Els Ports Natural Park is in Tarragona (province) of Spain.
Understand
[edit]
Spanning more than 35,000 hectares, the park provides refuge to rich biodiversity, including Spanish ibex, vultures, and ancient beech and pine forests. Its remote landscapes are shaped not only by nature but also by centuries of human activity, visible in archaeological sites and rural traditions. Today, Els Ports is celebrated for its wild scenery, hiking opportunities, diverse flora and fauna, and strong cultural ties to the surrounding regions. On the west it is connected with Parc Natural de la Tinença de Benifassà in Castellón province.
History
[edit]officially established in 2001, protects a dramatic limestone massif spanning Catalonia, Valencia, and Aragón, shaped by both nature and human activity since prehistoric times. Prehistoric settlers left cave paintings and stone structures, while Iberians, Arabs, and Christians all contributed settlements and traditions to the area. The region’s forests and resources supported occupations and industries, from shipbuilding to farming, until depopulation in the mid-20th century enabled nature to reclaim much of the landscape. Conservation concerns over its biodiversity and geomorphology led the Catalan government to designate it as a park and reserve, ensuring continued protection for its wildlife, beech forests, and cultural legacy.
Landscape
[edit]Flora and fauna
[edit]The Park harbors remarkable biodiversity with over 1,300 plant species, blending Mediterranean, Atlantic, and alpine elements. Its signature beech forests—Europe’s southernmost—are specially protected, situated in damp, north-facing ravines alongside yew and holly. Black and red pine, holm oak, and garrigue shrublands are prominent at lower elevations, while gorse, bearberry, and endemic limestone plants flourish in exposed, windy areas. Among notable flora are rare species such as Pinguicola Dertosensis and Saxifraga Longifolia. Fauna is equally diverse, with the park hosting Spain’s largest population of wild goats (Spanish ibex), numbering around 6,000 individuals. Mammals include otters, wildcats, foxes, boar, and badgers, while more than 50% of Catalonia’s reptile and amphibian species are found here, such as pond turtles and marbled newts. Birdlife is abundant, featuring vultures, golden and Bonelli’s eagles, peregrine falcons, and Eurasian eagle-owls alongside orioles and blue rock thrushes. Rivers support populations of crayfish, native fish, and dragonflies, and the varied environments nurture abundant butterflies and endemic insects. Els Ports stands out for its mosaic of habitats and rare species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.
Climate
[edit]Tourist office
[edit]- 1 Baix Ebre county visitors centre (Centre de visitants del Parc al Baix Ebre), Av. Val de Zafán, s/n, Roquetes, ☏ +34 977 500 845, [email protected].
- 2 la Sénia Tourist office (Oficina de Turisme de), Passeig de la Clotada, la Sénia, ☏ +34 977 576 156, ·[email protected].
- 3 Terra Alta county visitors centre (Centre de visitants del Parc a la Terra Alta), Ctra. T-330, km 27 · 43595 · Prat de Comte, ☏ 977 428 177, [email protected]. parking available
Get in
[edit]By train
[edit]Tortosa has train stations
By bus
[edit]There are regular bus lines to each of the towns in the Park. Check timetables at HIFE Bus lines
By car
[edit]- AP-7 motorway connects from Mediterranean corridor
- C-12 between Tortosa and Lleida
- TV3421 runs the south rim of the park
- Carretera del ports : from Roquetes-Tortosa
- TV3422 from Toortosa to Alfara de Carles
- TV3541 from C12 to Paüls
- N320b and T333 run along the north part of the park
By bicycle
[edit]the Via Verda Val de Zafran run de north west of the park from Tortossa until Horta de Sant Joan, and the follows in Teruel province.
Fees and permits
[edit]It's free to enter. Some activities may require a permit. Els Ports Natural Park enforces regulations to protect its diverse habitats, landscapes, and cultural heritage.
- Visitors must remain on signposted trails, respect private property, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Driving is allowed only on authorized tracks; quads and ATVs are restricted to paved roads, with a 30 km/h maximum speed.
- Group activities exceeding 40 people or involving multiple vehicles require prior permission.
- Bathing is limited to certain designated spots like El Toll Blau and El Toll del Vidre.
- Making fires is strictly prohibited outside marked areas, and campers must follow specific guidelines.
- Picking plants, disturbing animals, or making loud noise is forbidden.
- Pets must be leashed at all times.
- Activities such as organized events, mountain biking, or climbing may need additional permits, and all visitors must follow waste regulations by carrying out all litter.
These rules ensure both the protection of sensitive environments and a safe, enjoyable experience for all.
Get around
[edit]Parking
[edit]- 1 l'Esquirol Parking, carretera del port , l'Esquirol. free.
- 2 Parking prat de compte Old station (follow T361). there is a picnic area and connects to cycling path. starts of "la vall de la jepa" route
- 3 Parking Prat de compte, T361, Prat del Compte (N). starts route "El moli"
- 4 Parking Arnes, Arnes (ear Moli del Oli information point). starts route "Santa Madrona"
- 5 Parking Mirador de les Roques de Benet, Carretera d'Horta de Sant Joan.
