Free walking tours in Morella and what to see

Must-sees

Morella is a walled town on a hilltop in the Els Ports area, and its silhouette with the castle on top can be seen from afar. Inside the wall, which keeps several gateways such as Sant Miquel, the streets climb with arcades and stately homes. Calle de Blasco de Alagón is the main shopping street, and the town hall occupies a Gothic building. The atmosphere is relaxed and everything is on foot.

The archpriestly basilica of Santa María la Mayor is one of the great Valencian Gothic churches, with two carved portals and a raised choir reached by a spiral staircase. Next to it is the convent of San Francisco, with its cloister. The climb to the castle, up the rocky slope, offers sweeping views of the area. Outside the walls the arches of the Santa Llúcia aqueduct survive.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours are uncommon in Morella, although in high season there may be a pay-what-you-like walk through the historic centre. The norm is guided tours of the centre, the basilica and the castle, which help you understand the town’s medieval history. The area is rich in dinosaur sites and there is a museum devoted to them. From here you can take trips around Els Ports, with stone villages, rock art and hiking trails.

How long to spend

A full day is enough to see Morella at a relaxed pace. Spend the morning on the basilica and the climb to the castle, and the afternoon wandering the arcades, the wall and the aqueduct. If you stay the night, you can enjoy the town after the day visitors leave. With a second day, go out and discover the villages of Els Ports. Take the chance to try croquetas morellanas and flaons.

Where to stay

The best option is to sleep inside the walls, in the old town, where there are hotels and rural cottages in historic buildings. Everything is a few steps away and at night the lit streets are lovely. If you are driving, ask about parking, as it is tricky inside the walls. In the surroundings there are restored farmhouses, a good option if you want peace and nature. Winters are cold, so bring a coat.