Discovering South Catalonia Cycling Holiday
€945.00
Cycling the Via Verde from Aragon to the Mediterranean. If you are looking for easy to moderate cycling days, combining stunning natural and cultural sites, the Green Way in the South of Catalonia will not disappoint!
Prices are starting indications, per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, and do not include bike hire. Please make a booking enquiry for a confirmed price based on your chosen dates and exact requirements.
Description
With approximately 170 kilometers, the Zafan Valley Greenway (via verde) is definitely one of the tourist cycles paths with the most contrasting landscapes in the whole state.
A route that takes us from the highlands of Aragon to the sea through two natural parks as spectacular and diverse as Els Ports and the Ebro Delta. You will spend the night in the magnificent paradors of Alcañiz and Tortosa, two beautiful historic towns.
This is an easy route, with very little climbing. You will be cycling along secondary roads and the via verde, an old railway line that connects the province of Aragon with Catalonia to finish at the sea. It is ideal for cyclists who have already travelled to Catalonia before and want to discover the less touristic region.
The route passes through typically rural villages, along a bicycle track that crosses tunnels and goes down until reaching the sea. The circular day is a day to discover the magnificent Delta del Ebro, a haven for birdwatchers.
Itinerary
Day 1. Welcome to the “Via Verde” (Greenway) of South Catalonia
Arrival in Tortosa by train. Transfer from Tortosa to Alcañiz (1h30min). Delivery of rental bikes and orientation session where your bike will be specially fitted out for you and all the documentation and everything you will need for your trip will be provided. Overnight in Alcaniz.
Day 2. Alcañiz – Horta de Sant Joan
From the heights of Aragón to the village of Picasso
Distance: 55km
At the beginning you will be cycling along a quiet, secondary road until reaching Valdegorfa. From there, you will bike along the green way surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and lush pine forests. The highlight of today is the long viaduct that crosses the Matarraña River. You spend the night in Horta de Sant Joan, where Picasso used to spend his summers and a small but very interesting museum is dedicated to the master.
Day 3. Horta Sant Joan – Tortosa
From the Nature Reserve of Els Ports to the historic town of Tortosa
Distance: 49km
The “green way” cycle path leaves Horta de Sant Joan and goes along the canyon of the river. A succession of tunnels and viaducts are a clear reminder that you are cycling along an ancient railroad. Crossing the Nature Reserve of Els Ports along the old railway line allows you to experience nature to the maximum. You spend the night in the magnificent parador of Tortosa, a town with a very rich history.
Day 4. Tortosa – Sant Carles de la Rápita
From the orange groves to the coast
Distance: 30km
From Tortosa you cycle along the Ebro River, through orchards and along canals. Little by little, you enter into the flatlands of the Ebro where the rice fields are the protagonists. As you approach the sea, the landscape starts to change into wetlands. Your hotel is in the coastal town of Sant Carles de la Rapita where you can go to the beach, stroll along the harbour, and enjoy a delicious paella
Day 5. Sant Carles de la Rapita – L’Ampolla
The beaches and birdlife of the Ebro Delta
Distance: 47km
From the beach town of Sant Carles de la Rapita, you enter deep into the nature reserve of the Ebro Delta, where you will cycle along the marshlands and small villages. Birdlife here is so plenty, you will be able to spot flamingos, ibis and many more species. After a day of easy cycling, you arrive at the coastal town of L’Ampolla. The harbour, the beaches and the typical relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere are a real treat.
Day 6. Delta Ebre Nature Reserve
L’Ampolla-L’Ampolla
Distance: 56km
The last stage is a circular tour in The Nature reserve of the Delta de l’Ebre. The Delta is a huge maze of secondary roads through rice fields, wetlands, lagoons and endless sandy beaches. The delta is a triangular shaped peninsula created by all the organic materials the Ebro has carried in its path. The Delta Ebro Nature Reserve is one of the largest and most important wetlands of Spain, harboring huge colonies of resident and migratory birds.
Day 7. Departure
Departure day, we hope you enjoyed your stay with us!
Your Bike
If you do not wish to travel with your bike, you can rent a bike from us. Our bikes are all fully equipped with pannier rack and, pannier bag, lock and unpuncturable tires.
Rental bike (Square Trekking/Ghost): 160€
Rental ebike (E-bike Cannondale Adventure Neo 2 EQ): 280€
