Costa Dorada Tourism Guide - South Dorada

Tortosa & the Ebro Delta, Tortosa Tourist Guide

Tortosa is a historic centre south and inland of Tarragona, where the River Ebro converges before pushing out into the Mediterranean. Spain's longest river - the Ebro is also the only river to empty into the Mediterranean from its roots in the Cantabrian mountains. Not surprisingly Tortosa, on the banks of the converging River Ebro has long been a site of military defence and strategic wranglings from its foundation by the Iberians through to the Spanish Civil War and Tortosa's greatest tragedy and Republican defeat here by Franco's nationalists in 1938. Around 50,000 Republican troops were killed here, including large numbers of the International Brigades.

Tortosa is crammed with historic remains including the La Suda Castle. Its walls date from the 10th century, but before then this was the side of an old Roman acropolis. Modified extensively in the 15th century, it's a luxury Parador hotel today. The best views of the Ebro River can be seen from the castle, and you can drive up to the top. Tortosa's Santa Maria Cathedral dates from the 14th century and is essentially Gothic with a Baroque facade. The Bishop's Palace sits opposite with its Gothic arcades. Tortosa also has a selection of Modernista Buildings from the late 19th/early 20th centuries. Like Lleida they're often municipal buildings such as the Escorxador/the slaughterhouse but there are private houses too including Casa Grego and Casa Bau. Also, if you thought Girona was home to the only extensive old Jewish Quarter in Catalonia, then take a look at Tortosa's which dates from the 6th century.

South of Tortosa the Ebro Delta, Parque Natural del Delta de L'Ebre (weblink right) is the largest of Catalonia's wetlands at 320 square km. An important site for migratory birds, the Ebre Delta is a hub for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Lagoons and long isolated sandy beaches are a feature of the area. Visit the Park's information centre and Ecomuseum in Deltebre in the heart of the delta. (at Carrer de Marti Buera 22, Deltebre. Tel. 977 48 96 79.)

Tortosa Tourist Information Office, Pl. Carrilet, 1 - 43500 Tortosa Spain. Tel. 977449648.

L'Hospitalet De L'Infant South Costa Dorada

All inclusive resort L'Hospitalet De L'Infant south of Cambrils makes a good tourist resort base for exploring further south into the Ebro Delta. Naturism is popular on some of Hospitalet's pretty beaches.

As well as a good choice of all inclusive hotel and apartment accommodation, many of which have their own in-house programme of entertainment, the mountainous backdrop of the Serra de Cardo behind Hospitalet make an attractive picture indeed. The beaches here are equally stunning. The mountains come right down to the see at this Costa Dorada quiet resort.

Hospitalet then makes a top choice for relaxing beach all inclusive resort holidays on the quiet side, with local naturist beach areas available. Car rental from either Reus or Valencia airport is recommended for pushing out further.

L'Hospitalet De L'Infant Tourist Information Office, Alamanda, 2 - 43890 Hospitalet de l'Infant. Tel. 977823328. See the brief but informative webguide for Hospitalet right - with good photos of the beautiful beaches here.