The twisting, climbing CV147 leads, after about 6km, to this occasionally misty inland range – cooler than the coast – with a Carmelite monastery and first-class restaurant at its heart. Nowadays it's a nature reserve and far from being a desert (for the monks that meant a place for mystic withdrawal), it’s green area perfect for outdoor activities. From Monte Bartolo (728m), its highest point, there are staggering views. The tourist office hands out an excellent booklet listing a range of different hill walks.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.73 MILES
To escape the summer crowds, seek solitude in the Sierra de Irta. Running south from Peñíscola, it’s both nature park and protected marine reserve, best…
28.34 MILES
Just off the plaza, this Gothic village church has a Romanesque portal and a fine interior. The frescoed neo-classical side chapel has a macabre reliquary…
Ermita de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels
28.11 MILES
Follow signs from the Plaza Mayor to this loveable chapel perched on a rocky hillside, a 2.5km drive, or somewhat shorter walk, away. It was a monastery…
23.28 MILES
An informative museum, 2km from Tirig, itself 10km southwest of Sant Mateu. It presents a detailed overview of prehistoric art and El Maestrazgo’s World…
28.24 MILES
The rambling 14th-century castle was built by the Knights Templar on Arab foundations and later became home to Pedro de Luna (‘Papa Luna’, the deposed…
6.83 MILES
In Valencian Gothic style, the city's handsome cathedral was completely rebuilt after being set ablaze during the civil war. Next to it stands its iconic…
28.51 MILES
Stone for walls, sheep pens, huts and houses are all illustrated in this excellent village museum. Documentation is only in Valenciano, but it’s a very…
28.31 MILES
Underneath what was once the town hall, these two thick-walled medieval dungeons are atmospheric and backed up by an exhibition of farm tools and other…
Nearby Castellón Province attractions
6.83 MILES
In Valencian Gothic style, the city's handsome cathedral was completely rebuilt after being set ablaze during the civil war. Next to it stands its iconic…
22.73 MILES
To escape the summer crowds, seek solitude in the Sierra de Irta. Running south from Peñíscola, it’s both nature park and protected marine reserve, best…
23.28 MILES
An informative museum, 2km from Tirig, itself 10km southwest of Sant Mateu. It presents a detailed overview of prehistoric art and El Maestrazgo’s World…
4. Ermita de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels
28.11 MILES
Follow signs from the Plaza Mayor to this loveable chapel perched on a rocky hillside, a 2.5km drive, or somewhat shorter walk, away. It was a monastery…
28.24 MILES
The rambling 14th-century castle was built by the Knights Templar on Arab foundations and later became home to Pedro de Luna (‘Papa Luna’, the deposed…
28.31 MILES
Underneath what was once the town hall, these two thick-walled medieval dungeons are atmospheric and backed up by an exhibition of farm tools and other…
28.34 MILES
Just off the plaza, this Gothic village church has a Romanesque portal and a fine interior. The frescoed neo-classical side chapel has a macabre reliquary…
28.43 MILES
This impressive private fossil collection in a house just beyond the town walls has some excellent pieces.