Activities, cultural visits & recommendations to discover the most iconic town in Terra Alta
Few towns in the mountains of southern Catalonia have as much magic as Horta de Sant Joan. A rich history and culture with authentic people and impressive natural landscapes, made up of vineyards and the massif of the Ports de Beseit Natural Park. If you are looking for a unique escape to a charming town, Horta de Sant Joan is the perfect choice. A strategic destination of the Mapilife Southern Catalonia global guide.
The Greenway
The great route of the Terres del Ebre
Horta de Sant Joan is a strategic starting point to embark on the Greenway. This route, ideal for families and nature lovers, follows the former railway track that connected to Tortosa. An excursion that can be done by bike or on foot. For those who want to explore this wonder, the active tourism company Montsport offers bicycle rental services and convenient transportation back to Horta. A unique experience that will connect you with the natural beauty of the Terres de l’Ebre.
Les Vinyes del Convent
Wine Tasting at a prominent cellar
This modern winery, nestled at the foot of the Ports Natural Park, offers tours and wine tastings of Terra Alta DO “Designation of Origin” wines. With a spectacular backdrop landscape, this young winery, inaugurated in 2017, seamlessly combines advanced technology with a deep respect for the past. The tour begins in a cloister and transports us to the history and essence of the region, highlighting the revival of the nearly extinct Garnatxa variety, once cultivated by the Templars in the high mountains of Ports. Les Vinyes del Convent is a key winery to comprehend and appreciate Terra Alta wines, with White Garnatxa as its vinicultural emblem.
Centre Picasso
The town that inspired the artist
The Picasso Center in Horta tells us about the influence of this Terra Alta population on the universal artist. The young painter Picasso arrived in Horta at the age of 16 and was nourished by rural life and landscapes to create unique works during his usual stays. “Everything I know I learned in Horta” is one of Pablo Picasso’s sentences. Although the works are reproductions, the museum offers an enjoyable and surprising insight into this little-known stage of the artist.
- Ticket: 4 euros
- C. de l'Hospital, s/n - Horta
- 977 435 330
- centrepicasso.cat
Les Roques Natura
Adventure sports in the natural park of Els Ports
Discover the Ports Natural Park with Les Roques Natura, an active tourism company located in Arnes (Terra Alta). Explore the Ports of Beseit and the Canaletes ravine practicing climbing, via ferratas or canyoning. Exciting nature activities that are carried out with expert local guides and can be practiced throughout the year with options for all skill levels and audiences.
Lo Racó de l'Esquirol
A fun day out in the woods
This nature park offers fun and activities for groups of friends and families amidst the imposing mountains of the Ports de Beseit natural park. It stands out for its exciting obstacle circuit between the trees with ziplines and Tibetan bridges. In addition to the circuits, the space offers an opportunity to connect with nature and with oneself through the anti-stress circuit. There are also children’s trampolines, bar service, a natural cabin and a camping area, creating a perfect environment for hiking and kite watching.
Local food
At the Hotel Miralles restaurant
The local gastronomy of Horta de Sant Joan is characterized by its authenticity and the use of ecological and local ingredients. An outstanding place to enjoy this culinary experience is the restaurant at Hotel Miralles, which pays tribute to the flavors of Terra Alta with dishes that combine tradition and innovation. Its star dish is the pickled crepe and its slow-fire cooking is based on homemade products. In addition, local olive oil, home-raised meat and sausages from the region are other strong points of the local cuisine, products that can be bought in the small shops in the village.
- Av. Generalitat, 19-21 - Horta
- 977 435 555
- hotelmiralles.com
EbreWine
Visit the craft beer factory
Located on a farm on the outskirts of Horta and surrounded by the Benet mountains, we find the rural brewery EbreWine. A local and quality product that is sold all over the country and from this space the craft beer culture is made known with proposals that go beyond beer tasting. Their experiences include workshop visits, courses and a program of events throughout the year. Visiting this space is an exceptional opportunity to learn about home-brewed craft beer and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds this farmhouse.
- Partida Montcades - Horta
- 690 621 082
- factoriaebrewine.cat
Beyond the main experiences, Horta de Sant Joan hides more treasures. Its old town, full of cobbled streets and charming buildings, invites you to explore its history. Hiking trails, such as the one that will take you up Santa Barbara Mountain, will allow you to immerse yourself in a stunning natural environment. And to finish, nothing better than relaxing on the terraces of Plaça de Catalunya and enjoying the warmth of the people of Orta.
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