Morella is named by Conde Nast Traveller as one of Valencia's top towns. The trip to Morella is through windy mountain roads, but the journey is worth it when you arrive. You have gorgeous views for miles around the surrounding area.
We checked into the Hotel Rey en Jaume Morella. This three-star hotel had a rustic charm, with rooms simply decorated and featuring locally crafted blankets.
The hotel either has mountain views or street views and I was lucky enough to get a room with this fabulous view below.
How lucky were we to see a rainbow!
The town has a selection of artisan shops and gourmet delis. We stopped in Casa Guimera selling local honey, gourmet sausages, chocolate and cheese. This must have been the perfect shop, I mean, what more do you want in your life than cheese and chocolate?
Casa Guimera
We also stumbled across an amazing soap and candle shop too, selling natural organic and handmade soaps.
Truffles image Morella Tourism
It's a lucrative business and not widely publicised, after all a lot of money and truffle changes hands. During the season the smell of truffle permeates the town and local restaurant menus make use of this luxury ingredient in their gourmet meals.
Hotel Restaurant Cardenal Ram
We had a cheeky aperitif in Restaurant Casa Pere, then we were lucky to eat at Hotel Restaurant Cardenal Ram. Serving typically Morellan cuisine, with tender lamb, cured meats and local desserts, the food was tasty, well prepared and simply delicious.
carpaccio olive oil and bread
mushroom crepes and milk-fed lamb with truffle
homemade desserts including creme Catalana
Hotel Rey en Jaume Morella
The next day I was up early after a comfortable night's sleep to explore a little before our departure to our next town. First stop though was breakfast at Hotel Rey en Jaume Morella. A continental breakfast with a great selection of pastries, meats, cheeses, fruit, cereal and yoghurts greeted us and was delicious. Of particular note were the scrumptious selection of pastries and the Spanish tortilla, a potato and onion omelette.
After breakfast I had a quick explore before check out.
I strolled up to the castle on the mountain as I spotted it yesterday. The castle is well worth a visit for sure. As a crossroads that links Valencia, Aragon and Catalonia, the Mediterranean and the Ebro Valley, it is of important historical significance. In 1084 El Cid rebuilt the castle, and in the Battle of Morella, defeated Sancho Ramírez of Aragon. It was conquered by the Christians in 1231. In 1938 Franco's forces captured Morella too.
I could write about the history of Morella all day, so it's well worth reading up about it if you are going to this area as I have only briefly touched upon points of note.
I could write about the history of Morella all day, so it's well worth reading up about it if you are going to this area as I have only briefly touched upon points of note.
Saint Mary's Church
Also worth visiting is Santa María Morella (Saint Mary’s Church), Convento de San Francesc Morella (St. Francis’ Convent) and the Morella Museo Temps de Dinosaures (Time of Dinosaurs Museum Morella). I never knew that Morella was known worldwide for dinosaur remains, and only last month in June 2017 more dinosaur remains were unearthed, a creature over 20 metres in length.
If you would like to explore the Castellón region of Spain including the towns of Peñíscola, Morella and Benicassim, Ryanair has a new route from Bristol to Castellón (Valencia) flying twice a week. With flights from £40 return, it's a cheap way to explore this underrated area of Spain.
Watch out for my next blog post on my Castellón trip very soon where I discover Benicàssim. Also, check out my trip to Peñíscola on day one. If you like this post be sure to follow the #InCastellon hashtag on Twitter, FB and IG to see what we got up to on our trip to the Castellón region of Spain.
Read more about why you should visit Morella here. For what to do in the area check out 10 fabulous things to do in the Castellón area of Spain.
Thanks to the Castellón tourist board for hosting me on this fabulous trip.
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If you would like to explore the Castellón region of Spain including the towns of Peñíscola, Morella and Benicassim, Ryanair has a new route from Bristol to Castellón (Valencia) flying twice a week. With flights from £40 return, it's a cheap way to explore this underrated area of Spain.
Watch out for my next blog post on my Castellón trip very soon where I discover Benicàssim. Also, check out my trip to Peñíscola on day one. If you like this post be sure to follow the #InCastellon hashtag on Twitter, FB and IG to see what we got up to on our trip to the Castellón region of Spain.
Read more about why you should visit Morella here. For what to do in the area check out 10 fabulous things to do in the Castellón area of Spain.
Thanks to the Castellón tourist board for hosting me on this fabulous trip.
What a lovely part of Spain, I've never been before but it looks gorgeous! x
ReplyDeleteit's a part of Spain largely undiscovered by the British.
DeleteThis part of Spain looks so lovely haven't been to this area but would add it on my list- if only i can get invited by the Castellon tourist board too :-)
ReplyDeleteWe were in Morella and Peñiscola about three weeks ago, it's an amazing place! It's kinda hidden from the tourists and thats a great thing! I am actually in the process of writing about our long weekend there! Also as a Game Of Thrones fan myself, I loved visiting the place where they filmed it back in S6.
ReplyDeleteI will have to read this Maria!
DeleteThat bedroom view is simply astonishing - I wouldn't want to leave!
ReplyDeleteI didn't.
