The Delta Ebre, Catalonia, Spain

To the South east of the Costa Brava in the Catalonia region of Spain is the less well-known area of the Costa Dorada. The Delta Ebre & the beach resort of Riumar are in the south-eastern part of this region.

They are approximately 160 kilometres from Barcelona airport & approximately two hours by road. The smaller regional airport of Reus/Salou is 90 kilometres away (under an hours drive). Where Ryanair and other carriers have regular flights to & from Europe to Reus airport. A car is highly recommended for this area.

There is also a railway station 25 minutes away and if required you can get a taxi from the station to the Delta Ebre area.

The peaceful natural seaside resort of Riumar & the Delta Ebre are designated a Natural Park. The park is in a protected nature area and surrounded by one of Europe’s largest rice producing areas and an area of outstanding natural beauty. Riumar is where the river Ebro meets the sea.

The Delta Ebre boosts miles of wild sand dunes and unspoilt beaches, where the sea is perfect for family bathing; it also lacks all of the usual tourist commercialism. A short 10-minute car ride from Riumar takes you to the small river ferry, which crosses the river Ebre in La Cava, this in turn will allow you to explore the larger and more remote part of the area and its beaches. In total the Delta has in excess of 18 miles of unspoilt blue flag beaches.

The Delta Ebre & Riumar are situated on the east coast of Spain at the most southern point of Catalonia and at the further most tip of the Delta del Ebro. Where the river Ebro meets the sea.

Riumar is a wonderful area, which has not been effected by the mass-market tourism. There are a number of small bars located on the beach. The whole area is very under-developed and benefits from bird sanctuaries on all sides.

The access to the main beaches at Riumar is by wooden walkways on the beaches. Which not only allow the able visitor to reach the beach, but also allows wheelchair access. The walkways links most of the extensive beaches allowing for lovely evening strolls.

The larger Eucalyptus beach is on the south side of the Delta where you can drive your car on the beach for miles, until you find your perfect sunbathing spot. This is also the area for the many oyster and mussel beds.

At the Riumar beach there are half a dozen restaurants within walking distance. The village has a supermarket with bikes for rent, a butcher's, a baker's, bars and a fishing supply shop all about 10 minutes walk away. Depending on the season.

For banks and bigger supermarkets you would need to go to Deltebre, La Cava, the nearest local town, a 12-minutes drive away.

Riumar is a place to come to unwind and to enjoy a slower pace of life; you can choose to be active or relaxed as you wish.

There are restaurants, cafes & bars locally so you can sample the local Catalonian wine, the regional tapas, many different types of paella & fish dishes, can be eaten or if you wish there are local grocery shops so you can cook in the comfort and privacy of your rented villa/chalet.

Travel historically back in time by visiting Tarragona's Roman ruins, visit the wonderfully castle at Miravet or one of the many Catalonian villages or frighten the life out of yourself riding the roller coaster at Universal's Port Aventura. This is a very small sample of the Catalonian region.

The Delta is also the place to come for bird watchers and nature lovers, watch all types of birds from the flamingos that arrive in there thousands once a year. The little egret and of course the many other wet land birds natural to Spain and on migration from all over the world their breeding grounds. The Delta Ebre is one of Europe’s biggest natural wetlands.

Take a drive in to the Ells Ports region, Catalonia’s national park and be rewarded with sightings of the European vulture, eagles & many other birds of prey.

This is also the place to enjoy fishing, from carp to the mighty catfish catches that have exceeded 90kgs. There are many local fishing trips, boat hire vendors or fishing from the riverbank or seashore.

For the serious fishermen, you can arrange for river fishing, if required by guide on land or by boat, all along the River Ebre.

Other activities include sailing, tennis and fishing with local fiestas of food and culture throughout the spring, summer & autumn. There are officially designated cycling paths through some of the most scenic areas of Catalunya, boat trips along the river Ebre, quad bike hire, beach and countryside walks & bird watching.

If you need perfect peace and quiet, in one of Spain’s most unspoilt areas and without the usual tourist commercialism;

Then the Delta Ebre, Riumar in Catalonia is for you!

Written by Mike Craven - Owner of Property 83517 in Riumar, Spain