From the castles in Baix Gaià to its mouth: heritage and nature in Costa Daurada

©Casa Bofarull

CATLLAR, EL

PALLARESOS, ELS

TARRAGONA

VESPELLA

The natural environment of the region of Tarragonès is magical, with many areas waiting to be discovered and covered with the family: Modernism buildings, medieval castles, natural spaces with recreation areas, a church on top of a hill and a river mouth rich in flora and fauna. Want to join us on this stunning route round the Costa Daurada?

We start at Casa Bofarull, in Els Pallaresos, a beautiful farmhouse from the 17^th century that was refurbished in 1914 by the Modernism architect, and disciple of master Antoni Gaudí, Josep Maria Jujol. Visit it and discover an endless number of photogenic details!

On the highest spot of El Catllar we find the stunning Castell del Catllar, a castle built on top of the remains of a walled settlement from the Iron Age (7^th to 5^th centuries BC) on top of a hill that provides great views of the different meanders of the river Gaià. Did you know though that this fortification is also home of the Centre d’Interpretació dels Castells del Baix Gaià, the Interpretation Centre of the Castles of Baix Gaià? Oh, and kids can actually visit this castle dressed as knights and princesses!

If you’d like to stay a bit longer in El Catllar, near the castle you’ll find the so-called Torre d’en Guiu park, which also offers a very quiet picnic area by the stream, equipped with tables and a leisure area for children. What about a circular route of just over 1km where you’ll get to discover the various species that live in the area?

We move now closer to the coastline and, before you arrive at the mouth of the river Gaià, you find the village of Vespella. Don’t miss the streets of this beautiful little village and make sure you walk all the way to the hill that still has the remains of the old medieval castle. Breathe in and enjoy some pretty outstanding views from the little yet magical Romanic church.

Finally, we arrive at the mouth of the river Gaià, where we do recommend that you stop by what’s known as Hort de la Sínia, a spectacular environmental education centre that offers a nature and welfare area, where visitors can enjoy various workshops about horticulture, aromatic and medicinal plants, among others. And once you’re done, head to the Tamarit beach, while admiring the flora and fauna of this very special spot. Oh, and don’t forget to take a selfie standing on the sand with the iconic and majestic Tamarit castle in the background!