More than 600,000 Spaniards chose a national destination for their vacations in 2018. Inland tourism is establishing itself as an exponent of the sector . The associations of managers and tour operators highlight the firm commitment that the different administrative levels to improve infrastructures and enhance their strengths (culture, heritage, gastronomy). Such is the case of El Maestrazgo, the geographic space between the provinces of Teruel and Castellón .
There where in the Middle Ages the military orders became strong at the crossroads that led the Christian Kingdoms of Aragon and Navarre towards the Reconquest of the Mediterranean coast from the Arabs.
Time has left us here with beautiful towns, spectacular castles and a wild and passing nature , as is the region itself: a natural passage from the Ebro valley to the Mediterranean.
The Maestrazgo owes its name, precisely, to the settlements created here by the military orders that supported the Aragonese kings to guard the border with the kingdom of Valencia. Among all of them, the Temple occupied a large part of the territory, so this route through El Maestrazgo could well be called the route through the Templar castles in Aragon and the Valencian Community.
The most beautiful villages on the route through the Maestrazgo
Along this route, we are going to get to know some of the towns that best preserve the essence of this inland region of Spain that is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
What to see in San Mateo, the historic capital of El Maestrazgo
The order of Montesa established its headquarters here , and in 1319 made it the official capital of the Maestrat, the original name of the region. Today, you can walk through the streets of this Teruel town and contemplate the characteristics of the architecture of the area, with its octagonal towers, typical of the buildings of the military orders.
Cantavieja, one of the most beautiful historical sites in Teruel
Cantavieja is a mix between the harshness of the area in which it is located, and the mark that history has left on it . It was the seat of the order of San Juan during the Middle Ages; later, the Carlists also became strong in it.
In addition to getting lost in its medieval streets , among stone houses that transport you to a past of splendor, the traveler can take advantage of the passage through the town to see the Casa del Bayle, the curious fortified farmhouses or the shelters full of cave paintings.
Ares del Maestre, the show of stepped houses
In El Maestrazgo, most of the towns are located at the top of the hills and endings, something that gives it part of its tourist attraction . The greatest exponent is the town of Ares del Maestre , already in the province of Castellón . It is worth getting here just to contemplate the wonder and peculiarity of the overall construction of the town, with its stepped houses like an urban terrace.
The town thus seems to look towards the valley that opens at its feet, between the Mola del Castell and the d’Ares.
Morella, the best known town of El Maestrazgo
Morella is the only town in El Maestrazgo that does not affect any of the predominant military orders in Spain since the Middle Ages. However, its heritage, its services and its geographical location have made it the capital of the Maestrazgo; the essential destination on the route through El Maestrazgo.
Its walled complex, the imposing castle on top of the rock formation, and a town of particular beauty make it an essential tourist destination in Castellón.
Maestrazgo through nature
Given the orography of the terrain, in the foothills of the Sierra Ibérica, El Maestrazgo has become one of the inland tourist destinations most desired by all those who like to drive, whether by car, motorhome or motorcycle.
Curvy roads, deep valleys, spectacular viewpoints … the natural wealth of this unknown inland enclave seduces thousands of visitors every year.
The Organs of Montoro, in the Maestrazgo Cultural Park
It is a set of limestone formations shaped by the wind and water, leaving behind these unique pipes of church organs.
Throughout the 43 towns that make up this Geopark , the more adventurous can enjoy great mountains and green valleys, as well as numerous hiking and canyoning routes.
The Crystal Grottoes, in Molinos
This geological formation, which was declared a natural monument by the Government of Aragon, but which has not yet been protected by the Government of Spain, has great historical and geological value.
The curious formations that the water has pierced are especially striking. But, above all, the color of these, which react to light.
The route through El Maestrazgo can be done from Castellón and going up towards the interior of Aragon, or vice versa . Whatever your starting point, one of the most unknown enclaves in Spain and one of the most beautiful awaits you. Do not stop knowing it!
