Morella and the villages of Tinença de Benifassà in five days

Morella and Tinença de Benifassà boast landscapes peppered with Medieval towns and villages nestled among the mountains and millennial woodland. Here you will come face-to-face with age-old traditions, breathe in the fresh mountain air and take some spectacular photographs. This is a destination that walkers and ramblers will fall in love with. Check out our recommendations for a five-day itinerary and start planning a getaway you’ll never forget. 

Day 1: Morella

Morella’s reputation precedes it. It is, after all, one of the most popular towns in the Region of Valencia and one of the best tourist destinations in the world (according to the World Tourism Organization). Over the course of its long history, a number of civilisations settled in the area, leaving their mark on the craggy rock upon which the town sits and creating arguably the most iconic skyline in the province of Castellón.

You can do a lot in Morella in a day. Don’t miss the castle, Archpriest church and San Francisco Convent where you can see one of the most important pieces of macabre art in Spain. Make sure you dedicate plenty of time to wandering the pretty streets and sticking your head into a museum or two. And if you’re looking for a souvenir, the town’s textiles and gourmet treats are great items to take home. 

Day 2 in Tinença de Benifassà: Castell de Cabres and El Boixar

On the second day of your tour, you will start ticking off - one by one - the seven villages and hamlets that make up Tinença de Benifassà (also known as Setena de Benifassà) as well as explore the natural park of the same name. 

Today you will visit both Castell de Cabres and El Boixar. Castell de Cabres is a pretty little place topped with a ruined castle. Make sure you take the time to leisurely stroll around the village streets and poke your head into the parish church. Fill up your bottle with fresh water at La Vila fountain before setting off on a short and family-friendly walk to Bovalar wood. 

El Boixar is your next stop where we recommend climbing up and down the steep streets and then take a stroll through the local boxwood while keeping your eyes peeled for ibex and vultures in the sky. The landscapes here will blow you away. 

Day 3 in Tinença de Benifassà: Coratxà and La Pobla de Benifassà

Today you will head in the direction of Coratxà, the destination with the highest elevation in Tinença de Benifassà. This sleepy place affords breathtaking vistas from its viewing point, located close to San Jaime church. As you wander around, the traditional buildings and plaza will get you reaching for your camera. Once you’ve explored everything at a leisurely pace, it’s time to visit the main town in this historic county, sometimes known as Setena: La Pobla de Benifassà. 

Once here, we recommend visiting Santa María de Benifassà monastery, the old market, followed by La Asunción church. Then simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of the country streets. This is a beautiful place and a great trailhead for countless walks into Tinença de Benifassà natural park. 

Day 4 in Tinença de Benifassà: El Ballestar and Fredes

The cobbled streets of the pretty little village of El Ballestar will lead you to old wash houses and a 13th century church. Take all the time you need to soak up the beauty before starting on a hiking trail that will immerse you in magical woodland. 

Your next stop is Fredes, the northernmost village in the Region of Valencia. This picturesque and peaceful place is enveloped in beautiful scenery whose pathways and trails invite you to come and explore. In the winter, the weather is surprisingly chilly here. The best way to warm up is to go walking: there are fantastic trails leading to Portell de l´Infern, Cova de l´Aire and Salt de Robert waterfall. 

Day 5 in Tinença de Benifassà: Rosell and Bel

To conclude your tour of Morella and Tinença de Benifassà, head to the small villages of Rosell and Bel. Although Rosell is not one of the seven villages of Tinença de Benifassà, it is a wonderful place to visit. Bel is one of the three hamlets that comprise the Rosell area. 

Parts of Rosell’s old walls are still standing. While you’re in the village, wander from viewing point to viewing point to breathe in the bird’s-eye vistas over the spectacular scenery. You also won’t want to miss pastelitos de cabello de ángel, a pastry with an irresistible sweet filling. Later in the day head to Bel, a little hamlet to the north of Rosell where time seems to have frozen in the Medieval period. The stone houses and wrought iron balconies paint a pretty picture and the tranquil atmosphere here will instil you with a sense of peace. 

Get your diary out and start looking at dates for this itinerary. Remember that winters are cold in this part of the Region of Valencia. So start getting your belongings together and get ready to be wowed by the spectacular landscapes of Morella and Tinença de Benifassà.