A massive stream from the sky

Imagine a mountainous landscape, an important sample of flora and fauna straddling the Catalan Mediterranean system and the Iberian system, between the Catalan counties of Baix Ebre, Montsià and Terra Alta, Aragon of Matarranya and the Valenciana dels Ports? This landscape exists: the Ports Natural Park. It is also of special geological and strategic interest thanks to its important role in European migratory routes and, in particular, during Quaternary climate change, when it served as a refuge for various plant and animal species.

THE 5 ESSENTIALS

1

ELS ESTRETS D’ARNES

One of the most unique places, where are the wildest mountains in southern Catalonia. A small river makes its way between the steep walls, between landscapes of pine forests and meadows. Lovers of hiking and climbing will find a suitable place to enjoy their sports.

2

ROQUES DE BENET

These impressive rocks, which at the time inspired the painter Pablo Picasso, are one of the most characteristic and emblematic mountain formations of the Natural Park. Its vertical conglomerate walls rise almost 300m and plummet onto a calcareous plinth.

Its original name, Bene, is Arabic and is already included in the 12th century Christian Puebla letter. The way to climb is indicated and is suitable for anyone with minimal physical fitness. From the top, at 1013m, we enjoy a fantastic bird’s-eye view of the entire plain in front of us and the mountains that surround it.

3

THE FRANQUETA AREA

The Franqueta Area has a space for a picnic and a rest area, as well as being the starting point for many excursions.

It is located on the banks of the Estrets River. You will access it by crossing places with geological formations of interest, such as Roques de Benet, les Gronses or Roca Llisa.

 

4

SALT DE SOTORRES AND VENTADOR

Natural complex where the Canaletes river runs, within the Natural Park, making impressive waterfalls; It is also an area suitable for hiking and canyoning (you must have authorization to carry out this modality, since it is a regulated canyon).

5

SALT OF FERRASSÓ

The Salt of Ferrasso has a height of 70 meters, and collects the water from La Pineda and pours it into the Canaletes river. We can see water after the rain or when the snow melts.