geocalia
The Bergantes river between rocks and riverside vegetation at Sorita, in the Els Ports regionAngela Llop · CC BY-SA 2.0

What to do · Morella

Horse and Cart Rides through the Bergantes Valley

An hour and a half on horseback crossing the river, among woods and fields with Morella in view, or a cart ride · by reservation all year.

Information
Duration
1 h 30
Season
All year, by reservation
Who it's for
Families and anyone who has never ridden

Morella looks different from below, from the Bergantes valley, on horseback. Distrau-te, the activities brand of Cases Rural Morella, brings out its horses near the Fàbrica Giner, about 4 km from the wall, for relaxed rides designed for people who have never ridden.

On horseback: an hour and a half with the river in between

The ride starts with a practical explanation: how to approach the horse, how to get on and how to guide it. Then it heads out into the countryside. According to Morella's tourist office, the route crosses the river and passes through woods and farmland with the walled city in view. It lasts about an hour and a half and a maximum of ten people go on each outing. It is a walking-pace ride, not a riding lesson.

By cart, for those who do not want to ride

If the group includes very small children or someone who would rather not get on a horse, the cart ride is the alternative. First you see how the horse is harnessed to the cart, with an explanation of each piece, and then you travel through a natural area around the Fàbrica Giner looking at the flora and fauna. It lasts 60 to 90 minutes and takes up to eight adults or ten children.

The same company has a large room of traditional hand-made wooden games, with games of skill and wit, which it uses for families, schools and birthdays.

Booking and paying

Everything works by prior reservation, all year: on 677 44 82 50 or at [email protected]. Neither the website nor the tourist office publishes prices or a minimum age, so ask both when you book, along with the exact place where you meet. Payment is in cash or by Bizum.

To complete the morning

In the same valley are the Saltapins adventure park, at the Fàbrica Giner, and the start of the Els Ports mountain-bike routes. Back in Morella, climb to the castle, which opens every day from 11:00, and eat on the arcaded street.

Tips

  • Long trousers and closed shoes They avoid chafing from the saddle and protect your foot in the stirrup.
  • Ask the age when you book There is no published minimum age; with small children, the cart is the safe option.
  • Bring cash The tourist office states payment in cash or Bizum.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to ride?

No. The ride starts with a practical explanation and goes at a walk.

How long do you ride for?

About an hour and a half. The cart ride, 60 to 90 minutes.

How many people can go?

Up to ten on horseback; in the cart, eight adults or ten children.

Does it run in winter?

The tourist office states that the activities run all year, always by reservation.

As a family

Who runs it

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

Broth being served on a plate of olleta with potato and meat© Mesón del Pastor

Mesón del Pastor

Restaurant · Morella · €€€€

What to order: the traditional tasting menu, with cured beef from La Todolella, cheeses from Morella and Tronchón and Morella croquettes, and the ternasco cannelloni as a main.

Costa de Jovaní 7 · closed on Wednesdays · dinner on Fridays and Saturdays only · €25 house menu on weekdays
The bar and tables of the bar at La Fonda Moreno© La Fonda Moreno

La Fonda Moreno

Restaurant · Morella · €€€€

What to order: the ternasco Morella-style or the partridge in oil, and for dessert the collà, the curd of the area.

Carrer de Sant Nicolau 12 · menus from €20 to €34 and takeaway · confirm hours by phone
A roast leg with grilled vegetables on a white serving dish and a glass of red wine© Casa Roque

Casa Roque

Restaurant · Morella · €€€€

What to order: the Morella croquettes or the spoon-dish olla, the carpaccio of cured beef and Morella cheese with truffle oil and, for the main, the roast ternasco.

Costa de Sant Joan 1 · closed on Mondays · lunch Tuesday to Sunday and dinner on Saturdays only

To stay nearby

The stone façade of the hotel at night, on a cobbled street in Morella© Hotel Cardenal RamHotel

Hotel Cardenal Ram

Arcaded street · 3 stars · 16 outward-facing rooms · restaurant

Why we like it: Three-star rural hotel with 16 double rooms, all outward-facing, in a mansion on the arcaded street, with a Morella restaurant and a lift.

A double room with a green wall and a wooden ceiling© La Fonda MorenoSmall hotel

Hotel La Fonda Moreno

Inside the wall · 2 stars · 9 rooms · restaurant and bar

Dogs welcome

Why we like it: Family-run two-star hotel with nine rooms inside the wall, renovated in 2006, with a Morella restaurant downstairs and dogs admitted with notice.

A double room with two beds and a wooden balcony onto the street© Hotel Rey Don JaimeHotel

Hotel Rey Don Jaime

Beside the Sant Miquel gate · 3 stars · 44 rooms · family room

Why we like it: Three-star hotel with 44 rooms beside the Sant Miquel gate, with a suite, a family room with balcony and triples, lift, restaurant and terrace.