Miravet between the Castle and the Ebro

Miravet reveals its most striking side at Miravet Castle: the fortress, situated on a hill, is surrounded by a 25-metre-high wall and dominates the course of the Ebro and the surrounding land. The Templars made the castle the seat of the Templar province of Catalonia and Aragon.

Culture and history

Miravet’s historic centre consists of houses rising above the river and along the mountains and rocky cliffs, as well as typical arcaded streets and old houses. Miravet is home to a Renaissance temple built by the Hospitaller Order in the 16th and 17th centuries over a former mosque used by the Muslim population. Seven active pottery workshops operate in the Raval dels Canteres district.

The Centre d’Art Joaquim Mir in the Palau de Miravet is an exhibition space honouring the Catalan Impressionist painter Joaquim Mir. Its gallery displays nine true-to-scale reproductions of paintings by Joaquim Mir. The Centre d’Art Joaquim Mir offers visits for small groups by prior arrangement. Guided visits are available for Cap de la Vila in Miravet.

Nature and water

Near Miravet, the Ebro winds through the Serra de Cardó and crosses the Pas de Barrufemes, an unspoilt, rocky and wooded section marking the boundary between Ribera d’Ebre and Baix Ebre. The Miravet weir, known as Molinot, preserves a medieval lock system and can be reached from the river by boat or kayak.

The Pas de Barca de Miravet is a traditional ferry with a platform mounted on two original llaguts; it crosses the Ebro using the river current, on foot or by vehicle. The kayaking section from Miravet to Benifallet offers views of Miravet’s hanging houses and the landscape of the Pas de Barrufemes.

Paths and activities

The GR 99 section from Miravet to Benifallet passes through Cap de la Vila and runs for twelve kilometres along paths near the river before joining the Via Verda. The mountain paths and hiking trails of La Cameta Coixa comprise three circular routes starting from Miravet that combine nature, history and landscape. These circular routes can be started at the end of the historic centre at Cap de Vila or at the castle car park.

The climbing sector on the Ebro at the foot of Miravet Castle has around 30 sport-climbing routes. Morral de la Covalta is a steep limestone cliff above the Ebro associated with traditional climbing.

Getting there

Miravet has no direct public transport connection; travelling by private vehicle is recommended. As driving through Miravet’s historic centre is difficult, it is recommended to park at the landing stage and continue by boat.

Other places

Torredembarra, Vinyols, La Torre De Fontaubella, Alfara De Carles, L'ametlla De Mar, Vallclara, La Palma D'ebre and Santa Bàrbara

Cuisine

Pastissets are a traditional pastry from Terres de l’Ebre of Islamic origin, traditionally prepared with angel-hair jam. Les Àrgoles in Miravet produces and sells extra virgin olive oil, including the Arbequina and Picual varieties. In Miravet, a winery with a family tradition produces and bottles wines and wine products. It is located on the road from Miravet towards Benissanet at kilometre 2; visits are available by prior reservation as part of the DO Tarragona wine route.

To the higher-level travel overview: Tarragona.