- 6 Parking, Carretera d'Horta de Sant Joan. Starts route "la Franqueta"
- 7 Font Nova leisure area parking (Parking Àrea de lleure de la Font Nova). Acces to Font nova refuge
- 8 Sant Roc leisure area Parking (Parking Àrea recreativa de Sant Roc), Camí de sant Roc, Paüls. Starts route "Sant Roc"
- 9 El Toscar Parking, Camí d'Alfara de Carles al Toscar. leisure area, Santa Magdalena hermitage, starts route "el toscar"
- 10 la Vall leisure area Parking (Parking ârea de Lleure de la Vall), Camí de Casetes Velles (Follow barranc de la Vall). start route "la vall"
See
[edit]- 1 Caro viewpoint and leisure area. it has parking
- 2 pauma museum (museu de la pauma), Clavell 52, 43514 Mas de Barberans, ☏ +34 977 053 778, [email protected]. Tu-Su 9:30-14:00. Cocó de la Gralla prehistoric paintings, etnological exhibitions and shows. €2.
- 3 Cocó de la Gralla. prehistoric paintings
- 4 Ecomuseu Els Ports., C/ Picasso 18,43596-Horta de Sant Joan, ☏ +34 977 435 686, [email protected].
- 5 Castell islàmic de Carles. ruins
- 6 Wild goat monument (Monument a la Cabra Salvatge).
Itineraries
[edit]Do
[edit]Hiking
[edit]- long range
There are two long-distance trails (GR) that cross the Els Ports Natural Park. On the one hand, the GR-7 that crosses the massif longitudinally passing through the Font Ferrera, Casetes Velles, El Mascar, Les Clotes, L'Espina, Sant Roc and the village of Paüls.
On the other hand, the GR-8 that goes from the Font Ferrera Refuge to Beseit (Teruel) through the areas of Refalgarí and Millers.
- local hikes
- Cim del Caro route, Starts in l'Esquirol parking. .The route climbs from Mascar towards the Coll dels Pallers between Scots pine and European pine forests, following the ridge, through an area of strong winds and sparse vegetation, until it reaches the summit of Caro. The viewpoint offers a wide perspective of the Ebro plain to the Delta and the interior valleys of Els Ports. Vultures and other birds of prey fly over the area and, in the Scots pine forests, the pine nut can be seen with some ease. The descent partially coincides with the old Caro path, today a stony and steep path that intertwines with the paved road that goes up to the summit.
- 1 Bassis de Caro route, Starts Coll del Vicari. It is a short route but with a steep incline. You pass by the Pimpollada gum kiln where pine tree stumps were once burned to obtain gum or tar. You should pay attention to a stand of mature forest, marked with an explanatory lectern, which is the subject of study and conservation by the European LIFE Pinassa project. The Caro ponds are a good place to rest before returning along the same path, now uphill.
- 2 La Barcina route. Near the summit of Caro is La Barcina (1,354 m). It can be reached without difficulty by a path that climbs and descends moderately through the summit area of Els Ports. The vegetation adapted to the climate of these ridges and the shady groves of red pine stand out. Throughout the route, the views into the interior of the massif alternate with views towards the coastal slope. There are chances of seeing birds such as the long-tailed tit or the booted eagle
- suggested walks
Mountain biking
[edit]- There is a "Green way" from Tortosa until Horat de Sant Joan. and then it follows in the Teruel province, called Via Verde Val de Zafran. It borders the southeast, East and North East zones of the park. It has long tunnels, so a light is required in your bike.
Road cycling
[edit]Climbing
[edit]- There are areas where Rock climbing is forbidden due to birds nesting. check the information points for regulations.
Caving
[edit]- A permit is required. Only federated cavers are allowed.
Birdwatching
[edit]The park organizes birdwatching activities. check the agenda in: Park activities
There are 2 routes for Birdwatching, check for descriptions in the tourist offce or the park website.
- Horta de Sant Joan - The Gronses - Coll de Miralles
- Tortosa – Mont Caro
Events
[edit]Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Look for bars and cafeterias in the nearby villages around the park.
Picnic
[edit]See de Parking area on this page for a list of leisure areas and the parkings
Drink
[edit]Look for bars and cafeterias in the nearby villages
Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]look for lodging in the nearby villages, or Amposta and Tortosa
Mountain refuges
[edit]Guarded
[edit]- 1 Caro (By car, 30 min. from Roquetes.On foot, along the long-distance trail GR 7 and GR 171.Rest point between stage 5 and 6 of the Estels del Sud traverse.), ☏ +34 617 808 816, [email protected]. Altitude: 1,109 m, 32 places (4 rooms of 8 places), Mountain guide service, meals, hot water, mattresses, pillow and blankets.
- 2 Caro UEC (En cotxe i a peu.Pas del sender de gran recorregut GR7 Paüls –Fredes. Inici i final del GR171.), ☏ +34 681 011 577, [email protected]. 40 sleeping places with bunk beds, electricity, running water, hot water showers, food and drink service, space for an open kitchen.Transport and guide service, stays for groups, programming of mountain and leisure activities, hiking, workshops, camping area with services, multipurpose dining room, games, library, cartography, wifi, audiovisual equipment.
- 3 Font Ferrera, ☏ +34 646 669 814, [email protected]. Access:By car and on foot.Passage of the GR7 and GR8 long-distance trails.Rest point between stages 3 and 4 of the Estels del Sud traverse.40 places.Meals, showers, hot water, toilets, mattresses and blankets.
UnGuarded
[edit]- 4 Les Clotes, Horta de Sant Joan.
- 5 Cova Cambra, Tortosa, ☏ +34 977 443 271. Access:On foot, from the Mascar spring.By car to the parking lot located 600 m from the refuge. The road is closed; to access by car you must first ask the person in charge for the key to the fence.18 places
- 6 Mas de Damià, Arnes. Access:On foot. 20 places
- 7 Mas del Torrero, Arnes. Access:On foot. 20 places