DeleteI love the look of those artisan food shops, just the sort of place I love to visit x
ReplyDeleteWow! I love the looks of this - how amazing that you got off the tourist track. I had no idea that flights were so inexpensive either!
ReplyDeleteThese flights are a new route from Bristol, and yes they are a really good price.
DeleteI actually have a press trip near there in September so it was good for me to know what the cuisine is like- those creme caramels look delicious- and what to expect from the surroundings x
ReplyDeleteHave fun Ana!
DeleteSeems like you had an amazing time, would love to visit Morella! :)
ReplyDeleteI love those little Spanish hill towns. Great views and yummy sausage.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely place to visit and the weather was cool and not too hot.
DeleteWow i absolutely love Spain and this looks like such a non-touristy place. Like not crowded at all!
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't very busy when we went. I think it's a place where the Spanish go at the weekend to relax.
DeleteThis looks just the kind of place I enjoy visiting. It has beautiful local architecture and landscapes, some fantastic history, great local cuisine with several products made in the local area... really everything I want!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love architecture too and great history and food.
DeleteIt's gorgeous, I love those views and village tour. What an amazing place to explore and enjoy
ReplyDeleteIt really is a town where you can spend many hours exploring the little shops, getting underneath the history and eating great food.
DeleteWow this looks so beautiful 😍 I really want to visit for myself x
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this charming Spanish city, but it looks like a really cute place. I should visit on my next trip to Spain.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those gems that is largely undiscovered by those that aren't Spanish.
DeleteWhat a great town! Love the castle on the hill and the atmosphere of the town. The food looks yummy too!
ReplyDeleteHope you get the chance to visit one day Sherianne.
Deletebeautiful photos, looks lovely
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful town, filled with some of the classic Spanish architecture that I love so much. We spent a lot of time in Spain, but missed this area. I would love to go back and explore Morella - and I will be sure to arrive hungry. Looks like you enjoyed quite the feast.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I am a huge lover of architecture and Spanish and Moorish architecture is beautiful.
DeleteThis looks like a very nice place to visit, the food looks lovely too
ReplyDeleteThe food was excellent Melissa.
DeleteI love love love Spain, the views are always incredible! The Hotel Rey en Jaume Morella looks really nice for a 3 star! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely hotel for a 3 star. The blankets were made locally, in a colourful style particular to the area.
DeleteMorella not only looks freaking delicious (truffles!!) but also gorgeous with that mountain terrain. I'm not familiar with it but definitely need a return visit to Spain and maybe drop by this new location. Great post! Great pictures, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Melody!
DeleteSuch a beautiful place! Spain is really amazing country. Love your photos and the presentation!
ReplyDeleteIt is a gorgeous country, and it's not just beaches either.
DeleteThe food...Take me to Morella
ReplyDeleteWow, Castellon sure looks charming! I loved your photos of the food and the gourmet shops. I am always amazed by these amazing architecture in Spain. And I def would love to see the castle!
ReplyDeleteThe architecture is Spain is just beautiful.
DeleteWhat a stunning part of Spain! I love the fact that it seems a long way removed from the tourist spots of the Costa's. I would really enjoy exploring the area as it seems like a beautiful authentic Spanish town, and that food! Wow... where would I start??
ReplyDeleteYes, it seems far removed from the tourist beaches on the Costas doesn't it?
DeleteSuch a pretty town and being a little cooler in the mountains it's a nice alternative to the coast in the heat of summer
ReplyDeleteYes Heather, it's a great alternative to a coastal beach holiday as it is far cooler in the mountains.
DeleteI love Spain so much! It's so beautiful! I lived in Madrid once! This was such a magical blog post!
ReplyDeleteWow, how was Madrid?
DeleteThe foooood!!! It seems like it's one of the highlights of your trip in Morella! The entire place is beautiful, too!
ReplyDeleteYes the food was amazing!
DeleteWhat a stunning location! I love Spain and there are so many beautiful places I've left to discover. This is stunning! x
ReplyDeleteIt is such a diverse country too, with mountains, beaches, nature parks, hill towns.
DeleteMorella is such an interesting place isn't it? I'd love to go back there with the husband. How interesting about the dinosaurs and your photo of the view is stunning!
ReplyDeleteI missed going to the dinosaur museums. When I go back I will seek it out Jane.
DeleteI've heard a lot about Morella - from your photos the buildings have a very Tuscan feel - so beautiful among the mountains and hillsides! I had no idea that Morella was a hub for truffles - very good to know! St Mary's Church is beautiful - I love exploring places of worship, even though I'm not particularily religious, because they always have the most stunning archiecture and fascinating history, many having stood the test of time.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about churches Megan. I feel the same as you, such amazing architecture and history.
DeleteWhat a great guide to the Morella, Mellisa. It was definitely one of my favourite spots on the trip - great scenery and lots of fabulous food.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike Emma!
DeleteLovely travel guide. I love all your photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place :) Thanks for the guide. Quick question though, is it good for reasonably fit pensioners? We take our Father in Law away every year and he has just turnt 80! Although quite goodon his feet he's starting to struggle with long hilly walks, Thanks x
ReplyDeleteThe town is on top of a hill, you do have to walk to get to Saint Mary's Church but it's not a long walk. It's not a big place, I think he would be ok.
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