It’s easy to get stuck in the metropolitan hot spots of Catalonia, Spain with its unique art and world-renowned cuisine. Then there’s the coast. Who wants to leave those jagged cliffs and quaint seaside villages, oozing with as much culture as bigger cities like Barcelona? Yet, there’s reason to leave both behind and explore Catalonia’s interior of Terres de l’Ebre.
Terres de l’Ebre is a two-hour drive south of Barcelona. The region draws its name from the Ebro River. It starts in the Delta de l’Ebre and follows the Ebro River inland as it cuts through the mountainous terrain of Catalonia. Between the wetlands and mountains, the region offers plenty of activities for adventure travelers.
Birdwatching at Sebes Nature Reserve
The journey into Terres de l’Ebre begins with the Sebes Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is housed in an area of wetlands just north of the Delta de l’Ebre along the Ebro River. Nature lovers can explore 204 hectares (504 acres) of terrain ranging from sandy cliffs and rocky bluffs to reed beds and flood meadows. Both draw unique communities of birdlife. Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Sparrow, Thekla Lark, and Sardinian Warbler are found closer to the water while the dryer side draws Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Woodchat Shrike, Serin, Crested Lark, Wryneck, and Spotless Starling.
Sebes Nature Reserve makes it easy to spot birds by providing wooden footbridges that lead into and over the lagoons, reed beds, and riparian forests. There are also several observatories for a more bird’s-eye view. For a non-bird watching experience, check out the observatory that looks out over the Sant Joan Valley. The view is spectacular!
Bike the Green Way
From the Sebes Nature Reserve, we head uphill into Terres de l’Ebre where the Green Way begins in the village of Arnes. Here, you’ll rent a bike and coast along the old Zafan Valley Railway, which has recently been converted into well-maintained, asphalt hiking and biking trails. The Green Way continues for 49 kilometers (30 miles) and ends in Tortosa.
Along the way, you’ll cross over many railroad bridges and through more than 40 tunnels. There are plenty of cultural stops to break up the trek, like Horta de Sant Joan, where Picasso invented cubism, and the thermal waters of Pinell de Brai. I recommend stopping at the Benifallet Station for either lunch or an overnight as it operates as both a restaurant and a hostel. Order the artichokes. They were the best I’ve ever eaten.
Kayak the Ebro River
Benifallet Station is also where I recommend hopping off the bike and hopping into a kayak. While the nature trail does continue to Tortosa, it’s more fun to approach by water for a different view and perspective.
Several outfits in the area allow you to rent a kayak to explore the river. Follow the river into Tortosa, where you can book a room for the night to explore one of the largest villages in the region. Don’t be in too much of a hurry though. Paddle up to a river beach and relax on the sandy shores for a relaxing break.
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Terres de l’Ebre is more than just nature
As you can tell, the region is more than just adventure and nature. It’s the perfect blend of the two. Biking the Green Way and kayaking the Ebro River allow you to access the culture and gastronomical heritage of a lesser-explored part of Catalonia. Given the amount of food and wine you’ll be drinking, it also helps to burn off all those calories!
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