HTOR1, Tortosa, Catalonia
Adjacent to, and integrated with, the 10th century Moorish castle of La Zuda, this 4-star Parador is purpose-built yet harmonious with the ancient castle buildings.
Occupying a prime strategic position near the mouth of Spain’s longest river, once a major thoroughfare for trade and the frontier between Islam and Christianity, the town of Tortosa and the castle were wrestled from the Moors by the Knights Templar and share an immensely rich history.
These days the same position offers impressive views of the town, the Ebro and the lofty mountains of Els Ports which can be enjoyed from the balcony of your room or the outdoor swimming pool and terrace.
Inside this is one of the more traditional Paradors and rooms have terracotta floors, dark, hardwood furniture and plain, white décor in keeping with the style of the building. In the common areas gothic windows and high ceilings give the hotel an authentic medieval feel.
The Delta del Ebro, with its rich bird-life amongst the rice fields, is just 30 minutes away, and the picture-postcard village of Miravet and Horta de Sant Joan, with strong Picasso links and marvellous rock formations are both within easy reach. Or drive up to the Mirador de Mont Caro, at 1400m the very best views of the delta and the mountains of Terres de l’Ebre.
The Parador has 72 rooms; standard, superior and junior suite, all of which have private bathrooms and balconies.
Outdoor swimming pool (seasonal) with terrace and views
On-site parking
The Parador's restaurant and bar are both set in medieval banqueting halls with beamed ceilings, leaded windows and open fireplaces. The food is based on local cuisine from the nearby mountains and Mediterranean sea - especially rice dishes from the Delta de Ebro.
Breakfast is served in the dining room and is an extensive buffet with hot dishes (eggs, bacon and churros) and coffee served to order.
At the southernmost tip of Catalunya, in the heart of the Terres de l'Ebre (Lands of the Ebro) Biosphere Reserve, which envelops two National Parks, the city of Tortosa occupies an immensely strategic position.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, the city was established by the Romans as ‘Derdosa’, later becoming Moorish ‘Turtusha’, before being conquered by the Knights Templar and receiving its current name of Tortosa – a rich history indeed!
At the gateway, where the mountains close in, between the Ebro Delta and the interior, the reason for its historic importance is easy to see. Add to this the erstwhile importance of the Ebro river itself, as the border between Rome and Carthage and later as a major trading thoroughfare for goods from across the Mediterranean and even the Americas, and we start to understand the prestige and wealth that Tortosa once enjoyed.
Nowadays this is a wonderful base from which to visit the National Parks of the Ebro Delta for bird watching amongst the rice paddies and the mountainous Els Ports towering up to 1500m above the Mediterranean coastline.
Head inland – on the Via Verde cycle path perhaps - to Horta de Sant Joan, where a young Picasso passed his convalescence focussing on his painting, and the wine region of Terra Alta where you’ll find modernist ‘Wine Cathedrals’ of Cesar Martinell.
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With 40+ years’ experience designing holidays in Spain & Portugal, our friendly, expert team offers personal service from booking to your return. While away, you’ll have ground support from local agents.
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