Ulldecona walks

The small Montsià massif rises between the Ulldecona plain and the coast to the south of the Ebro Delta.A path takes you across its summit, the Torreta de Montsià (764 m). The route starts amongst the olive groves, via the Cami de la Torreta, which climbs up the south-western flank of the mountain, passing close to old ruined farmhouses until it reaches the ridge of the Torreta, where there is a sweeping view.The descent is slightly steeper down to the Mas del Comú, where you rejoin aGR® trail that leads back down to the plain.

Explore the mountains above Mas de Barbarans on a circular walk offering beautiful views of the Montsià mountain range and overlooking the coastal plain. The walk reaches its highest point at Punta de la Llobatera at 786 m.

El Caro is a high point (1,442 m) in the Ports Natural Park, at the far end of Catalonia, overlooking the Ebro Valley. A road leads up to it from the valley, as it serves the mobile phone masts installed on this exposed summit. This road is best known to cyclists, who climb nearly 1,200 m over 13.8 km. However, this summit lies on a ridge that can be explored on foot, starting from the wooded plateau at its base. The elevation gain on this circular route is modest, but some of the climbs are physically demanding. The view from the summit is therefore well worth the effort on this route.

The Tossal d’Encanadé (or Encanader) is the highest point in the Tinença de Benifassá Natural Park. The suggested route starts from the village of Fedes, already at an altitude of 1,100 metres, climbs to the Coll de Tombadors, then follows the descending ridge of the Serra Pelada before climbing again to the Tossal d’Encanadé. The circular return path passes through Mas Blanc, then descends through the forest along an old, overgrown path, where cairns help to keep you on track. It brings you back down to an altitude of 1,000 metres, from where you must make a fairly long climb through the forest to return to Fredes.

Behind its seafront, the resort of Peñiscola has preserved a marsh that is still fed by water, situated downstream of its agricultural area. A footpath has been created to allow visitors to explore this wild natural environment just a stone’s throw from the apartment blocks. This circular walk starts from the free car park at Bellavista (the former campsite) and follows old country lanes nestled within the residential area to reach the marsh.

This circular walk takes you through the Serra d’Irta National Park, in the immediate vicinity of Peñíscola. It climbs the first ridge of the eastern part of the massif, offering sweeping views, before returning via the Sant Antoni Hermitage, which overlooks the area.

A route exploring the slopes of the Sierra d’Irta (National Park), passing through characteristic spots such as the Badúm Tower, the beaches of El Russo and El Pebret, the Pou del Moro, the Mas del Senyor and the Col d’Imberri with its views of Peñíscola.

Above Catí, Tossal de la Nevera is one of the highest points in this part of the Maestrazgo, with extensive views on a clear day. A refurbished marked loop runs along this ridge from Catí, but it includes a lot of road at the bottom. This guide suggests starting a little higher up to limit the amount of tarmac and the length of the walk. The path climbs gently up the Barranc de la Tova, then ascends through the forest until it reaches the mountain pastures at the Col de la Selleta, from where the end of the climb is clearly visible between terraces bordered by retaining walls or small rocky outcrops. The return route follows the ridge line for a good while, then passes by Avellà, a historic thermal spring, before descending via the pass to Catí.

The highest point of the Serra d’Irta forms part of a ridge stretching from south to north, which is easy to follow. The approach from the west, via the Xivert side, is fairly quick; only the return journey along the road is a little long in the sun. This route is shorter and less demanding than the one coming from Alcossebre.

During this walk, you’ll climb up to a chapel at the top of the mountain, reach the highest point of the Itra Nature Reserve, and then descend into a dry riverbed, with abseil ropes in places to help you. You’ll finish by following the rugged coastline past these small coves and beaches . The best of the region in a single walk.