In the south of the Spanish province of Tarragona lies the Spanish city of Deltebre. Look forward to a varied holiday at the Ebro Delta and excursions to the fascinating nature park. The wetland on the Mediterranean attracts many migratory birds. On a boat trip, you can marvel at the unique natural paradise.
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The Ebro Delta Nature Park is located in the province of Tarragona and covers an area of almost 8 hectares. Essentially, the area is characterized by rich waterways and green vegetation. Today, up to 400 bird species live in the park. The flat landscapes of the nature park invite excursions by bicycle or boats through the fertile lagoons. Visitors can admire the salt pans and discover the dunes along the coast. The wider region is known for rice cultivation.
The Platja del Trabucador on the Spanish Costa Daurada is 6.5 kilometers long. It is located on a narrow spit that separates the Mediterranean Sea from a small bay. Here you can enjoy golden sand and a unique natural panorama. The narrow, sparsely developed beach is unspoiled, usually not very crowded, and therefore offers space for extensive walks and a dip in the refreshing water. Additionally, the beach is well-suited for wind-dependent sports like kitesurfing.
Those who wish to visit the Riet Vell Nature Reserve should start their tour at the Riet Vell Visitor Center. Here you can learn more about the native water birds such as the purple swamphen, penduline tit, and squacco heron, and also organize birdwatching tours around Deltebre on the Costa Daurada. You can reach the Riet Vell Visitor Center in the 44-hectare nature reserve managed by SEO/Birdlife via Amposta. Here you will get information about the organic rice fields and the observatory. Additionally, you can buy products from organic farming here.
Between Barcelona and Valencia in Catalonia lies the Mirador de la Tancada. The viewpoint on the Costa Dorada is easily accessible from the parking lot. The name refers to its location in the Laguna de la Tancada. From the wooden platform, you can let your gaze wander over the shore. You can observe gulls, flamingos, and coastal terns in the wild. Since you can reach the observation tower via a ramp, the attraction is barrier-free and suitable for strollers.
The Fangar Peninsula forms an arc towards the mainland, creating a sheltered inland sea. Fascinating fine sand characterizes the 7 km long beach on the east coast of Spain. Nesting terns and gulls can be observed from the paths. Near the northern tip of the peninsula stands the Far del Fangar lighthouse. The 20-meter-high structure shines prominently in red and white colors. An excursion to the Ebro Delta Nature Park to see flamingos, kingfishers, and cormorants is a must.
In the permanent exhibition of the Museu de les Terres de l’Ebre, you will learn about the unique nature of the wetlands around Deltebre. It also informs you about the coexistence of people on the Costa Daurada in harmony with the sea. You will find the Museu de les Terres de l’Ebre a little further inland in the municipality of Amposta. Here you begin your journey through the east of Spain with extensive information on the cultural history of the region. Readings and guided tours are held regularly.
Near the mouth of the Ebro into the Mediterranean, a trip to the El Garxal nature area is worthwhile during a vacation in Deltebre. You will find a fascinating and unspoiled area with expansive dunes, salt gardens, and small lagoons. This is the perfect place to observe numerous water birds, such as the cute flamingos.
Les Ullals de Baltasar, in the Ebro Delta near Deltebre, is a hidden natural wonder with natural springs that form crystal-clear ponds and streams in this flat landscape. This oasis of biodiversity is home to diverse plants and animals, especially birds, and remains largely undiscovered by the public, yet offers a peaceful retreat for nature observation.
Not far from Deltebre and the Ebro Delta, the Tower of San Juan de los Alfacs awaits you as an enchanted testament of the 16th century. As a romantic ruin, the former defense tower rises from the flat sea of the delta region. It is an impressive photo subject and a popular spot for bird watching.
When on vacation around Deltebre, be sure to plan a trip to Miravet inland. In an outstanding location on a hill at the highest point of the old town stands the Castell de Miravet. The 9th-century fortress impresses with its Romanesque chapel and its direct view of the Ebro River.
During a tour of Deltebre on the Ebro, you pass by the Ecomuseum. Visiting the eco-garden with information about rice cultivation proves to be an informative introduction to getting to know the peninsula. In the water-rich Ebro Delta, the cultivation of this grain has a long tradition. Another focus is on the problem of pollution in our seas. Aquariums with fish found on the coast complete the child-friendly experience. Afterwards, you take a bike tour to the dunes of the Punta del Fangar peninsula, located about 10 km north of Deltebre. A road runs to the tip El Diamant. The vast dune landscape offers numerous birds nesting sites. It is protected, as are the surrounding waters. Splashing in the long, golden-yellow sandy beach is allowed, as is hiking to the lighthouse. With a bit of luck, you might even experience a mirage, where the landscape of the Ebro Delta is reflected over the sea.
A day in nature awaits you at the Parc Natural del Delta de l'Ebre. The protected area, interspersed with lagoons at the tip of the peninsula, attracts numerous birds that you can observe on a hike or bike tour. In the shallow lagoons of Catalonia's most important wetland, flamingos await their prey. Not far from the river mouth rises the wooden Mirador del Zigurat. Climb the tower to enjoy an unobstructed view of the birdlife. Nearby, you can rent horses and take guided rides on the extensive beach. For swimming, the Platja de la Marquesa or the Platja de la Bassa de l'Arena invite you. For variety on the way back, visit the Parc Deltaventur near the Ebro. In the adventure sports center, you can try out various leisure activities such as archery, canyoning, paddling, quad biking, and paintball. There is also a small petting zoo.
Almost 15 km west of Detebre, you can easily reach Amposta by bike. Among the sights is the suspension bridge Pont Penjant Amposta spanning the Ebro. You will discover a mystical place south of the city with the jungle around the Ullals de Baltasar springs. After a rest, continue your journey to the Llacuna de la Tancada National Park. After about 17 km through the beautiful landscape, you reach the coast south of the flamingo-rich lagoon El Clot. A narrow land bridge connects the picturesque ruin of Torre de Sant Joan with the beach – a dreamlike place. To the east, at the Llacuna de la Tancada, the open-air museum MónNatura Delta de l'Ebre awaits you with old salt pans for salt production. Here stands one of the traditional thatched huts of the fishermen or rice farmers. With a small boat, you can take a trip on the lagoon and experience the birdlife up close. Binoculars are available on site.