Cycling South Catalonia Tour

About this tour

Discover one of Spain’s most surprising and varied cycling routes, tracing the gentle path of a former railway from the highlands of Aragon to the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean. The Ebro Nature Route offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and slow-travel charm—ideal for leisure cyclists seeking a peaceful yet enriching adventure.

This 170 km journey follows the Zafán Valley Greenway (Via Verde), crossing spectacular landscapes such as the rugged Els Ports Natural Park and the bird-filled wetlands of the Ebro Delta. Along the way, you’ll ride through quiet villages, past ancient viaducts and tunnels, and spend the night in unique accommodations, including two magnificent Parador hotels.

From the medieval streets of Alcañiz to Picasso’s beloved Horta de Sant Joan, from rice fields to sandy beaches, this route invites you to experience Spain off the beaten track—by bike, at your rhythm, immersed in its colors, tastes, and stories.

Highlights

Stay in two stunning Parador hotels filled with history and charm
Ride through the equinox tunnel of Valdealgorfa, a unique engineering landmark
Sample the elegant wines of the DO Terra Alta region
Visit Horta de Sant Joan, where Picasso found inspiration, and explore its museum
Marvel at the dramatic scenery of the Els Ports Natural Park
Refresh yourself at the Sanctuary of Fontcalda, a hidden riverside gem
Pause and unwind at one of the converted train station rest stops along the Greenway
Follow the course of the Ebro River, one of Spain’s great waterways
Discover the historic dam in Xerta, blending heritage and landscape
Wander the streets of Tortosa, a city with over 2,000 years of history
Spot flamingos and other exotic birds in the Delta de l’Ebre Natural Park
End your journey by the Medterranean Sea, with time to relax on quiet beaches and savor fresh

Included/Excluded

Transfer from Tortosa to Alcañiz upon arrival
Welcome meeting with a local guide speaking English or Spanish
6 nights of accommodation (rural hotels, 3* and 4* hotels)
B&B or Half-board
All the tourist information, tracks and maps through an app personalized for your trip
Assistance telephone number 24/7
The transport of belongings between overnight stays

The transfers not specified above
Rental bike
Hotels touristic tax
Flights
Travel insurance
Extra drinks

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

55km / +625

From the heights of Aragón to the village of Picasso

Distance: 55km / +625m / -528m

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

49km / +227

From the Nature Reserve of Els Ports to the historic town of Tortosa

Distance: 49km / +227m / -674m

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

30km / +128

From the orange groves to the coast

Distance: 30km / +128m / -148m

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

47km / +126

The beaches and birdlife of the Ebro Delta

Distance: 47km / +126m / -138m

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 plentiful, 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: . L’Ampolla-L’Ampolla

56km / +169

Delta Ebre Nature Reserve

Distance: 56km / +169m / -169m

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!