Terres de l’Ebre has a regular bus service connecting the cities and villages in Catalonia and also the rest of Spain. Another possibility is the train, with two regional railway lines and a high speed train which joins Madrid to Lleida and Tarragona. Those coming from far could also consider Reus Airport (a few km north of the region) or Barcelona and Valencia internationals airports (both around 150 km from Terres de l’Ebre).
Terres de l’Ebre
Natural landscape and mediterranean life in the south of Catalonia
Why visit Terres de l’Ebre
The lower Ebro region, located in the most southern part of Catalonia is a green holiday spot. The Ebro has a high ecological value and low tourism pressure. The identity of its local communities, their traditions, history, folklore, and gastronomy, make Terres de l’Ebre a unique green holiday area. It covers four counties, which have some of the most incredible, unbeatable countryside, and a rich cultural and historical heritage. Even today, the largest flowing river on the Iberian Peninsula, the Ebro (in Catalan: Ebre) shapes this unique area declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Read further to find out more about green holidays in Terres de l’Ebre.
Destination’s sustainability performance
Culture & Local Life
Terres de l’Ebre is a melting pot of civilisations, with the river Ebro as a key element for all who settled on the Iberian Peninsula. These civilisations have left a unique historical and architectural legacy, giving personality and character to these four counties of Catalonia. Nowadays, Terres de l’Ebre has an outstanding cultural heritage and a wide range of cultural activities to discover during your green holidays.
Some of the most important are: the cave paintings in Ulldecona (Unesco World Heritage); Miravet Castle, the most important Templar remains in Catalonia; the Wine Cathedral of Pinell de Brai and Gandesa (built by Cèsar Martinell, a disciple of Antoni Gaudí); and Tortosa, the regional capital that hosts some of the most varied monumental heritage in Catalonia.
Sustainability
The high level of sustainability of the region is the result of its high ecological value, the respect that the local communities have shown towards the natural resources, and the low tourism pressure. Farmers, cattle breeders, fishermen, artisans and artists have seen in their natural resources their source of sustenance and inspiration, as well as a way of life that has been transferred in the form of customs, feasts and gastronomy.
Health and Safety
The tourism companies in Terres de l’Ebre offer their services following the safety and hygiene protocols defined by the governments, with the aim of protecting the health of visitors and workers, in order to offer the best tourist experience. Read more here about the measures taken.
Good Practice Story
The destination Terres de l’Ebre is particularly known for its beautiful nature. It is also very popular with cyclists, as the greenway of the Zafán Valley passes through this area. The problem is that the via verde is not very well connected to the Ebro Delta Natural Park. For this reason, The Terres de l’Ebre Tourist Board, together with several municipalities, decided to extend the Val de Zafán Via Verde. For this purpose, a new section of the cycle path was built on an old railway line. Through this extension, barriers such as roads or irrigation canals can be safely overcome. E-bike charging stations are also being installed.
The cooperation between stakeholders and the administration, the participation of stakeholders from the tourism sector and the previously undertaken extension work can be named as success factors for the project.
In the future, however, a person will also be needed to manage the project and maintain the infrastructure. Through these steps, the new section of the cycle path can increase attractiveness, reduce seasonality and further improve safety. In addition, communities can be connected with each other and sustainable mobility is supported.
Know their story
GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Nature & Wildlife
Green holiday in Terres de l’Ebre are more renowned for the natural areas than anything else, and this is one of the main reasons for visiting. Few places in the world are home to two natural parks with two different ecosystems in just over 30 km. The Ebro Delta Natural Park, the largest wetland in Catalonia and the Els Ports Natural Park, a massive mountain range, and a paradise for nature and birdwatching.
Every possible aspect of the Mediterranean Sea can be found here, as the coast stretches for 142 km along cliffs, hidden coves, and natural beaches. 35% of the region is protected by the Xarxa Natura 2000 Network.
Getting there
Getting around
In addition to having two regional railway lines and regular bus services that serves practically all towns and villages, the region has a good network of primary and secondary roads which connects all villages.
Consider bicycles that can be hired in the main towns.
GOOD PLACES TO STAY
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs, such as one from Terres de l’Ebre.
Travel tips from our editors
Typical Baiona
Before lunch or dinner drink a wine (or whatever you want) and eat a “tapa” in our old town, mix with our people and enjoy our traditions.
The Virgin of the Rock
Don’t miss one of the most peculiar monuments of the country located in Baiona: the Virgin of the Rock. The 15-meter-high statue representing the Virgin Mary holding a boat in her hand. Through a stone staircase inside, you can access this viewpoint from where the views towards Baiona, the bay and the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular.
Enjoy the Sunset
From the beaches of A Concheira and Frades, from the Paseo Monte Boi or from the Fortress, stop and watch the sun go down. The colors of the sky projected into the ocean will surprise you.
Sustainability Recognitions
Terres de l’Ebre achieved the Green Destination Gold Award in 2024.
Terres de l’Ebre participated in the 2020 Sustainable Top 100 Destination Awards and Global Green Destinations Days by submitting a Good Practice Story.
Terres de l’Ebre was designated as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve since 2013.
What does it mean?
- They have shown at least 60% compliance with the Green Destinations Core Criteria.
- They have submitted a story that was selected to the list for its innovative, effective and / or transferable good management practice.
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit Good Practice Story
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit submitted a Good Practice Story. It was about combining various tactics sustainability became the departure point for tourism development. Read the full story here.
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