The Terres de l’Ebre form a mosaic of landscapes, villages, traditions and flavors that invite discovery at a gentle pace, with an attentive gaze and a desire to enjoy. This emblematic corner of southern Catalonia, declared a Biosphere Reserve for its scenic richness, the diversity of Mediterranean ecosystems and its conservation model, invites you to travel without haste, to follow the paths, the course of the river and a way of life deeply connected to nature.
With this philosophy in mind, we propose a five-day route designed to explore the territory at a relaxed pace and enjoy authentic, comfortable and enriching experiences. A journey that follows a natural thread: from the Terra Alta to the Ebro Delta, along the Camí Natural - Val de Zafán Greenway, combining it with restful stays, cultural visits, cuisine as delicious as it is rooted in the land, and time to observe, listen and feel. Because discovering the Terres de l’Ebre is not just about moving across the map: it is about savoring every moment and allowing yourself to be transformed by the landscape.
Day 1. Arnes and Terra Alta: the beginning of the journey, among vineyards and silence
The first stage of this journey begins in Arnes, one of the best-preserved villages in the Terra Alta and an ideal starting point for the CN-Greenway. From the moment you arrive, the tone of the experience is set: cobbled streets, architecture that speaks of centuries of history — such as the town hall building, one of the first Renaissance-style buildings in Catalonia — and a natural environment that conveys calm and serenity. From the railing of the Plaça de la Vila, the views over the Els Ports Massif are simply spectacular.
True to its name, Arnes also offers the possibility of visiting the Honey Interpretation Centre and tasting this product so deeply rooted in the area, as well as visiting a nearby winery or enjoying a first taste of the local cuisine to capture the essence of the territory.
After this initial immersion, the discovery of the CN-Greenway begins with a gentle first stretch of just under ten kilometres to Horta de Sant Joan. Cycling along the former railway line without demanding slopes is an accessible and pleasant experience, ideal for enjoying the landscape with all your senses.
In Horta de Sant Joan a medieval village full of character and rich cultural heritage awaits you. Pablo Picasso spent decisive periods here, and his legacy can still be felt in the atmosphere. Walking through the steep cobbled streets, admiring the Gothic and Renaissance buildings, visiting the Picasso Centre or the Els Ports Ecomuseum, or having lunch in a traditional restaurant accompanied by wines from the DO Terra Alta, are all part of a complete experience, which you can expand by visiting the tourist office.
In the afternoon, a leisurely excursion to the Convent of Sant Salvador and the natural area of the Racó de les Olles allows you to discover a place of great beauty, ideal for cooling off in the waters of the Canaleta River. And what better way to end the day than with a relaxed dinner and accommodation in the area, surrounded by silence and nature.
Day 2. Greenway and memory: from Horta de Sant Joan to Pinell de Brai
On the second day you will travel along one of the most emblematic stretches of the Val de Zafán Greenway. The route progresses gradually downhill, crossing tunnels, viaducts and agricultural landscapes that gently evolve with every kilometre.
Here the bicycle becomes the perfect ally for observing details: dry-stone walls, vineyards, olive groves and Mediterranean light filtering through the trees. The pace is relaxed and invites frequent stops. Have you ever thought about how the perception of the landscape changes when you move forward without rushing?
The route is dotted with villages full of personality, such as Bot, where you can visit the Hermitage of Sant Josep and enjoy magnificent views of the Pàndols and Cavalls mountain ranges. Further on, Prat de Comte surprises with its Templar past and the proximity of the Sanctuary of Fontcalda, located beside the Canaleta River. This landscape, thermal and religious complex, with a hot spring flowing at the foot of the 14th-century sanctuary, is an almost obligatory stop for those travelling along the CN-Greenway.
The second day ends in Pinell de Brai, where the impressive Modernist Cooperative Winery stands out, designed by Cèsar Martinell, a disciple of Antoni Gaudí, and described by the writer Àngel Guimerà as “one of the most beautiful wine cathedrals.” The houses hanging over the cliff and the narrow streets of the old quarter are also remarkable, where you will find the museum space Les Voices of the Front, one of the interpretation centres of the Battle of the Ebro Sites.
Before leaving the Terra Alta to enter the Baix Ebre region, we suggest bidding farewell with a dinner that includes some of the exquisite recipes prepared with game meats, such as wild boar stew, hunter-style partridge or the typical and much-loved clotxa, along with other products deeply rooted in the territory.
