Usually unknown and unheard of Morella (Spain) is a small city in the province of Castellon that should be in any travelers bucket list when spending some time along the Mediterranean coast.
More than 2100 years of history have left their marks along the cobbled streets and castle that overlook the surrounding hills and valleys, a step back in time being the essence of any day trip here.
Further Reading: 40+ Interesting and Fun Facts of Spain
Throw in good quality food and some local souvenir shopping to do and you’ve got a full day of walking and sightseeing to do. Spending a night at any of the available hotels will allow you to take some great night pictures of Morella, which could be considered one of those charming secret villages in Spain.
Morella Map
Getting Here
You can only get to Morella by road, but this is easy as it is very well paved with plenty of signs guiding you to it. Perhaps the best option is to rent a car, but if traveling alone it is easy to get here to by public bus from the province’s capital city Castellon, about an hour away.
From Valencia you'll probably want to make your way to Castellon first, and then drive inland along road N232.
Spending a Day in Morella
As you reach the city you’ll easily spot the castle from the road, perched atop the hill on which the city is built. Because of this getting around is very easy, as you know that ultimately you’ll be reaching the Castle which for many is the highlight of the visit.
This will be what you see as you reach Morella by car
As soon as you cross the wall that surrounds the city, get off you car and slowly start making the way uphill, without following any particular street. You will eventually reach Calle Mayor street, the most important of them all where most of the restaurants, hotels and shops are to be found.
The architecture is distinctly medieval yet solid and well maintained despite having witnessed many wars against the Moors, Napoleon, Succession…
Walk into the shops that sell naturally made aromas, sandals and pastries, visit the Basilic Church of Santa Maria, the Cathedral and the convent of San Francisco.
Like most people, you'll find yourself walking along the old cobble stone streets, looking at the shops and old architechture
Many shops are worth visiting, even if you don't plan on buying anything.
Continue your walk uphill, and eventually you’ll reach Morella castle. There’s a 3.5 Euro fee which will be used to maintain it . Audio guides are available and there’s a couple of exhibitions in it, but I admit you’ll need some imagination to see how the castle may have looked like during the best of its time.
Still, don’t skip it, particularly if you come from a younger country where 1500 year old structures can’t to be found.
Walking into the castle you will reach this magnificent courtyard
The Cathedral
Visiting Morella (Castellon) With Kids
If you're visiting Morella with kids don't worry, as this is one of those day trips that kids will love. The town itself has very little traffic, has plenty of space for them to run around and the uphill walking will wear them out .
If you're visiting Morella with a toddler, a stroller will definitely come in handy, though it might be tricky to get it around the castle. It is here that a good toddler carrier will come handy.
Any kid will love walking to the top of a real castle, and if this was not enough there's a Morella Dinosaur Museum nearby with real fossils found in the area. Entrance ticket costs 2 EUR and opens Tuesday to Sunday (check website for timetable as it does close for lunch).
Part of Morella as seen from the castle
Where to Eat: Morella Restaurants
After visiting the castle I recommend you head back down for lunch and look no further than the restaurant you’ll find just a few meters to the left of the main entrance of the castle, Restaurante Marques de Cruilles.
It's simple, casual, and has a three course menu for around 13 Euros with over 20 local dishes to chose from. Make sure you try the croquellanas, the local version of typical croquettes to be found in Spain (see pictures and check the menu).
Inevitably you’ll meander your way back down the city, perhaps enjoying a coffee at on of the many cafes at Calle Mayor you already walked along the way up.
Where to Stay in Morella
Morella is small enough to visit in a single day, but if you have the time it's worth spending a night just to experience the different vibe and see the town once the sun is down, specially if you're traveling solo or with your partner.
There are a few hotels in town including a former 16th century palace, and many apartments where to spend the night.
Find Top Accommodation Deals in Morella
Cozy rooms in hotels or affordable grandeur in a former palace are to be found in Morella.
Tips and Resources
Morella gets very hot in the summer months, and can get plenty of snow in winter (to the point of it being inaccessible) but also have warm ( t-shirt) days during the colder months. Make sure you check on weather conditions before heading there.
Restaurant Marques de Cruilles is right in front of the entrance to the castle, the phone number is 682270253. We ate here and the food is delicious.
Morella Tourism Website: http://www.morellaturistica.com/
Looks to be a very good destination to explore. I would love to visit the place one day.
It is indeed!
This is great place. I wish i can come once! Great photos!:))
I had never heard of Morella, but it looks like a lovely old city!
Most people haven’t , yet it’s so close to the Mediterranean and is a great day tour from the beaches nearby!
Wow, we had never heard of Morella but we do like medieval cities in general so I think we would very much enjoy it here. 🙂
I’m 100% sure you’d love walking around and enjoying the scenery!
Looks like a wonderful place to visit! Great photos, I will keep this in mind for my inevitable return to Spain!
Make sure you go when you return and let me know your thoughts Leah!
I’ve never even heard of Morella! Adding it to my list =)
It’s off the radar for most people, but so worth a visit. It even gets snow in winter!