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Mountains of the Three Kings

The secret & enchanting Ports Mountains

Southernmost Catalonia and neighbouring Aragón are a well-kept secret, where a patchwork of olive and almond groves planted on terracotta soil give way to the majestic Ports Mountains. These coastal mountains rise from the plain, rugged and unspoiled, watered by numerous springs and fast-flowing rivers lined with old watermills. With the sea barely forty kilometres to the east, they feel distinctly Mediterranean, with expanses of wild rosemary and thyme, and scented pine woods. Deep limestone gorges have been carved into the sierra, which is home to a unique flora and fauna that includes large colonies of griffon vultures and other raptors. There is a special, almost tangible enchantment to this area, and to walk here is to discover a timeless region far removed from the bustle of modern-day life. Our grade 2 routes explore the foothills, taking in some of the old stone villages which, with their architectural treasures, enhance the allure of this spellbindingly beautiful region. Choose our grade 3 routes, and you can enjoy some magnificent walks into the heart of the mountains, enjoying views which stretch for miles.

Valderrobles

Nights: 6
Grade: flexible grade 2 and 3 options each day
Terrain: almond groves, gorges, woods, mountains
Hotels: two 2-star hotels; one 4-star hotel (star ratings are our own as the hotels have no official classification)
Meals: breakfast & dinner each day, plus 3 picnics
Climate: average temperatures range from around 16°C in May and October to the mid-twenties Celsius in July.

Hort de Fortunyo, near Arnes

Walk through scented pine woods

Matarranya Gorge, day 4

The descent to Torre del Visco, day 5

Torre del Visco

Valderrobles, day 6

You can see wild griffon vultures on day 6

One of Torre del Visco's lounges

Starting point:Hort de Fortunyo (2*), near Arnes. This is a beautifully converted Catalan stone farmhouse, 2 kilometres outside Arnes. The grounds incorporate an outdoor pool, orchards and a kitchen garden, produce from which is used in the family recipes that you enjoy in the evening. Again, the hotel is a real family affair, and you are very well looked after by two generations of the Clúa family.

Day 1: starts with a short transfer(or you can walk direct from the hotel) then leads downstream alongside the River Estrets, passing through a deep-cut gorge with superb pools to swim in. You return to the hotel via the medieval village of Arnes, well worth a visit so as to admire the splendid Renaissance architecture. (10km, 3hrs)

Accommodation: Hort de Fortunyo (2*) as above

Day 2: you head into the foothills, following the banks of the River Algars beneath cliffs, then rising gradually through expanses of wild herbs. You enter the Selma Valley and continue along this to Beceite, gateway to the mountains. For a shorter but more demanding walk, pay locally for a transfer to the Toll del Vidre, then walk through the Algars Valley. A steep ascent to the Pelele Pass is followed by another ascent to the summit of Penyagalera (1,035 metres) for an unrivalled 360-degree panorama of the Ports Mountains. (17km or 12.5km)

Accommodation: Font del Pas (2*), Beceite. Beceite is a charming village, the sound of running water ever present. The river here used to power seven watermills, one of which has been converted into this attractive rural hotel. We include the spacious and individually decorated superior rooms. Relax in the riverside garden before dinner in the pretty restaurant.

Day 3: both options for today start with a transfer deep into the sierra. The grade 2 route is a classic walk through the astonishing Matarranya Gorge. At its narrowest points you walk along wooden boardwalks above the emerald-green water. Your target is Les Gubies, needle-like rock formations, from where tracks and lanes lead back to Beceite. The grade 3 route starts by ascending steeply to the Balanguera Pass, then continues uphill to a viewpoint overlooking Les Gubies. You return to the pass then head to another pass from where you can enjoy views into the neighbouring valley before descending through a ravine back to Beceite. (11km or 14km)

Accommodation: Font del Pas (2*) as above

Day 4: after a short transfer, you skirt along the northern shores of a lake. Trails then lead gently uphill through the Figuerales Valley to join an ancient path to Fuentespalda, an attractive village of honey-coloured stone. The last leg descends through scented pine woods, the silence broken only by the occasional tapping of a woodpecker. To extend the walk, you have the option of ascending to the panoramic summit of Periganyol before skirting the lake. (19km)

Accommodation: Torre del Visco (4*), Fuentespalda. The setting of this sumptuous hotel is superb, in the wild Tastavins Valley, several miles from the nearest road. The tranquillity is absolute, and a pair of Bonelli's eagles nests on the estate. It took Piers and Jemma, your charming hosts, two years to convert the 15th-century estate house, but it was certainly worth the effort.
With exposed stonework, tiled floors, beautiful furniture, beamed ceilings, large open fireplaces and masses of fresh flowers everywhere, the effect is stylish yet homely. The extensive library and the inviting lounge are perfect places to unwind. Dinners, served in the high-ceilinged old stable, are excellent, but the breakfasts are truly outstanding.

Day 5: for a fitting finale to your holiday we suggest a circular walk along ancient trails through pine woods and groves of almond and olive trees to the handsome town of Valderrobles, which is crowned by a fortress. Afterwards, simply enjoy the indulgent comforts of the Torre del Visco - browse through some of the many books in the library, play the piano in the lounge, or sit out in the gardens with a drink. (19km)

Local Insight: alternatively, we can arrange a unique - and unmissable - excursion to see dozens of wild griffon vultures feeding. Sitting in a hide, you can watch them gather overhead and then descend to feed, a truly remarkable sight. Available any date. From £28 per person in a party of four (maximum 4 people).

Accommodation: Torre del Visco (4*) as above

Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and anapproximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.

Recommendations for extra nights: Font del Pas (Beceite) for extra walking or Torre del Visco (Fuentespalda) for a day of relaxation in sumptuous surroundings.

Extensions: Why not extend your holiday by visiting the vibrant Catalan capital, Barcelona, staying at the superbly located 4* Hotel Colon

Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system.

Similar holidays: The Mountains of Alicante (grade 2), The Mountains of Sicily (grade 2), White Towns & Rugged Mountains (grade 2-3), The Catalan Pyrenees (grade 2-3), Mountains & Coast (grade 2-3), The Castles of the Cathars (grade 2-3)

Prices & travel 2008:

Recommended destination airports: Reus, Zaragoza & Barcelona
Latest flight arrival time: all flexible
Earliest flight departure time: all flexible
*Self Drive: 7 days' category A car hire (e.g. VW Polo Match 1.2 a/c), drive time from Barcelona (2h45), Zaragoza (2h30) or Reus (1h45) and taxi to collect car at end £75pp
Extra nights can be booked at any hotel
Start: Mon-Sat
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Extra night prices:

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