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 can be arranged for those who wish to discover the beauty of the inner depths of the park.
For those who wish to enjoy a shorter walk of 1 - 2 hours out of the heat of the day I and our dog, Millie are pleased for you to accompany us. Whilst 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 beauty spots such as Fonts el Tosca, Barranc de Caramella or the Val de Cevera.
The flora obviously changes according to season, but the time of greatest beauty is in the spring when one can come across such joys as wild gladioli and asphodel, antirrhinum, grape hyacinth, tiny iris and daffodil/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, deep blue convolvulus and globe thistles amongst the many. Finally, summer ends with the purple blooms of the bell heather, and all the while the thyme and rosemary are waiting to release their fragrances when crused underfoot.
Iris
Bird-watching can also prove a fascinating pastime in the mountains. Griffon Vultures and Golden and Bonelli Eagles can often be seen flying and gliding over the finca. Whilst on one of my nearby mountain walks I was able to enjoy the sight of 24 vultures wheeling both above and below me. Other birds which have been spotted within the area include blackcaps, golden orioles, blue rock thrushes, bee-eaters and hoopoes. Or why not sit in the garden of a summer evening and listen to the nightingales.
The other nearby natural park of the Ebro Delta is also worth a visit to watch the Flamingoes, Ibis, Egrets and many varieties of gull and terns. Guided bird-watching within both these areas can be arranged for you.
Animal life within the park includes the wild goat or ibex, wildboar, Catalonian wild cat, roe deer, otters, skinks, geckos and other various reptiles. However, they are all very elusive so trying to spot them can be time-consuming. At the moment we are unable to offer any guided tours to find these creatures, but as soon as we can I will let you know.
'A wonderful place to explore and enjoy nature in its natural state' - J & C May 07
Ipheion