Morella in the El Maestrat Mountains

Another beautiful sunrise – we watched the fishing boats as there were more than usual this morning.
We planned a day trip into the mountains of El Maestrat region.
This aqueduct, built during the Christian Era, supplied the hill town of Morella with necessary water.
The water still has a bit of distance to travel before arriving in the city.
We enjoyed walking around the old town area. It is quite a walk and climb to explore the castle.
The natural rock outcropping was incorporated into the castle so it almost hard to detect where one begins and ends.
Time to storm the Gates! Just ask El Cid.
Beautiful entry of the Cathedral.
Very large statues or very small human. Figures represent last Moorish ruling couple and first Christian ruling couple in the Town Hall – used for festivals.
This is also the area of dinosaur discoveries in the Formation Morella. In 2008 an intact specimen of a previously unknown species of sauropod dinosaur was discovered, believed to have lived in the earlyCretaceous period, approximately 120 million years ago.
We also explored Ares del Maestrat where we found this cool statue of a Knight Templar. We had to go home and watch a documentary on who were the Knights Templars.
It was the clearest day we have had. We could see all the way to the highest peak of Castillon, Penyagolosa – an adventure for another day which we hope is this clear.
A look back at Ares del Maestrat’s strategic position – visibility to the Mediterranean and Alcossebre!

Alcossebre Sea Experience

We enjoyed seeing these images; so decided to spend a month at this brand new apartment hotel. Take a look for yourself.
This is the interior courtyard where everyone enters their unit.
View of the Mediterranean when you walk into the unit – bedrooms on the left.
Very modern, clean and comfy for the two of us.
Kitchen area is sufficient next to entry door to the unit.
Nice to have weekly cleaning service!
Rooftop terrace and infinity pool. We are on top level under the pool.
Our unit is second from left on top level. Reflected in second pool on ground level.

Rock Art in the Mountains

Our morning sunrise with our coffee…
Inland the almond trees are in full bloom
Fragrant!
These stone huts were made for protection from the elements – man or animal.
Very nice construction of dry stacked stone.
We headed to Museu de la Valltorta near Tirig to see Neolithic rock art from around 6,000 years old.
Our guide Julia lead us along with a couple from near Valencia and another from Barcelona.
UNESCO Rock art of the Iberian Mediterranean Basin
Las Pinturas Ruprestres (cave paintings) – more rock art near Ulldecona in Catalon
Well worth our time with another very good guide, Jordan.
We were near the Ebre Delta so drove into the wetlands to see some flamingos!
On the way we saw this route of very large old olive trees!

The Mediterranean’s Costa Azahar

Alcossebre Sea Experience
Balcony over the Mediterranean on the coast of Spain!
Beautiful Coast of Azahar.
Modern lighthouse protecting the Irta Mountains.
There are the Serra d’Irta in the background.
Castillo de Xivert in those mountains overlooking the plains.
An Islamic fortification built in 10th century, conquered by Knights Templar in 1234, then a Christian stronghold in the 15th century.
Alcala de Xivert in the valley – this is the season for artichokes.
Peniscola is a castle surrounded by sea with a long history. Just ask El Cid
It looks pretty defensible!
Someone covered this house with shells- that is a lot of collecting!
Avignon pope Benedict XIII (Pedro de Luna) lived here after the Knights of Templer. The castle was renovated for the film El Cid and also parts of Games of Thrones 5th season was filmed here.
We had to hike to the Tower which sent signals to the castles – no cell phones!
High Tech Communication!
Happy hour back at our balcony – our collection of 2 euro wines!
Sunset in the mountains reflected in the infinity pool.