moslem Taifas and the Cristian Kingdom of Aragón. Explore the core of
Els Ports, Natural Park of La Tinença and Maestrazgo.
Enjoy the finest ending getting Morella, the pearl of Maestrazgo.
Self guided program.
Group size: min. 1.
Grade: level B moderate
8 days / 7 nights / 6 days walking.
Daywalk baggage: Daysac.
Accommodation: Small hotel, Guest House (Casas Rurales).
Price: from 596 EUR / pp / 2 person party. Sharing double room.
Dates: From 01/03 to 11/11.
Connecting landscape & emotion:
Trek village to village; challenge & Achievement. Mountains fill the horizons. Sun breaks through tops and illuminates farms. Something pure and original, something deeply human and true is found in the ancient culture of the rural population. Rediscovering a lost tradition: dialogue with nature.
Detailed Tour
1
Meet up in Beceite. Briefing.
Beceite, the wilder heart of the Matarranya at the entrance of the mountain massif Els Ports and medieval village, a cultural-historical monument that belongs to the Spanish heritage.
2
Parrizal Gorge.
15 km.
A short transfer (20 min.) brings us to the starting point. We leave Beceite along the Matarranya River, which squeezes through a narrow valley. Today we are trekking through some of the most rugged landscapes we will see this week. We hike first at the bottom of the gorge and then winding our way up the mountain. We can expect a very pleasant view from the highest points we will reach. Up and down, inside and outside the gorge.
Our way continues through a forest of pine and oak, a track that takes us to Beceite where we stay at the same hotel as the night before.
3
Tossal Three Kingdoms - Fredes.
17 km.
A short transfer (20 min.) brings us to the starting point. The first part goes through a dense forest to the Ermita San Miguel and to the summit Tossal Los Tres Reyes (1350 m). Here we literally tower over the 3 ancient kingdoms. Then we take a path that takes us through GR7, the long-distance route that connects the French Vosges with Andalusia in the south of Spain. The red and white stripes lead us through the beautiful natural park of La Tinença de Benifassa and then descending to the hamlet of Fredes.
4
Fredes. El Portel del Infern.
13 km.
One of the best routes offered in La Tinença de Benifassá Natural Park. The first section, runs along the former horseshoe path that links the villages of Fredes and La Senia, through the mythical natural pass El Portell del Infern, among large limestone rock walls.
The itinerary invites us to enjoy the surrounding nature: extensive woods, “Masías”, and river gorges. It is precisely the lack of human influence which has preserved the ecosystems of these lands.
5
Fredes - Boixar - Vallibona.
20 km.
As on the previous day, we walk along the GR7 leaving Fredes, the last of the towns of La Tinença, a territory which was part of the estate of the Abbot of the Monastery of Benifassá. James I the Conqueror recovered these lands before the conquest of Valencia, and in 1233 founded a commemorative hermitage on Mount Beni Hasan.
First get Boixar (means a place round by buxus) and then from here, almost always in descent, we reach Vallibona, another small town of less than 40 inhabitants.
6
Vallibona. Moli de Rico.
12 km.
The Vallibona circle to Rico Water Mill. With two nights in delightful Vallibona, this can be a complete rest day or take the following walk which is by no means strenuous and follows a ravine to a deserted water mill. Another opportunity to see how life once thrived by evidence of the deserted Mas, the Molino and surrounding terraces.
7
Vallibona - Morella.
15 km.
That is the final day in this area with its intricate mountain ranges before reaching the spectacular Morella, a town which can be seen for hours in the distance. A town laden with history: Calle Els Porxes, the Town Hall, Iglesia de Santa María Church, Towers and Castle, Renaissance Noble Palaces and a lot more.
Its walls have borne witness to legends such as El Cid, Rodrigo Diaz, who passed through Morella in the year 1084, or the Tiger of El Maestrazgo, Ramón Cabrera, a Carlist General who took up a strong position in the town.
8
Transfer to bus connection / hired car / train station. Farewell.
What is included in this picturesque tour?
596€/pers*
Included
- 8 days / 7 nights / 6 days walking.
- Briefing at spot is delivered. Half board.
- Internal transfers days 2nd,3rd.
- Baggage transport.
- Route book (maps and notes send by mail).
- 24/7 emergency telephone number.
- Taxes.
Not included
- Transport to local start point and return.
- Picnic.
- Insurance.
Optional
- Transportation to starting point from any airport and back.
- Extended stays.
- Divide stages.
- Map lover?: please ask us about originals.
- Local guide: UIMLA International Mountain Leader (English spoken). Please ask us about
* 596 EUR per person in a double room. 30% deposit at booking. The rest to be paid 30 days prior to departure. Read conditions.
Travelers’ pictures
