From the imposing massif of the Ports up to the delta of the Ebro... the river accompanies us through the region of El Montsià. Come and discover a territory full of contrasts.
The attractions of this region were important from a historical heritage, prehistoric paintings art Levantine Iberian villages and various fortifications built by the Templars and Arabs, to such different landscapes of Transportation and the Ebro Delta conceal a fascinating fauna and flora.
Environmental tourism resources:
Delta of Ebre Natural Park: Delta de l’Ebre is the largest wetland in Catalonia and is the most important aquatic habitats in the western Mediterranean. The landscape has a strong personality that makes him unique in Catalonia, within the broad and have extensive paddy scenery that changes with the seasons (muddy in winter, water flooded in spring, green in the summer), the coast presents a most attractive landscapes of the Mediterranean, large lakes surrounded by reeds and rushes. At the periphery, with large areas of saline soils and vegetation have long deserted sandy beaches and dunes. The Ebro delta wetlands are of great importance to international eight plants and 69 species of vertebrate fauna, the majority being birds.
Natural Park of Ports: Ports are the set of mountains that make contact between the regions of the eastern Ebro and Montsant, Terra Alta (Tarragona province) and Matarraña (Teruel), north-west and Lower Maestre south (Castellón). The area is characterized by vegetation of pine (pine and red pine), oak. The terrain features numerous ravines, ridges and peaks, where we find the largest colony of goat Hispanic Peninsula, along with other species such as badgers, Gineta, or birds of prey, and also part of a large population of otter and vultures.
Montsant mountains: the mountains known for its unique limestone relief, to maintain natural ecosystems representative Mediterranean, and its biogeographical interest, constitutes the southern limit for extra-species and an important element enclave south. Has been included in the Plan for Areas of Interest in Catalonia PEIN, which awards guidelines for protecting the natural environment and landscape. Currently, hiking, hunting, climbing and mountain biking are the only activities permitted within the PEIN Montsiá.
Cultural Resources:
Prehistoric paintings of the Hermitage Ulldecona: cave paintings of the Hermitage Ulldecona declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1998, comprise one of the most important Levantine cave art of the Iberian Peninsula. In the mountain valleys of the 11 shelters were compatible with Neolithic paintings are about 8,000 years. Over the nearly 500 feet of walls and caves, there are more than 400 figures that reproduce various hunting scenes.
Ulldecona Castle: Castle Ulldecona was conquered in 1148 by Ramon Berenguer IV and subsequently awarded the Order of the Hospital who built the most emblematic buildings: the round tower and the square tower. A visit to the fortress, but also reveals the church of St. Mary of the Angels, domestic units or remnants of the old Arab fortress, built between the eighth and twelfth centuries.
Historic Centre of Ulldecona: the old Ulldecona maintains the essence of its medieval past. The streets that revolve around the church of Saint Luke, a Gothic archway in the square and many stately homes preserved. The cave Ulldecona declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1998, and the medieval castle located on the outskirts of the village are two tourist attractions that add to the picturesque square emporxada and alleys that form the center historical Ulldecona.
Iberian settlement of Moleta del Remei, Alcanar: Near the Chapel of Our Lady of Remedy Alcanar are tied to an Iberian coastal trade routes that linked the Ebro Valley to the Mediterranean Sea. Currently, the site was suitable to accommodate visitors. They have installed several informative panels that review the history of the town and offer a general explanation on various aspects of the Iberian world. In addition, the tour of the archaeological remains can enjoy a fantastic view over the Mediterranean coast and the mouth of the Ebro.
Castle of Amposta: if we know Amposta, one of the points is essential to visit the Castle, a fortress defended by the tenth century Arab and medieval walls. A series of informative panels to tour the site currently retains the base of the tower of St. John, the cemetery and placed a slender stone arches of the river as a result. Also, you can visit some Iberian and silos of the mill remains.
The Tower of Carrova: the medieval tower Carrova stands on a small hill near the river Ebro, a few kilometers above the town of Amposta, strategic point to control river traffic. The robust structure of the fourteenth century stands as one of the most interesting examples of defensive fortification in the lower course of the Ebro. Beside the tower has enabled a picnic area near the source of Carrova and the remains of a Roman villa in archaeological reconstruction process.
Wood House: Wood House is one of the most emblematic buildings of the Ebro Delta. It was built in the late 20th century by a group of hunters who set foot • Delta attracted by the variety of birds that housed the area. Today has been enabled to receive the Information Centre of the Natural Park of Delta del Ebro.
