Tortosa, Costa Dorada

Tortosa Overview

Cultural town: Tortosa has a significant slice of its history rooted in the crusades. As such, you’ll see an interesting mix of beautiful buildings on your holidays here, including sites with Arabic, Medieval and Baroque influences. This combination of elegantly designed cathedrals and castles as well as the River Ebre which flows through the town, all add up to make Tortosa holidays very picturesque.

Attractions in Tortosa

Suda Castle: Perched on a hill where a Roman settlement once stood, Suda Castle is in remarkably good condition considering it dates back to the 10^th century. It initially functioned as a military guard for the Moors who were stationed here, but once the crusaders conquered the city in 1148 it took on a more traditional European Medieval style. Within its gardens it also features the only Arabic graveyard in Catalonia. It’s an attraction with a famous reputation that should be on the top of your list for your holidays to Tortosa.

Tortosa Cathedral: This imposing, intricately designed cathedral looms over the tightly winding streets of the old town of Tortosa. The interior is just as impressive with high naves, colourful murals and an elaborate golden altar.

Abaria Palace: As an indication of Tortosa’s past status as a place for the wealthy; this gothic palace was built in the 14^th century for a crusader. It was then passed on to the Abaria family, which gave it the name we know it as today.

Activities in Tortosa

Teodor Gonzalez Park: This pleasant green park is right within the centre of Tortosa, making it a wonderful place for peace and relaxation after taking in all the sights on your Tortosa holidays. It’s also based by the River Ebre, so you can sit on the many benches and take in the beautiful view of the calming water’s edge.

Beaches in Tortosa

Riumar Beach: Tortosa is an inland town, so the only nearby beaches in Tortosa are on the Ebro Delta, which is a natural park around 20km away. Riumar is the best example of a beach in this area, as it’s one of the few with services for tourists on their holidays such as toilets, showers and bars.

Restaurants in Tortosa

Rosa Pinyol: In simple black and white decor, this traditionally-themed restaurant serves fish as its speciality. Expect many authentic Spanish dishes with very good value prices.

Sant Carles: Another remarkable seafood restaurant, which is rather surprising given that Tortosa holidays are inland! Try the mussels or the classic Spanish tapas dish of fried squid.

San Cristobal: You’ll see lots of locals eating in this Spanish restaurant (which is always a good sign!). The decor is the very rustic combination of wooden tables and chairs with red tablecloths and curtains. However, if you choose this restaurant on your holidays to Tortosa you’ll find the real revelation is the food, which serves an excellent mix of ingredients like classic flavoured pork and Iberian cheese.

Nightlife in Tortosa

Spanish bars: Tortosa holidays have a relaxed, quiet vibe and the bars here match up well with the town. They are generally traditional Spanish in style, and often serve tasty tapas dishes which you can wash down with a variety of beers, wines or mixers. A place such as Bar Sport may not sound typically Spanish but it has a good selection of tapas there. Or if you prefer you could head to Bar Galerias which has a slightly more arty vintage style.

Shopping in Tortosa

Local crafts: The main attraction of the shops in Tortosa is for the unique locally-produced crafts which you won’t find anywhere else. They make excellent souvenirs or gifts for bringing back from your holidays in Tortosa and giving to your friends. Jasper, a form of marbled stone, is mined in the area and is used as glistening decoration for both jewellery and ornaments. You’ll also come across shops selling local hand crafted baskets made from palm trees, and a thriving ceramic and pottery trade at Tivenys.