To go on a category road trip, you don’t need to take the car in the United States or cross Europe. In Spain we have the Ebro Delta in all seasons and for all tastes. A natural area in the province of Tarragona and, specifically, between the counties of Baix Ebre and Montsià. And the fact is that the mouth of the Ebro River in the Mediterranean Sea is a spectacle of flora and fauna throughout its 320 km2 surface.
This route can be done in two different ways: from south to north and vice versa. However, for the majority of the inhabitants of the peninsula the first will be more convenient and it is, moreover, the one that we propose below and which is accessed by the AP-7 Direction Bcn – Valencia, taking exit 39 (Ampolla), 40 (Aldea -Tortosa) or 41 (Amposta – Sant Carles de la Ràpita). Also by the National N-340, in any of the four exits towards Deltebre.
Sant Carles de la Ràpita and Sierra del Montsià
The southernmost part of the Delta is Sant Carles de la Ràpita, a population of almost 15,000 inhabitants where you can enjoy the beaches of the port of Els Alfacs. It is a bay that forms a natural salt lake. We can also go to Guardiola viewpoint to contemplate panoramic views of the entire Delta.
Although, lovers of hiking should walk up to La Foradada, which is 655m above sea level. It is an excursion of little difficulty and with impressive views.
Heading towards Poble Nou del Delta, we will find the “House of Whip”, one of the most iconic buildings in the Delta. It was built in the late 1920s by hunters who settled in the area attracted by the large number and diversity of birds. In fact, currently, one of its rooms houses the ornithological museum.
Sant Jaume d’Enveja and Buda Island
Following the route in the direction of Trabucador (the Moll del Trabucador is, by the way, a perfect place to have a snack by the sea), we will arrive at Punta de la Banya by car: the most important bird nesting place in the Mediterranean.
Then we’ll head towards Sant Jaume d’Enveja, where there are a wide variety of sports activities and three beaches. Crossing the town, we will be able to cross the Ebro river by the modern Lo Pasador bridge, where one of the best views of the flow at its mouth.
Continuing parallel to the river, the road will take us to the Illa de Buda, the largest in Catalonia. It is protected and only opens its doors to the public on June 29, for Sant Pere. The rest of the year you need an express authorization to access. Birds, horses, eucalyptus trees and rice fill this environment that extends over 30,000 hectares and five kilometers in length.
Fangar Lighthouse
However, on the left side we will find the Garxel lagoon: a group of small islets and lagoons. Further to the left is the beach of La Marquesa and Punta del Fangar, the northernmost part of the Delta and a surface of dunes with an emblematic lighthouse that you cannot miss.
L’Ampulla It may be the last stop on our route, where we will find one of the best places to rest and enjoy a good rice with views from the viewpoint of The Bassa de les Olles. It’s about the smallest lagoon of one of this impressive natural parks.
Photos | unsplash