Els PortsL'Alt MaestratEl Baix MaestratL'AlcalaténLa Plana AltaLa Plana BaixaL'Alt MillarsL'Alt PalànciaEl Racó d'AdemúsEls SerransEl Camp de TúriaEl Camp de MorvedreL'Horta NordL'Horta de ValènciaL'Horta OestL'Horta SudLa Plana d'Utiel-RequenaLa Foia de BunyolLa Vall de CofrentsLa Ribera AltaLa Ribera BaixaLa Canal de NavarrésLa CosteraLa Vall d'AlbaidaLa SaforEl ComtatL'AlcoiàL'Alt VinalopóEl Vinalopó MitjàLa Marina AltaLa Marina BaixaL'AlacantíEl Baix VinalopóEl Baix SeguraEls PortsL'Alt MaestratEl Baix MaestratL'AlcalaténLa Plana AltaLa Plana BaixaL'Alt MillarsL'Alt PalànciaEl Racó d'AdemúsEls SerransEl Camp de TúriaEl Camp de MorvedreL'Horta NordL'Horta de ValènciaL'Horta OestL'Horta SudLa Plana d'Utiel-RequenaLa Foia de BunyolLa Vall de CofrentsLa Ribera AltaLa Ribera BaixaLa Canal de NavarrésLa CosteraLa Vall d'AlbaidaLa SaforEl ComtatL'AlcoiàL'Alt VinalopóEl Vinalopó MitjàLa Marina AltaLa Marina BaixaL'AlacantíEl Baix VinalopóEl Baix Segura
VA|ES|EN

Diari Valencià

Morella, the walled town of Castellón recognized by the UN as a world treasure

The town in Els Ports stands out for its heritage management, sustainability, and gastronomy, being a pioneer in the Best Tourism Villages label.

Aerial view of the walled city of Morella with its castle, highlighting the dry stone architecture.
IA

Aerial view of the walled city of Morella with its castle, highlighting the dry stone architecture.

Morella, in the Els Ports region, has achieved recognition from the United Nations as one of the best tourist villages in the world, standing out for its beauty, heritage management, and commitment to sustainability.

While the coastal areas of the Valencian Community often capture tourist attention, the interior of Castellón hides a gem at 1,070 meters of altitude. Morella has been distinguished for its management and beauty, achieving unanimous recognition from the United Nations, which places it as one of the best tourist villages globally.
The town was a pioneer in receiving the Best Tourism Villages distinction in 2021, the year the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) launched this prestigious label. Out of 170 global candidacies, Morella was selected in the first historical edition as an “outstanding example” of how heritage can drive local development.
Since then, only a handful of Spanish localities have managed to pass the rigorous evaluation of the United Nations. Morella remains the only town in the Valencian Community that is part of this select group, which includes municipalities such as Lekunberri (Navarra), Alquézar (Huesca), or Guadalupe (Cáceres).

The UN does not only reward aesthetics, but also the survival strategy of the rural world. Morella was distinguished for its ability to use tourism as an antidote against depopulation, maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

The reasons for this award go beyond mere aesthetics. The UN values Morella's ability to use tourism as a tool against depopulation, maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. Evaluators highlighted its medieval “ziggurat” configuration, protected by 2.5 kilometers of wall and crowned by an 8th-century castle.
Furthermore, natural protection actions were emphasized, such as ecological forest clearing and efficient water and recycling management. Gastronomic identity was also key, with the promotion of local products under the Club Exquisit Mediterrani label, highlighting the black truffle from Maestrat, its famous croquettes, and the flaó.
Entering through the Torres de San Miguel is like taking a trip back in time. Its Archpriestal Basilica Santa María la Mayor is one of the most important Gothic jewels in the country, with a staircase to the choir and a breathtaking main altar. This ensemble, together with the use of dry stone in its stepped streets, forms a landscape that the UN has defined as a refuge for the most authentic cultural values on the planet.

Related News