Day 3. From Pinell de Brai to Tortosa
From this point on, the journey enters the Baix Ebre, where you will be able to admire the region’s natural exuberance in all its magnitude. Just at the entrance to Benifallet, the Ebro River suddenly appears, offering one of the most spectacular moments of the route. It is one of those instants that invite you to stop and look.
The CN-Greenway continues parallel to the river, crossing tunnels and former stations, while the landscape becomes increasingly open and offers surprises such as the Assut that you encounter between Xerta and Tivenys. Did you know its construction dates back to the Islamic period? Don’t miss any detail as you pass by. The stations of Xerta and Aldover will also transport you to the past.
Arriving in Tortosa via the red bridge is iconic and offers privileged views of the city. The historic capital of the Terres de l’Ebre, Tortosa combines heritage, services and an excellent riverside location, making it an ideal place to stay for one or two nights.
In the afternoon, a peaceful walk through the old quarter allows you to discover the Cathedral of Santa Maria, its cloister and a network of streets reflecting centuries of history. Don’t miss the Jewish quarter or a visit to the Royal Colleges, a unique Renaissance architectural complex in Catalonia. From the Castle of la Suda, the views over the river and the Delta plain anticipate the landscape that awaits in the next stages.
On the way down, a dinner based on local dishes, such as traditional salt cod, followed by authentic desserts that will make you lick your fingers — such as sopa de la reina, apple cake or pastissets — will provide the perfect ending to an intense yet balanced day.
Dia 4. Del riu al Delta: paisatge obert i natura viva
El quart dia et proposem seguir el curs natural de l’Ebre fins arribar al Delta, un dels espais naturals més singulars de la Mediterrània. El canvi de paisatge és progressiu però impactant: els camps d’arrossars s’estenen fins a l’horitzó, l’aigua es multiplica i la llum esdevé protagonista. Ho notaràs de seguida: tot convida a anar més a poc a poc.
Aquest nou tram afegeix 27 quilòmetres al recorregut existent i fa arribar el CN-Via Verda de la Val de Zafán fins al mar Mediterrani, tot enllaçant els dos parcs naturals de les Terres de l’Ebre: el dels Ports i el del Delta de l’Ebre. El recorregut destaca per la seva diversitat paisatgística, la facilitat tècnica i la seguretat, ja que està totalment separat del trànsit motoritzat.
Algunes de les llacunes principals, com l’Encanyissada o la Tancada, són de visita obligada. Espais privilegiats per a l’observació d’aus, on el silenci —només trencat pels sons de la natura— genera una sensació profunda de desconnexió. Un altre espai molt recomanable és MónNatura Delta, centre d’interpretació amb les úniques salines del Delta obertes al públic, on també podràs observar els ocells de ben a prop amb telescopis o navegar amb les típiques barques de perxar.
La visita ha de contemplar també, sí o sí, una immersió en la cuina deltaica en un restaurant del Poblenou o de la Ràpita. L’arròs, el peix fresc i el marisc del Delta esdevenen els grans protagonistes.
Per acabar de gaudir de la immensitat del Delta, et recomanem allotjar-te en un establiment integrat en l’entorn, des d’on puguis explorar el territori amb la calma que mereix. Veuràs com les rutes en bicicleta són completament planes i molt accessibles, ideals per a un públic que vol gaudir del paisatge sense presses, amb tranquil·litat i sense esforç.
Dia 5. El Delta de l’Ebre: tradicions, gastronomia i comiat
L’últim dia et proposem assaborir el Delta amb serenor. Una passejada pels camins entre arrossars o per les platges naturals, llargues i poc urbanitzades, permet comprendre la fragilitat i la bellesa d’aquest ecosistema únic. És un bon moment per mirar enrere i recordar tot el recorregut fet.
El Delta també és cultura viva. Visitar un centre d’interpretació, conèixer les tècniques tradicionals del cultiu de l’arròs o fer una sortida en barca per la desembocadura del riu ajuda a entendre la relació profunda entre les persones i el paisatge. Et ve de gust acabar el viatge des de l’aigua?
Abans de marxar, encara hi ha temps per gaudir d’un darrer àpat memorable o per adquirir productes locals —arròs, oli, vi o dolços tradicionals— que permetin endur-se un petit tros de les Terres de l’Ebre a casa.
Aquest viatge de cinc dies no pretén esgotar el territori, sinó obrir la porta a descobrir-lo amb calma. Recórrer les Terres de l’Ebre de dalt a baix, seguint el CN-Via Verda fins al Delta, és una manera natural i pausada d’endinsar-se en un indret autèntic i excepcional. Un lloc on sempre ve de gust tornar.
26,33 km 
23 m 
No traffic 
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