Ebre Connect Summer 2017 | Page 15

WHERE TO GO As you drive towards Tortosa from the south, you can see the town from a long way off sitting at the foot of the mountains of Els Ports. The road runs alongside the river Ebro, following the ancient trading route that made Tortosa a powerful city for centuries. It’s an impressive sight from a distance, but as you get nearer the trading estates close in. Persevere because, although today the city’s influence is diminished, it’s still worth a visit. EBRE CONNECT RECOMMENDS Days out Tortosa Admire the views from La Suda The castle of La Suda is at the peak of the old town and it provides a fine viewpoint over the city’s rooftops, along the Ebro and towards the mountains. The castle was a fortress for the Romans, a royal residence in the Middle Ages and now it’s a parador – a hotel. Take note too of the Francoist monument which you can see spiking out of the river with an eagle taking flight from its base. Recently, Tortosa has been debating whether to remove the monument or keep it – for now, it remains a reminder of the bloody Battle of the Ebro. Take the Vía Verde The Vías Verdes are disused railway lines converted into routes for cyclists and walkers across Spain. The Baix Ebre stretch runs from Tortosa up towards Pinell de Brai. They’re flat and wide and perfect for people of all abilities to explore. It’s easier to set off from Pinell and take the gentle downhill route to Tortosa through dark tunnels, over high viaducts and with fantastic mountain views. viasverdes.com tortosaturisme.cat Ebre Connect, Summer 2017 15