Welcome to Ares del Maestrat (also known as Ares del Maestre), a small picturesque village in the province of Castellón, Spain. It lies near the top of the Mola d’Ares mountain (1318 m.a.s.l.). Its elevation of 1195 m.a.s.l. gives Ares the title of the second-highest town in the Valencian Community. Due to its strategic location different cultures (like Iberians, Romans, or Muslims) populated this area. Romans built and fortified the village. Later it was destroyed, fortified again, and expanded by the Muslims. James I finally reconquered it in 1232.
Currently, as a result of migration to the cities, there are no more than 230 people living there. It’s also interesting that the winters there can be very harsh and cold and it’s frequent that during the winter snowfalls village gets isolated and the inhabitants are obliged to a certain self-subsistence.
The village remains a popular tourist destination. Let’s go on a trip and discover what to see in Ares Del Maestrat.
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What to see in Ares Del Maestrat?
Viewpoint: Mirador Ares del Maestrat
Mirador offers spectacular views of the whole village, winding roads, and valleys.
Castle Ruins
On the highest point of the city, we can see a small rock – the last remains of the old Templar castle, from Islamic period. From there you can see a beautiful panorama of Ares del Maestrat and the surrounding areas. Since 1997 the castle has a title of a Building of Cultural Interest.
At the foothill of the castle the small urban center stretches. There we can find:
Asuncion de Nuestra Senora Church
Asuncion de Nuestra Senora Church is an 18th-century church, built on the remains of a Romanesque-Gothic church. An interesting feature of this building is that the church is higher than the belltower (which dates back to the 13th century).
Ares Del Maestrat streets
Just wander around village streets. There you can find places like Plaza Mayor (the main square, centre of the village), City Hall, Los Porches, a 13th-century prison, and many beautiful houses.
Other places in Ares del Maestrat
In the village you can also find Cova del Castell Museum, where “you will be able to travel through time, from Prehistory to the present, visiting this impressive site dug out of the rock”.
Close to the village there is also Cova Remigia, a place where you can see prehistoric paintings which are a part of the UNESCOs World Heritage Site. The Cova Remigia and other shelters of the Gasulla ravine with cave paintings on their walls can be visited with a guide.
How to get to Ares Del Maestrat?
The best and easiest way to get to Ares del Maestre is by car. This will take about an hour from Castellón de la Plana, or 2 hours from Valencia. We left the car in a parking lot near Restaurante Coll d’Ares and then walked about 1km to the Ares del Maestrat. You can go up the main street or choose a small path, walking next to the fields.
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:
Where to sleep in Ares del Maestrat?
Balcón De Ares
Balcón De Ares is a charming rural hotel located in the picturesque village of Ares del Maestrat. The hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms, some with a balcony and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy the peacefulness of the mountainous landscape, go hiking, or explore the nearby medieval villages.
Apartamento Rural Coll d’Ares
Apartamento Rural Coll d'Ares is a cozy and charming rural accommodation located in the heart of Ares del Maestrat. The apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom, offering guests a comfortable and convenient stay. The accommodation is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the beautiful countryside.
Casa Rural Virginia
Casa Rural Virginia is a charming rural house located in the heart of Ares del Maestrat. The house has been restored respecting the traditional architecture of the area and features comfortable and cozy rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can also enjoy the garden and terrace, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful village.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