Montsià Museum: Opened in 2011 after the renovation of the Regional Museum of Montsiā, is a major cultural institutions of the territory by gathering funds - collections of archeology , ethnology and nature - for the services it provides - SET ( Educational services and Tourism ) , SAM ( Service to Museums) , Multimedia Space , media library , etc. . - And by all public activities , techniques and research Headquartered in Amposta and held since its creation in 1984 , the old building of public schools Miquel Granell . With the expansion and renovation project opened in 2011 , the Museum has 3,000 m2, in suitable museum to develop services and activities of territorial scope , to explore new possibilities for action as a space for content creation and presentation facilities , and time, too, to become a cultural platform for citizens and territory initiatives projection .
Traditional Festivals:
”Ball de mantillas”, Alcanar: January 17 volts by the people of Alcanar celebrates the festival in honor of San Antonio. The program of events includes many popular activities among which the dance shawls, genuine expression of local folklore. Dancers of all ages, the traditional costumes worn and dance to the rhythm of Jack.
Correbous and dancing shawls, Ulldecona: last week of August, Ulldecona celebrates its festivals devoted to the Virgin of Mercy with hundreds of festive events of all kinds, including the oxen and correbous Ball of Shawls. This last activity is precisely one of the most deeply rooted traditions in the population.
Passion of Ulldecona: character assotiations Ulldecona cultural activity (Montsià) took dramatic dimensions when Easter arrives. Almost all the people collaborating, directly or indirectly, in the representation of the Passion Ulldecona an annual event that fills the audience Montsià Choral Arts.
Festivals of Alcanar and Ulldecona: as the name says, the Quinquenals Festivals are held every five years (finishing in four and nine). From the second Sunday of October, and for fifteen days, filled with party people. The origin of the quinquennial parties must be sought in the promise made after the Spanish Civil War to honor the Virgin Mary holding a truly unique festival. Despite the strong religious event, the program also includes a number of popular festivals, concerts and dances that bring the festival to all corners of the city.
Music Workshop at the Chapel of Mercy, Ulldecona: reference event and only in the spring - summer Terres de l'Ebre. Each year there are concerts from first place in the setting of the chapel of Mercy, in Ulldecona.
Godall Carnival: Carnival of Godall holidays is one of the most peculiar events in Terres de l'Ebre. The enthusiasm of the neighbors is such that even well-kept alive during the Franco dictatorship, during which had banned such events. Carnival is known for the battle Godall flour organized on Saturday and Tuesday, a unique tradition in Catalonia that also practiced in other parts of Spain.
Artichoke Gastronomic festival, Amposta: In February, the artichoke is the focus of gastronomic Amposta. The restaurants of the capital Montsiá produce the extensive culinary offering this vegetable: Artichoke bream oil, meatballs with cuttlefish and artichoke, artichoke quiche of the Roquefort and braised lamb with artichokes and vegetables are some of the proposals Gourmet restaurant offering local services.
Rice Gastronomical festival, Amposta: since 2004 dedicated the celebration to its gastronomic flagship of the Ebro Delta area: rice. In October this is the main ingredient in the restaurants of the town produce a variety of recipes ranging from the traditional to the most revolutionary.
Day of the galley of Sant Carles de la Rapita: (20 February) with the galley's Day highlights the importance of fish and shellfish in the culinary tradition of the population. During the event, held the second weekend of February, you can taste different dishes where the main element is the galley, either fried, grilled, in soup or with rice and vegetables.
Active tourism:
Hiking:
- Camino de Santiago del Ebro: The Way of St. James the Ebro Montsiá crosses the region, the Baix Ebre and Terra Alta to explore in Aragon and La Rioja where he joins the French way, at the height of Logroño. The tour begins in the delta town of Deltebre and followed the river passes Amposta, Tortosa, and Aldover Xerta.
- The path of the Mediterranean: a long distance walking route linking the town of Port Bou, the Alt Empordà Ulldecona and is the starting point of the trail at its southern end.
- Route de la Horadada, Montsant mountains: The tour is part of the GR 92, quit drinking, is'endinsa the Montsant mountains. The 8-km route runs through the mountain ridge de la Horadada, which has become a superb viewpoint Montsià.
- Route of Olives millennial Ulldecona: This tour concentrates on the ancient olive groves Ulldecona, where some are cataloged nearly two thousand trees that are between one and two thousand years.
Cycling: the practice of cycling in the region de4l Montsià allows the variety of landscapes from Terres de l'Ebre. A pedal stroke can travel through the Natural Park of the Ebro Delta, and rural roads and small roads can enjoy the Montsant mountains.
Sailing: the sunny weather, gentle winds highly valued by those who practice sailing, two bays that form the Delta that can attenuate the waves and surf safely, making the beaches Montsiá make the delight lovers of this sport.