LES TERRES DE L’EBRE
A LAND DEFINED BY A RIVER
The River Ebre is the second largest river in the Iberian Peninsula and lends its name to the lands it flows through in Catalonia on its way to the Mediterranean. The Terres de l’Ebre (Ebre lands) are located in Southern Catalonia between Barcelona (180 km away) and Valencia (170 km), and are made up of four small counties: Montsia and Baix Ebre, on the coast, and Terra Alta and Ribera d’Ebre inland.
A land rich in natural heritage which encompasses two important ecosystems, protected as natural parks – the Ebre Delta and the Els Ports mountain range. The Terres de l’Ebre region was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Natural Reserve in 2016. A unique and varied land, combining natural landscapes and those adapted by the hand of people, constantly changing with the seasons. The ideal place to visit for rural tourism, active tourism, wine tourism, cycling holidays or a family break. The Terres de l’Ebre region has something for everyone.
DIVERSE HERITAGE
The lands around the River Ebre making up the Terres de l’Ebre region offer a variety of unique landscapes. The Els Ports mountain range and other hills and mountains further inland, the Ebre Valley, and the Mediterranean coast offer three ways to live and work. The diverse architectural heritage ranges from the medieval town centres of many towns in Terra Alta and the riverside constructions in Ribera d’Ebre to the small typical constructions of the Delta known as barraques, as well as the remains of Iberian settlements and castles built by the Moors, such as those in Miravet and Tortosa. Regarding culture and traditions, aspects such as the vocabulary used in everyday language, and local festivities and gastronomy are also closely linked to each different area. Some of the local products most valued include wine, citrus fruits, sweet summer fruits, rice, and extra virgin olive oil produced in each of the four counties.
TWO PARKS AND A NATURE RESERVE
Close together we can explore two natural treasures, two areas protected for the natural value of their landscapes and ecosystems – the Els Ports Natural Park and the Ebre Delta Natural Park. The former encompasses the mountains of the Els Ports massif, a rugged and wild landscape with ravines, crags, forests and mountain peaks. Humans have worked and lived in and near this challenging landscape for centuries. It stretches out into the Terra Alta, Baix Ebre and Montsià counties.
The Ebre Delta Natural Park is the largest area of wetlands in Catalonia. A unique and spectacular extension of wetlands, lagoons, canals, and fields which is home to some of the most important breeding sites for many species of birds in the Mediterranean. Both parks have the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (CETS) certificate.
The Terres de l’Ebre region has also been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Natural Reserve since 2016, making it one of the best hundred destinations for sustainable tourism in the world.
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