Els Ports Natural Park
Located between Catalonia, Valencia and Aragon, it is a limestone massif with steep and rugged terrain. At the European level, it has been designated a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Wild, ever-changing landscapes and inaccessible corners characterize this natural area, whose highest peak is Mont Caro, at 1,447 meters. It combines karstic landforms, formed by deep ravines, cliffs, scree slopes, and low scrubland, with extensive forests, Mediterranean scrub and mountain pastureland.Furthermore, it stands out for the richness and diversity of its flora. In fact, the Els Ports Beech Forests, the southernmost in the Iberian Peninsula, have been declared a Nature Reserve for their botanical interest.Its rugged, sometimes even labyrinthine orography provides an unparalleled setting and a perfect destination for practicing activities and sports in the heart of nature, such as hiking, cycling, climbing, caving, or canyoning.Within the park, a cultural landscape of farmhouses and stone buildings is also preserved, inherited from the ancient human activity that existed in its surroundings.
Els Ports Natural Park
Tarragona (Catalonia)
What you need to know
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Cultural information
The Els Ports Natural Park has been occupied by humans since prehistoric times and remains of numerous civilizations can be found. The cave paintings of Cova Pintada and the remains of the Iberian settlement of Penya del Gall (Horta de Sant Joan) are noteworthy. It's also recommended to visit the picturesque mountain villages located at the foot of this massif, such as Paüls, Arnes, and Horta de Sant Joan. Many share traditions, such as crafts using plant fibers to make everyday objects, including baskets and kitchen utensils.
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Environmental information
The characteristic location of the Els Ports massif between the mountains of the Iberian system and the Catalan Mediterranean system has allowed the development of a very rich and diverse flora and vegetation. It features one of the most important groups of monumental trees in Spain, as well as endemic species native to the park. As for the fauna, one of the most distinctive elements of the park is the population of wild goats. Among the mammals, animals such as the otter, the wild cat and the group of bats stand out, which with around 20 species constitutes one of the richest communities on the Iberian Peninsula.Likewise, many birds find habitat or shelter conditions ideal for living and nesting. Large birds of prey stand out, such as the vulture, the golden eagle, the Bonelli's eagle, the goshawk and the peregrine falcon.
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Information for visits
The park has more than 30 marked trails, with varying levels of difficulty and length. In addition, it has leisure areas spread across the three regions that serve as starting points for family itineraries and excursions. You'll find information on the available options and activities at any of the visitor centres (located in Roquetes, La Sénia and Prat de Comte):- Visitor Centre in Baix Ebre, Roquetes: Av. Val de Zafán, s/n 43520 Roquetes.- Visitor Centre in Montsià and Tourist Office, La Sénia: Paseo de la Clotada, 23-25 43560 La Sénia.
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