Here’s my list of top things to do in Morella, a storybook town in the Castellón region. Beyond its medieval architecture and fairytale charm, Morella hosts the rare and unique celebration of the Sexenni every six years. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.

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Visiting Morella in Castellon

How to get to Morella

Morella is a stunning medieval town in the province of Castellón, Valencian Community, and it makes for an excellent day trip from nearby cities like Valencia, Castellon, Teruel, or Tarragona.

The easiest way to explore Morella is by renting a car, either for a solo adventure or as part of an organized day trip from Valencia. Due to its remote location in a mountainous region, driving offers the most flexibility and quicker travel times. This isolation is what helps Morella maintain its charm, making it one of Spain’s hidden gems, largely untouched by mass tourism. While regular bus services operate from cities like Castellón and Valencia, they’re slower and less frequent, making bus travel less practical – especially since you’ll end up losing a lot of time on the road.

Local tip: Many travelers visit Morella as part of a road trip through Castellón, Tarragona, or combine it with the charming villages of Teruel.

Where and how long to stay in Morella

While it’s possible to see most of Morella’s sights in a day, staying overnight offers a fantastic opportunity to experience its medieval architecture at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the top-rated local restaurants, such as Restaurante Vinatea and Restaurante Daluan.

For an added adventure, you can also take a day trip to the nearby Zorita del Maestrazgo, which I highlight in my list of hidden gems in the Valencia region or the nearest caves Morella la Vella, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, about 6 km from Morella.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay, I highly recommend Hotel Cardenal Ram, one of my favorites in Morella. But you can find more hotels in the area on the map below.

Things to do in Morella

Morella is often visited alongside another of Castellón’s gems, Peñíscola, renowned for its charm as one of Spain’s most picturesque coastal towns and a filming location for Game of Thrones. However, since Morella is situated more inland than Peñíscola (which lies conveniently on the route between Barcelona and Valencia), it remains relatively under the radar.

While it’s more established on the tourist trail than the villages featured in my ‘Secret Villages of Spain‘ list, it remains far more off the beaten path compared to well-known destinations like Ronda in southern Spain or Cadaqués on the Costa Brava.

Morella is a town brimming with Gothic and medieval architecture, as well as shops offering local handicrafts and food souvenirs. Its narrow, winding streets are adorned with charming details, from centuries-old buildings to antique treasures, creating a captivating atmosphere at every turn.

1. Explore the Morella Castle

One of Morella’s main landmarks is its castle, perched atop a hill over 1,000 meters above sea level. This fortress has held strategic importance since ancient times, having been used by Iberians, Romans, and Moors before being captured by Christians in the 12th century. The castle’s ruins, walls, and towers offer a glimpse into Morella’s rich historical past, standing as a testament to its role during the Reconquista (learn more about this event in my list of Spain Documentaries).

While it’s not the most spectacular Spanish castle and lacks interiors – most of the structure remaining are the outer walls – the steep climb to the castle rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient stone steps, an old cave, and informative educational panels that offer fascinating insights into the castle’s history and architecture, making the journey both visually stunning and enriching.

2. Walk Along the Medieval Walls & Old Town of Morella

Morella is surrounded by 2.5 kilometers of well-preserved medieval walls, which include fourteen towers and six gates. Strolling along the walls of Morella offers breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding countryside, making it one of my favorite things to do every time I revisit. Dating back to the 14th century, walking these ancient walls truly feels like stepping into a storybook.

Walk along the main street Carrer Blasco d’Alago to explore local architecture and souvenir shops. Popular things to buy are manta morellana (the blanket of Morella with a unique design) and handmade espadrilles (one of the top souvenirs in the Valencia region).

3. Visit the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor

The Church of Santa María la Mayor is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with its grand altar and exquisite frescoes. Visiting it is one of the top things to do in Morella. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, it stands as one of the region’s most significant religious landmarks.

4. Museo Tiempo de Dinosaurios

If traveling in Spain with kids, you can make a stop at Museo Tiempo de Dinosaurios (Dinosaur Time Museum), a small museum highlighting the region’s fossil history, including dinosaur remains found near Morella.

What to eat in Morella

Like many Spanish cities with deep gastronomic roots, Morella is a fantastic destination for food lovers in Spain. The town boasts several excellent restaurants and charming bakeries, renowned for their traditional pastries and sweets such as “flaons“and “mantecadas“. Since the Middle Ages, Morella has been known for its artisanal traditions, and many local delicacies are still crafted in the ancient way.

For an exceptional culinary experience, consider visiting during the Truffle Gastronomic Weeks, which run from the end of January to early March. This event highlights the region’s black truffles, incorporated into a variety of dishes. Even outside this period, you can find truffle-based delicacies year-round, including the famous local truffle cheese, one of my favorite Spanish food souvenirs.

The restaurants not to be missed in Morella are Restaurante Vinatea and Restaurante Daluan, both are top-rated, but I liked the first one better.

Sexenni Celebrations in Morella: A Once-in-Six-Year Event

2024 was a particularly special year for Morella, as one of Spain’s most unique and historic festivals, the Sexenni, took place. Held every six years in honor of the Virgen de Vallivana, the town’s patron saint, this celebration has long been on my Spain bucket list. After 15 years living in Spain, the stars never quite aligned until 2024, when I finally had the chance to experience this extraordinary event. I’m already looking forward to revisiting in 2030!

This traditional festival dates back to the 17th century, when the people of Morella were spared from the plague after praying to the Virgin Mary. In gratitude, they vowed to honor her every six years with a celebration that has continued ever since.

The event spans nine days and features vibrant processions where participants dressed in traditional costumes parade through Morella’s streets. The town’s residents spend months preparing intricate floral tapestries, which adorn the streets during the festival. The processions are accompanied by music, dancing, and cultural performances, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere that unites the entire town.

How to Experience the Sexenni Festival in Morella

While the Sexenni celebrations are one of the most unique experiences in Morella, they only happen once every six years. I had the chance to visit in 2024 with my family (my kids absolutely loved it), and the next festival will be held in August 2030, likely in the last week of the month.

We visited on a Tuesday morning, and it was extremely crowded with visitors. The city was closed off, and everyone parked their cars at a large lot outside town, taking a shuttle bus (which cost around 5 euros round trip). However, the return trip was chaotic with long lines for the bus, and we nearly missed our reservation at a local restaurant. Nonetheless, the experience was well worth it, and the festival atmosphere was truly one of a kind.

For those lucky enough to visit Morella during the Sexenni, do not miss a chance to visit this rare and unique festival. Next time it will take place in 2030.

Is Morella worth visiting?

I highly recommend Morella to travelers who appreciate medieval towns in Spain, as well as those seeking a place that feels straight out of a storybook. In my opinion, Morella is one of the most beautiful small towns in the country and is absolutely worth a visit. And don’t forget the rare Sexenni celebration, which takes place once every six years – next in 2030! It’s definitely an extra reason to visit this charming town.

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