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.
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.
Health and Safety
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.
Nature Experience
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
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).
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.
Sustainability Recognitions
Terres de l'Ebre achieved the Green Destination Gold Award in 2021.
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.
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