Beceite between Parrizal and the historic town centre

Beceite combines trails along the Matarraña River with a historic town centre and a landscape shaped by ravines. This gives you different options when planning your trip: a hike in the Parrizal, other routes along the river, or a stroll among medieval gates and historic buildings.

Hiking along the Matarraña

The Parrizal Footbridges route is a hike that follows the Matarraña upstream to its source area and can only be completed on foot. Visitor numbers on this route are limited; every person needs an admission ticket, which includes individual insurance. Check the access rules before your trip. Access includes a 1.6-kilometre unpaved walking path there and back. Along the way are a botanical trail and the La Fenellassa rock paintings. The walk is also described as suitable for older visitors.

At the Estrets del Parrissal, the gorge narrows to about 1.5 metres; it is around 60 metres high and 200 metres long. These dimensions give an impression of the narrow rock walls in this landscape. Another hiking option is the first stage of the Matarraña–Algars Nature Trail. It starts near El Parrizal in the Puertos de Beceite, an area designated as an LIC and ZEPA, and follows the upper Matarraña to Beceite.

The upper river stretch from El Parrizal to the Puertos de Beceite has walkways and safety ropes. In some places, however, the route may follow the riverbed, so only take it in suitable conditions and check them before setting out. The stage reaches Beceite via the Acequia Mayor aqueduct, passes the Ermita de Santa Ana and two bridges, and ends near the tourist information office.

Shorter outings by the river also offer a variety of destinations. At the Racó de Sant Antoni viewpoint, information boards explain how the river and erosion have shaped the mountain massif. A five-kilometre route also runs along the river. If you arrive by vehicle, you can use the car parks and follow paths to natural pools. A three-kilometre paved path leads to the first natural pool, the Toll de l’Olla. Access may be subject to seasonal regulations; check the details before your visit. In the town centre, the Font de la Rabosa features waterfalls and natural pools formed by weirs.

Gates, chapels and historic buildings

Beceite’s historic centre was designated a Site of Cultural Interest in May 2007 because of its monumental heritage. Its preserved townscape includes medieval buildings, coats of arms on some façades and four gates from the former town walls: Portal de la calle Llana, Portal de Villanueva, Portal de la Muralla and Portal de Coll. Some of the gates were converted into open chapels.

The Ermita de Santa Ana dates from the 17th century; its sacristy preserves Romanesque remains of an older building. Its atrium has three large semicircular arches, with a slender stone bell gable with a single opening beside it. The Iglesia de San Bartolomé, meanwhile, has a Baroque façade with a portal in two tiers. Construction work was under way in 1726; the church was consecrated in 1735. At the Portal de San Gregorio, a town gate is combined with an open chapel. On the outside, it has a pointed arch, above which is the inverted crescent-moon coat of arms of Pedro López de Luna, the Archbishop of Zaragoza.

The Puente de Piedra is also a historic landmark: the bridge dates from the 16th century and offers views of waterfalls on the Matarraña. The La Presoneta Visitor Centre is housed in a former 12th-century watchtower, prison and town gate. These buildings add a cultural and historical perspective to the hiking destinations, without requiring a separate trip to another area.

The history of papermaking and other activities

Papermaking once shaped Beceite, which had as many as nine paper mills. They were located on the Matarraña: water was needed for production and powered the machines via waterwheels. The Fábrica Noguera is a former 18th-century paper mill. The Fábrica de papel del Pont Nou was built in 1899 and supplied paper for Heraclio Fournier playing cards. Many former paper mills were later converted into homes, hospitality and catering venues, or exhibition halls.

The rugged landscape around Beceite is also suitable for mountain biking, climbing and horse riding; canyoning is another outdoor activity. In autumn, usually at the end of October during mushroom season, the Día dels Bolets and the Mycological Days take place in Beceite. The Día dels Bolets includes guided mountain hikes to identify mushrooms and food tastings featuring mushroom dishes. The specific event dates vary; check the dates for your travel period.

Discover more destinations: La Cuba, La Virgen De La Vega, La Puebla De Valverde, Bronchales, Monroyo, Torres de Albarracín, Valdealgorfa, Gea De Albarracín

For the wider travel overview: Teruel.