Walking Holiday Spain - Els Ports

Discover a rare opportunity to travel through a little-known region of Spain, even to many Spaniards! The National Park area of Els Ports and river valley of Matarraña/Matarranya sit astride the boundary of 3 Spanish regions-Valencia, Catalunya and Aragon offering the visitor a blend of different cultures. Travel through dramatic mountainous scenery and jaw-droppingly pretty villages; it really is a treat for connoisseurs of “untamed” Europe. Walking here offers the very best of Els Ports' limestone landscapes complete with vast outcrops of rock that fold, twist and rise in water worn slender pinnacles. Think of ravines and rushing streams in this green and unusually lush part of Spain with further natural beauty in cool forest, plant species and deserted terraces enhancing your wanderings through every corner of Els Ports.

Your accommodation will be within picture-perfect ancient villages typical of the region with plenty of exploring opportunities in between your walks. 

The Walking

The route often follows the long-distance GR-8 and GR-7 paths. Others are well marked with local markers and finger posts. Very few sections of the route follow tarmac road. You will walk on footpaths and mule trails used for generations by villagers and farmers. 

The paths are of good quality although occasionally rough underfoot. A walking day would normally be between 4 to 7 hours long. Where short transfers to the start of a walk are mentioned, these are included in the holiday cost.

You have a perfect combination of 2,2,2,2 and 1 nights enabling you take rest days and explore close to your accommodation, or to complete the allocated walks we offer. There are no vertiginous sections although some footpaths follow a high contouring path above valleys and gorges.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer by train and pre-arranged private transfer or collect your hire car and drive from the airport to your first accommodation in Beceite. Explore this beautiful village or relax in your accommodation. Overnight Beceite.

Day 2: Today you have three optional walks to choose from

El Parrizal 

A long half-day, out and back walk to explore deep into the Parrizal gorge. Cliffs rise high as rock formations contort their way through the gorge until it culminates at El Congost – a narrow corridor where the gorge sides almost touch. High above, eagles and vultures launch from nests deep in rocky crags whilst Mountain Ibex leap between lower slopes.

Ascent: 100m  Descent: 230m  Distance: 7.5 miles. Time: 5 hours. 

Moles d’Arany

A full day hike up to the plateau of Moles d’Arany. More amazing rock formations, extensive views and a level plateau of light forest, plants and wildflowers. Descend through a ‘forest’ of rock pinnacles surrounded by nature’s self made rock gardens.

Ascent: 530m  Descent: 610m  Distance: 10 miles. Time: 5.5 hours. 

Penyagalera Peak (1030m)

For those when like a good climb rewarded by fabulous 360 degree views of the surrounding water worn landscape so typical of Mataranya.

Ascent/Descent: 970m Distance: 9 miles Time: 5 hours

Overnight Beceite.

Day 3: Time to move on to Fredes and the day starts with a 25 minute transfer to the start. First of all, follow an ancient pilgrim route to 14th century Ermita de San Miguel de Espinalvar; sadly a ruin but still visited annually by pilgrims from Valderrobres. From this high and symbolic point, follow a forest trail to the base of Tossal dels Tres Reis where Three Kingdoms of Spain converge. Views extend as far as the Mediterranean Sea. From here descend to Fredes. Overnight Fredes.
Ascent: 520m  Descent: 320m Distance: 9.5 miles. Time: 5.5 hours.

Day 4: With two nights in Fredes, hike beneath the incredible rocky outcrops of El Portel d’Infern with its ravine and surrounding peaks. Here, the silence and atmosphere of this unique part of Spain is truly captivating. The day has several options to lengthen or shorten the walk according to preference. Overnight Fredes.

Ascent: 685m  Descent: 690m Distance: 7 miles. Time: 4 hours. (Moderate Option)

Day 5: An easy and beautiful descent leads you to Vallibona via the pretty village of Boixar complete with small bar for a mid way coffee. The landscape opens out to deserted fields and terraces before the final descent through a spectacular rambla (dry river gorge) to delightful Vallibona. Overnight Vallibona.

Ascent: 445m. Descent: 910m. Distance: 12.5  miles. Time: 6 hours.

Day 6: Free day. Relax and explore Vallibona or we recommend a relaxing and truly delightful walk following the river valley away from Vallibona to an ancient mill set on a curve in the river. Only disused since 1968 the building depicts days gone by in this remote location. Return on the opposite side of the valley, perhaps crossing a few shallow streams on the way. Pic nic by rock pools and return to Vallibona. Overnight Vallibona.

Ascent: 320m Descent: 370m. Distance: 4 ½ miles. Time: 3 hours.

Day 7: The final day starts with a climb and fine ridge walk out of Vallibona to Pelion Trencat from where you have the first view of Morella. Make the descent passing through abandoned homesteads, fields and terraces. A steep climb leads you up the ancient cobbled roadway, through the Ports San Mateo and into the imposing Citadel of Morella. Take time to explore the steep, narrow streets, visit the exceptionally beautiful Cathedral and if stamina permits, the castle too! Overnight Morella.

Ascent: 425m. Descent: 228m. Distance: 10 miles. Time: 4 hours 45 minutes.
Day 8: Return home, transfer directly to the airport or the station as arranged.

Self-Guided
You can walk entirely at your own pace and we provide extensive walking notes giving distances, route directions, ascents, descents and walking times. If you wish to lengthen the holiday, we can easily add rest days when you make your booking.
 
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be is transferred for you from hotel to hotel, leaving you free to travel with a day rucksack only (1 bag per person @ 20kg per bag).  Some days you are taken to the start of a walk and/or collected at the end - these transfers are all included in the price.

Walk Grading
Self-Guided – Moderate, with some remoteness but excellent way marking. Total for standard week ignoring variations: - Ascent 2970m, Descent 2805m, 60 miles.

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Els Ports Hotel to Hotel Trek

Included			Not Included
ü	7 night’s accommodation		û	Lunches & drinks with meals
ü	7 breakfasts		û	Supplement of £45 per person if travelling to/from Reus (as opposed to Barcelona)
ü	7 dinners		û	Travel Insurance (required)
ü	Bus transfer from Barcelona airport to Tortosa then private transfer to first trek hotel
ü	Transfer from last hotel to Vinaros Station then bus from Vinaros station to Barcelona airport
ü	Baggage transfers between hotels (1 bag per person @20kg)
ü	Route notes & walking map
Optional Extras
Ø	‘With flights’ includes typical flight prices* from London to Barcelona. Flights from many local airports are also available (exact price for your dates available on request)
Ø	Transfers from Reus airport can be arranged at a supplement

All prices valid for 2023

Prices are per person in GBP / UK £ and are based on 7 nights half board* in a shared twin/double standard room. 

Dates	With Flights	Without Flights	Extra Night	Single Supplement
All Year	1106	976	POA	POA

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.

Els Ports and The Three Kingdoms Trek

Availability Information

This region is available all year round although July and August may be too hot for some. This area has a dry climate with more precipitation in the winter months and a possibility of light snow during December to February.

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.

When to book your walking holiday in Spain - Mainland - Spain - Els Ports and The Three Kingdoms

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