The capital of Els Ports, Morella, and its region are finalizing preparations to welcome thousands of people for the total solar eclipse on August 12th. The city has designed an extensive special operation with different observation zones, cultural activities, and a mobility plan to ensure a safe and orderly experience.
The astronomical phenomenon will begin shortly after 7:30 PM with the start of the partial eclipse and will reach its totality phase around 8:30 PM. For one minute and forty seconds, the Moon will completely obscure the Sun in the Els Ports region, one of the places in Spain where darkness will last the longest.
Hotels in Morella and rural houses in the region are almost at 100% occupancy. Last-minute cancellations are re-booked within minutes. Raúl Valdelvira from the Hotel Rey Don Jaime in Morella notes they have been fully booked for that day for two years, with a British group having occupied the entire hotel. Julián Martínez from the Cardenal Ram confirms full hotel occupancy and 95% in the rural houses they manage, highlighting that vacancies are filled immediately.
Joaquín Deusdad, president of Temps d'Interior, describes the situation as "a significant day," similar to a tournament final, and points out that prices have not been as exorbitant as speculated, ranging around 300 to 400 euros, double a normal day. A trend of speculative bookings and cancellations is observed, but a positive day is expected.
The Morella City Council has prepared a special program. The Alameda promenade will feature background music, while a choir will offer a concert prior to the eclipse in the kindergarten area. The Plaza de Armas of Morella Castle will be an exclusive observation point with live violin music, with access limited by capacity and a 7-euro entrance fee.
In addition to the castle, official observation zones outside the city walls have been set up, requiring free prior reservation through the municipal website to control attendance. The municipal operation will include City Council staff and volunteers to manage access to farmhouses, organize parking, and prevent traffic jams on rural roads. Several travel agencies have organized buses from cities like Castellón and Peñíscola.
The rest of the municipalities in the region have also mobilized. In Todolella, the Sant Cristòfol area has been prepared as an observation space, and restaurants will offer special menus. In Cinctorres, the official viewing point will be the Creu del Gelat, and carpooling is encouraged. In Castell de Cabres, a popular paella will be organized with the collaboration of the association 3 de Sardines de València. In Ares del Maestrat, the Mola d’Ares will be the main observation point, at 1,300 meters altitude. In Portell de Morella, a guided hike has been organized, and it will be the municipality where totality lasts the longest (1 minute and 41 seconds).
With these initiatives, Els Ports aims to become one of the main destinations in Spain to witness this astronomical phenomenon, which will not be repeated under similar conditions for decades.
