Attractions and Places To See around Sant Mateu - Top 20

Sant Mateu is rich in history. You can wander through the Historic Centre with its medieval architecture, visit the Plaza Mayor, and admire the magnificent Archpriestal Church of San Mateo Apóstol. Other notable historical buildings include the Town Hall, Borrull Palace (which houses the Tourist Office and Municipal Museum), and the El Marqués de Villores Palace. Don't miss the remnants of the Old Walls and the 14th-century Gothic Oven.

Yes, a significant historical site nearby is the Cervera del Maestre Castle Ruins. These ruins are located above the seasonal river Rambla de Cervera and offer a glimpse into the region's past.

The region offers several natural highlights. You can explore the El Ángel Valley, home to some of Spain's oldest olive groves. For a serene experience, visit La Font de Sant Mateu, a park ideal for picnicking with a nearby spring. The Parque Natural de la Sierra de Irta, a short drive away, provides rugged coastline and lush greenery with stunning sea views. Additionally, the Paraje Natural Municipal Ermita Santa María Magdalena combines historical architecture with verdant landscapes.

For excellent panoramic views, head to the Hermitage of Our Lady of the Angels. Located about 2.5 km from Sant Mateu atop a mountain, this 16th-century sanctuary offers beautiful vistas of the town and the Maestrat region. It also features a restaurant.

Many attractions in and around Sant Mateu are suitable for families. The Historic Centre is great for exploring, and the Plaza Mayor is a pleasant spot. The Royal Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Fountain of Health of Traiguera and the Chapel and Fountain of Sant Vicent are both family-friendly religious sites. For active families, the Ciudad del Ciclismo Campsite offers an MTB/XCO track and serves as a base for cycling and hiking.

Sant Mateu has several cultural sites. Inside the Archpriestal Church, you'll find the Archpriest Parish Collection with medieval goldsmithing. The Borrull Palace houses the Sant Mateu Municipal Collection, detailing local history. You can also visit the Juan Cano Forner Paleontological Collection, one of the best private paleontological collections in the Valencian Community, and the intriguing Museu de les Presons with its dungeons. Don't forget the UNESCO-listed Sant Mateu Cave Paintings nearby.

The area around Sant Mateu is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous signposted trails for hiking and cycling. For hiking, popular routes include the 'Route of San Cristóbal (PR-CV 202) — Circular to the Sanctuary of La Mare de Deu dels Angels' and the 'Millennial Olive Grove loop from Sant Mateu'. Cyclists can enjoy gravel biking routes like 'Camí dels Desterradors – San Mateu loop' or road cycling routes such as 'Peñíscola – Ascent to Cervera del Maestre loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Sant Mateu, Gravel biking around Sant Mateu, and Road Cycling Routes around Sant Mateu guides.

Sant Mateu features several significant religious buildings. The Archpriestal Church of San Mateo Apóstol is a prime example of Valencian Gothic architecture. Other notable sites include the Santa Ana Monastery (Agustinas convent), the 13th-century San Pedro Church, and the 15th-century La Mare de Déu Fountain. Outside the town, you can visit the Royal Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Fountain of Health of Traiguera and the Hermitage of Our Lady of the Angels.

The Plaza Mayor, also known as Plaza del Ángel, is considered the sentimental and historical heart of Sant Mateu. Dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, this arcaded main square is an excellent starting point for exploring the town's historic center and features the Ángel fountain.

Sant Mateu hosts vibrant local markets where you can find fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade crafts. These markets offer a great opportunity to experience local culture and find unique souvenirs.

The Ciudad del Ciclismo Campsite is a facility designed for cyclists and hikers. It features a separate MTB/XCO track within its grounds and provides a convenient base for exploring the many cycling and hiking routes in the surrounding area. It also has a restaurant with a beautiful view.