Parador de Tortosa

HTOR1, Tortosa, Catalonia

4-star Parador with pool, splendid views – and a Moorish Castle!

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 among 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.

Accommodation

The Parador has 72 rooms; standard, superior and junior suite, all of which have private bathrooms and balconies.

Hotel Features

Outdoor swimming pool (seasonal) with terrace and views

On-site parking

Restaurant

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 dished (eggs, bacon and churros) and coffee served to order.

Hotel Facilities

24 Hour Reception
Tour Booking Service
WiFi all areas
Spacious Grounds
Lift
Garden/Patio/Terrace
Shared Lounge / TV Area
No smoking in hotel
Luggage storage
Laundry Service
Air Conditioning

Sports and Wellbeing

Swimming Pool (outdoor, seasonal)

Room facilities (all rooms)

En-suite bathroom
Heating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Fridge / Minibar
Shower over bathtub
Hairdryer
Safe deposit box
Desk

Dining

Restaurant, open to the public
Bar, open to the public, serving drinks and light snacks

Accessibility

Facilities adapted for guests with reduced mobility
Room(s) adapted for guests with reduced mobility
Parking space adapted for guests with reduced mobility

Parking

On-site parking (free)
Electric vehicle charging station

Pets

No pets allowed

Catalonia

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.

Visit the 10th century castle of La Suda, on its vantage point above the city
Explore the Jewish Quarter, a maze of narrow streets
Head to the Delta de Ebro for birdwatching (flamingos and much more) and delicious local rice
Cycle the Via Verda, an adapted trainline, from Tortosa to Teruel (or just a part if you prefer…)
Try the white grenache wines of the Terra Alta
Visit the Modernist ‘Wine Cathedrals’ at Gandesa and Pinell de Brai
Miravet Castle – built by the Knights Templar in one of Catalonia’s prettiest villages
Battle of the Ebro civil war sites including Corbera d’Ebre, the best preserved
Visit the blue-flag beaches in the Delta and nearby Ametlla de Mar
Climb (or drive) to Monte Cardó – stunning views from 1400m
Marvel at the millennial olive trees – up to1700 years old! – at Fondo de l’Arión
Visit Horta de Sant Joan where Picasso spent two summers and see the remarkable Roques de Benet rock formation