Els Ports: An Incredible Destination in Inland Province of Castellón

Located in inland province of Castellón, Els Ports is a county that has got plenty of surprises up its sleeves. Promising culture, monuments and nature, the destination is an absolute must-visit during your time in the Region of Valencia. You are going to fall in love with the beautiful villages and incredible history. Keep reading to discover all the adventures that await in Els Ports. 

What to see in Els Ports

Every destination – no matter how small – in Els Ports will steal your heart with everything there is to see and do. We’re going to start our tour of the county in Castellfort, which has a beautiful historic centre and scenery dotted with dry stone structures, which are protected by UNESCO. As well as a rock shelter, El Turó, where rock art dating back to the Neolithic period has been found. 

Our next stop is Cinctorres whose streets will transport you to the Middle Ages. You will then be taken even further back in time to the dinosaur period at Dinomanía Cultural Park. Make sure you explore La Rambla de Celumbres, an area of natural beauty, and Bovalar Caves. In Forcall, you can take some incredible photos with beautiful streets and buildings in the background. The village also has rock art and spectacular scenery so make sure you don’t forget your walking boots and backpack. 

Herbers is on Ruta 99, a list of villages that have fewer than 100 inhabitants. The destination is defined by beautiful trails, such as those that will lead you to El Botador waterfall and Ullals de Pitarch pools. We are going to continue to La Mata de Morella where you can visit the community oven, icehouse and an interesting collection about the artisanship of espadrilles. 

Your exploration of Els Ports will now take you to Olocau del Rey, a medieval town which is on the Camino del Cid tourist and cultural route. The peaceful streets invite you to take a stroll in which you will feel like you are travelling back in time. Palanques is a small destination with plenty of interesting sites including rock art, the remains of a Roman road, spectacular views and historic streets.

Make sure you stop off at Portell de Morella to visit the ruins of the castle, which are currently connected to the bell tower, as well as the beautiful landscapes. Todolella is a great place to wander along streets lined with stone façades and trails that will lead to the castle, the Gothic Bridge and the early abandoned village of Sarañana. Els Ports is also home to destinations where photographers can get snap-happy capturing unique sites, namely Vallibona, Villores and Villafranca del Cid, where you can find Puebla del Bellestar. 

Last on our list of places to visit in Els Ports are two municipalities, Morella and Zorita del Maestrazgo, and a proposal: to walk the stages of the GR-331, also known as Camí de la Conquesta, on an exploration of the charms of this breathtaking county. In Zorita del Maestrazgo, make sure you visit the incredible La Balma Shrine, which is carved into a vertical rockface. An image that will engrave itself on your memory.  

Finally, we’d recommend dedicating a couple of days to Morella, a medieval town where you can wander along porticoed streets, visit an impressive castle and be taken aback by the paintings at San Francisco Convent. Come and be blown away by the beauty of Els Ports, a destination you’ll want to visit time and time again.