The geographical and physical environment
The Matarraña region presents an eminently mountainous landscape, a territory where the last foothills of the Iberian System converge with the Coastal Catalan Ranges.
The geographical and physical environment of the Matarraña
The Matarraña region presents an eminently mountainous landscape. It is a territory where the last foothills of the Iberian System converge with the Coastal Catalan Ranges. The Matarraña is one of the ten comarques of the province of Teruel, located at the eastern tip of the Aragonese province. It borders Zaragoza to the north, Tarragona to the east and Castellón to the south, covering 933 km² with 8,894 inhabitants spread across 18 municipalities.
The fundamental geographical characteristic of the comarca is its diversity, which holds great landscape, botanical and wildlife values, based on physical contrasts and the rugged character of its mountain ranges, despite their modest altitude. The relief is the basic component of the comarca's natural environment: beyond being the most tangible element, it constitutes the foundation on which all others rest, and it has a decisive influence on the climate, vegetation, water resources, land use and the economic opportunities that nature offers to human beings.
The territory offers a remarkable diversity of well-preserved landscapes and ecosystems, clearly divided into three major geographical areas.
Climate
The comarca has a Mediterranean climate, with irregular rainfall and low winter temperatures. In the highest zone temperatures can reach -15°C, while in summer in the lowest zone they can reach 40°C. Spring and autumn usually record temperatures around 20°C. The proximity to the Mediterranean makes cold drops and easterly storms, which batter the east of the Iberian Peninsula, a frequent occurrence.
Rivers of the Matarraña
The hydrographic network of the comarca is structured around the Matarraña River and its tributaries, which create a spectacular landscape throughout the entire area.
Rivers of the Matarraña
The hydrographic network of the comarca is structured around the Matarraña River and its tributaries, which create a spectacular landscape throughout the entire area.
Matarraña River
A tributary of the Ebro River, typically Mediterranean in character and with a highly irregular flow. Considered one of the best-preserved Mediterranean rivers on the planet: along its entire course there are no significant artificial dams and no notable discharges. Its crystal-clear waters are a refuge for trout, barbel, common nase and the native crayfish, a species that has almost disappeared from the rest of Spain's rivers.
Ulldemó River
A tributary of the Matarraña located in the Peixquera de Beceite area. Its characteristics are similar to those of the Matarraña, although its valley is narrower and more enclosed. Both rivers abound in crystal-clear pools surrounded by woodland.
Pena River
A tributary of the Matarraña that flows into the Pena reservoir, the only reservoir in the Matarraña comarca, which stands in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape.
Tastavins River
A tributary of the Matarraña where a spectacular 20-metre-high waterfall can be admired: the Salt de la Portellada waterfall.
Algars River
Its flow is fed by the ullal del Mas de Pau and follows a beautiful course shared with the neighbouring municipality of Arnes, where spectacular spots such as the Toll del Vidre stand out.
Distinct zones of the Matarraña
The Matarraña offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes and ecosystems, structured into three major distinctive geographical areas.
Middle Matarraña zone
Gently undulating relief, with flat areas and fertile valleys suited to cultivation. Altitudes generally below 500 metres. Scrubland predominates in the north alongside a vibrant agricultural mosaic, with few woodland areas.
Zone of tablelands and pine forests
Located in the south-west, this mountainous zone is characterised by its tabular landforms (muelas) covered by dense pine forests. Altitudes range between 500 and 1,000 metres, with interspersed crops that generate rich landscape contrasts. It coincides with the basin of the Tastavins River.
Zone of the Puertos de Beceite massif
The most rugged and elevated area of the Matarraña, with summits close to 1,400 metres (Encantader, Tossal del Rei). It is a predominantly limestone massif, with abundant cliffs, irregular relief and a high density of gorges.
Matarraña · Tourism
Plan your experience
Discover accommodation, local guides and services for your route through Matarraña.