Hola! Welcome to Ares del Maestrat, a tiny and remote Spanish village located in Region of Valencia. Also known as Ares del Maestre, this hilltop gem has been populated by many cultures over the centuries thanks to its strategic location. And today, no more than 180 people call Ares home, which only adds to its peaceful, almost forgotten charm. Vamos, let’s discover things to do in Ares del Maestrat!
Interesting fact. Winters in Ares del Maestre can be very harsh and cold and it’s frequent that during the snowfalls the village gets isolated and the inhabitants are obliged to a certain self-subsistence.
Travel tip. You can easily connect your visit to Ares with a visit to Morella.
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Ares del Maestrat, Spain FAQ
Ares del Maestrat is a tiny Spanish village located in the north of the Province of Castellon in the Region of Valencia. It sits at an altitude of 1195m a.s.l – which gives it the title of the second-highest village in the region! Ares is close to popular nearby places like Peniscola, Morella, Benicassim with Via Verde del Mar, or Castellon de la Plana.
Even though Ares del Maestre is tiny and remote, it’s definitely worth visiting. In the village, you won’t find many exciting things to do, but those that it can offer will take you on a fascinating journey hundreds of years back in time. And the lack of any touristy things helps that even more! Without a doubt, Ares is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Province of Castellon.
Things to do in Ares del Maestrat, Spain
Over the centuries, many different cultures have shaped Ares del Maestre. The Romans were the first to fortify the village, followed by the Muslims, who rebuilt and expanded it before it was reconquered by James I of Aragon in 1232. Today, you can still spot fascinating remnants from each era as you wander through its historic streets.
Ares del Maestrat village streets
There’s no better way to discover all the nooks and crooks of Ares del Maestrat than taking a slow stroll among its streets. Admire quaint old houses, lovely squares, and historic buildings.
Among Ares streets, you’ll find points of interest like Plaza Mayor – the main square of the village with the Town Hall, castle ruins on the highest point of the village, an old prison building, 18th-century Assumption of the Virgin church, La Cova museum, and the Tourist Office.
Ruins of Ares del Maestre Castle
At the highest point of the village, you’ll find remains of the Ares castle (es. Castillo de Ares del Maestre) dating back to the Islamic period. It could be described as a rock castle, as part of it was excavated directly into the rock which now hosts La Cova museum.
We won’t lie – the castle isn’t spectacular at all as there are hardly any remains of it. But amazing panoramic views over the Ares and its surroundings are definitely worth the short climb! Entrance to the top of the castle is free.
Cove Remigia
About 8km from Ares del Maestre, you’ll find Cova Remigia. It’s a place where you can admire prehistoric paintings that are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cove Remigia can be visited only with a guide and booked in advance. For more information and reservation visit altmaestrat.es website.
Mirador Ares del Maestre viewpoint
Mirador Ares del Maestre viewpoint is located about 3.5km from the village, on the road CV15 leading to it. It can offer you amazing views over Ares and its surroundings from afar. Being here it’s one of the best things to do in Ares del Maestrat!
How to get to Ares del Maestrat, Spain?
Ares is located about 30km from Morella, 75km from Castellon, 90km from Peniscola, and 150km from Valencia. The most convenient way to get to the town is by car.
Where to park in Ares?
Your best option is to leave your car in a parking lot near Mesón Restaurant El Coll and then walk about 1km to the Ares del Maestrat village. You can either go up the main street or choose a small path, walking next to the fields.
To Ares by bus
From some places, you can get to Ares by bus. For example, a trip from Castellon de la Plana will take around 1h 45minutes, and surprisingly 2.5 hours (!) from nearby Morella. To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
Still, your best bet is to travel in your own or a rented car. For the best options, visit the rentalcars.com website.
Things to do in Ares del Maestrat, Spain – Summing up
Now you know what Ares del Maestrat and its surroundings are all about. It’s a really beautiful and unique place in the Province of Castellon, isn’t it? If you want to escape bustling coast towns and spend time in a peaceful environment, or just step back in time to medieval times – Ares del Maestre will be the perfect choice. It’s an ideal place to slow down for a bit or even get trapped in the winter. Enjoy your trip!
Our opinion about Ares del Maestrat
For us, a trip to Ares was a day trip from Benicassim where we lived for a few weeks, combined with visiting Morella and Peniscola. We visited the village in September and back then it was really quiet and we came across only a few people.
What can we say, we really liked Ares! Strolling among its peaceful streets was a delight and the views over the surroundings were breathtaking. We also loved how quiet the area was – no city sounds, cars, or loud people. Nowadays such situations are rare and we appreciate them whenever we can experience them.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Ares del Maestrat?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Ares del Maestrat:
