Nature
The Els Ports Natural Park is situated in Catalonia to the east of the city of Tortosa and forms a natural boundary with Aragon and Valencia. Dominated by Mont Caro at 1,447m it is host to numerous mountain tracks and trails which allow the lover of nature to discover its flora and fauna. Full day guided walks (at extra cost) can be arranged for those who wish to discover the beauty of the inner depths of the park.
Local Mountain Track
For those who wish to enjoy a shorter walk of 1-2 hours out of the heat of the sun I, Tony and our dogs Tiggy and Millie are pleased for you to accompany us. Whilst I am not a great font of knowledge I am more than happy to point out to you those items of flora and fauna which we may come across whilst on these wanderings, which often take in visits to such spots as Fonts el Tosca, Barranc de Caramella or the Vall d'Infern.
The flora obviously changes according to the seaon, but the time of the greatest beauty is in the Spring when one can come across such joys as wild gladioli and asphodel, wild antirrhinum, grape hyacinth, tiny iris and jonquils so small that you have to be careful not to trample them underfoot. As summer progresses and the weather heats up the flora changes to include chicory, rock roses, alliums, lavender, globe thistles and wild sweet pea amongst the many. Finally, summer ends with the purple blooms of the bell heather and the deep blue convolvulus, and all the while the thyme and rosemary are waiting to release their fragrances when crushed underfoot.
Miniature Wild Iris
Bird-watching can also prove a fascinating pastime in the mountains. Griffon vultures and Golden Eagles can often be seen flying and gliding over the finca. We recently enjoyed the sight of as many as 60+ vultures circling above us, some so low that they could be perfectly seen without binoculars. Other birds which have been spotted within the area include blackcaps, golden orioles, blue rock thrushes, hoopoes and the colourful bee-eaters. The other nearby park of the Ebro Delta is also worth a visit to watch the flamingoes, ibis, egrets and many varieties of gulls and terns. Guided bird-watching (at extra cost) can be arranged for you within both areas.
Griffon Vulture
Reproduced by the kind permission of Lisa Stuart, Casa Gustavo
Animal life within the park includes the wild goat or ibex, wild boar, Catalonian wild cat, wild cattle, wild horses, roe deer, otters, skinks, geckos and other various reptiles. However, they are all very elusive so trying to spot them can be rather time-consuming and cannot be guaranteed. At the moment we are unable to offer any guided tours to find these creatures but as soon as we can I shall update the site accordingly.
If insects are your passion then a wide variety of butterflies and moths can be seen in the area as can various assorted dragonflies and damselflies, preying mantis etc.
Male Copper Damselfyl
'A wonderful place to explore and enjoy nature in its natural state. Thanks to Tony's exploration we ventured into areas we would have passed by and not had the courage to venture further - flowers, birds and scenery very rewarding. A lovely well-equipped flat and fresh oranges from the garden too' J & C May 07