The 10 Most Authentic Experiences in Southern Catalonia

🏆 MAPILIFE AWARDS 2025

This year, the Mapilife guide celebrates 10 years of creating maps and travel guides. A whole decade of exploring the region in search of the most iconic experiences in Costa Daurada and Terres de l’Ebre. To commemorate this milestone, we’re kicking off the season by introducing the MAPILIFE AWARDS 2025, an exclusive selection of the guide’s most emblematic recommendations.

Unique: Experiences that can only be found in Southern Catalonia.
Rooted: Led by local ambassadors who share the region’s culture, language, and history.
Respectful: Activities with a strong commitment to sustainability, the landscape, and the community.
Available All Year Round: Encouraging year-round tourism beyond the summer season.
Positive Impact: Promoting responsible tourism that benefits the local area.

Here are the 10 must-do authentic experiences for 2025!

Tarragona Cathedral

The Most Visited Monument in the Roman Capital

Considered the first cathedral in Catalonia, Tarragona Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Tecla, is located at the highest point of the city and is one of the most visited monuments in Costa Daurada. Built on the site of an ancient Roman temple and a Visigothic cathedral, construction began in 1171 and was consecrated in 1331. With over 2000 years of history, this iconic site is the star experience in the Mapilife Tarragona guide.

🔸 Tip: Combine your visit with the Roman Tarraco monuments and guided tours by Itinere for a truly immersive experience

Hiking in L'Ametlla de Mar

The Most Beautiful Coastal Path in Southern Catalonia

Explore the Mediterranean beauty along the Camí de Ronda that connects L’Ametlla de Mar with L’Ampolla, passing through breathtaking coastal landscapes. This trail offers panoramic views of the Ebro Delta, pristine beaches, hidden coves, and stunning cliffs. It’s the perfect experience for families and groups of friends. Enjoy this walk all year round, with opportunities to swim in crystal-clear coves or savour the local cuisine in the charming coastal villages along the way. A unique itinerary that blends history, landscapes, and Mediterranean culture.

Cebolla Voladora

Fly Over the Ebro Delta

A Unique Paramotor Experience. Experience a one-of-a-kind paramotor flight over the Ebre Delta with Cebolla Voladora. With certified pilots and a rigorous safety system, this activity offers a completely safe adventure suitable for all ages. Discover the spectacular landscape of the natural park from a privileged aerial perspective, soaring like a bird. Customised flights allow you to observe rice fields, lagoons, the mouth of the Ebre River, and migratory birds—all while respecting the environment. One of the most remarkable ways to explore the Ebre Delta Natural Park.

Parc Samà in Cambrils

The Grand Botanical Garden of Costa Daurada

Built in 1881 during the Romantic era, Parc Samà is more than just a garden—it’s a journey back in time. Spanning 14 hectares of lush nature, winding pathways, and enchanting lakes, it has been designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest. The park is home to over 1,500 species of flora and fauna, from majestic peacocks to friendly hedgehogs, and children will love discovering deer and exploring the historic stables.

This botanical garden hosts family-friendly activities throughout the year, making it a must-visit when exploring Cambrils, the culinary capital of Costa Daurada

Casa Navàs in Reus

The Modernist Gem of Costa Daurada

Designed by the renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Casa Navàs is one of the most exceptional Modernist masterpieces in Europe. Built between 1901 and 1907, it is located in the central Plaça del Mercadal and is an essential landmark for understanding the splendour of Catalan Modernism.

The interior of the house, astonishingly well-preserved, is a true treasure of decorative arts, featuring stunning mosaics, stained glass windows, and original period furniture. One of its unique features is the inner courtyard, which fills the rooms with natural light. With daily guided tours, you can uncover all the secrets of this architectural masterpiece and its fascinating history.

🔸 This 2025, Casa Navàs will restore its iconic tower, destroyed during the Civil War, thus returning the façade to its original appearance

Kayak & Memory by Enblau

Sail Through History on the Battle of the Ebro

Experience a unique blend of adventure and historical memory with Kayak & Memory by EnBlau. Paddle along the Ebre River, the stage of the Battle of the Ebre, while discovering the events that shaped the Spanish Civil War through historical narratives, photographs, and moving testimonies. This activity offers a kayaking descent from Móra d’Ebre to Miravet, passing by the most iconic sites of the conflict. Perfect for families, students, and history enthusiasts, this experience allows you to connect with the past while enjoying the natural beauty of the Ebre River.

The adventure creators at EnBlau organise customised kayaking and hiking routes throughout the year.

The Caves of l'Espluga

Catalonia's First Palaeolithic Sanctuary

Discover one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in the country: Les Coves de l’Espluga, a complex of over 3,600 metres of underground galleries housing a Palaeolithic sanctuary dating back 15,000 years—unique in Catalonia. Its rock formations, subterranean river, and prehistoric engravings make this visit a true journey through time.

This year, the Adventure Route is back: A canyoning route explores the source of the Francolí River and leads through the caves for an unforgettable experience

The Stars of Prades

Astronomy, Relaxation, and Activities in the Mountains

Imagine enjoying an outdoor spa in the heart of the mountains, under a starry sky certified by the Starlight Foundation as one of the purest in Europe. The experience at Xalet de Prades combines wellness and astronomy, making it a magical and unique getaway. Escape to the Prades Mountains with the unique accommodations at Xalet de Prades, enjoy excursions and nature activities, and savour authentic rural cuisine. This year-round experience is perfect for families and couples looking to disconnect and reconnect with nature.

The Ebre's Greenway

The Most Spectacular Family Cycling Route

One of the most breathtaking cycling routes in Catalonia, the Greenway takes you through tunnels, bridges, and stunning landscapes of Baix Ebre and Terra Alta. It’s a must-do for nature lovers and families who enjoy cycle tourism. The usual starting point for the Green Way is Horta de Sant Joan, the gateway to Els Ports Natural Park and home to Montsport, the leading adventure company in the area. They offer a complete and competitive bike rental and transport service for the Greenway, as well as other cultural and sports activities to explore the natural beauty of Els Ports.

Sunset Among Flamingos

The Most Authentic Experience in the Delta

Discover the most stunning corners of the Ebre Delta with guided tours by Némon and connect with the nature, culture, and history of this unique territory. The highlight is the Sunset Photography Tour Among Flamingos, where you can observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat as the sun sets over the rice fields and lagoons. It’s perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

In addition, they offer a wide variety of guided tours throughout the Delta, including local craft workshops, hiking at La Foradada with breathtaking views, and cultural visits to Tortosa.