Riudecols – Hiking, Culture and Landscape

Riudecols combines trails through cultural landscapes with historic buildings and excursion destinations in the wider surrounding area. The 6 km hike Pujada a Puigcerver leads from the village to the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Puigcerver and takes place on the first Sunday in August. Several nature trails complement the options for hiking and cycling. Preparing for a hike includes checking the current trail conditions; for the Pujada a Puigcerver, the date in August is also an important part of planning.

Hiking

The Itinerario saludable runs as an easy circular route through an agroforestry landscape. Hazelnut, olive and almond groves alternate with stands of pine and holm oak. Where cultivation has been abandoned, corresponding woodland has developed. The route therefore passes through both agriculturally shaped areas and sections of forest, offering different landscapes within its circular course.

The route “De Riudecols a Les Irles” runs through the landscape of Baix Camp. Holm oaks as well as hazelnut and almond fields line the route. On this trail too, abandoned fields transition into new woodland. The holm oaks and tree fields give the route a different character from the agroforestry circular route with its olive groves, pines and holm oaks. For circular routes and longer distances, current information about trail conditions helps you choose the right equipment before setting out.

Culture

At the western edge of Riudecols stands Els Canalots, a fountain built in 1935 with six outlets. The old watchtower Torre dels Moros is also known as Torre de Guaita de Riudecols. The Aqüeducte del Mas d'en Vall has 13 arches made of stone and brick and is approximately 100 metres long. The structures differ in function, period of construction and form: the fountain is followed by the historic watchtower and the elongated aqueduct.

Museums in the surroundings of Riudecols include the Gaudi Centre Raus, the Museu d'Història de Cambrils- Refugi del carrer Creus, the Associació Cultural Revista de Cambrils and the Museu d'Història de Cambrils - Museu Molí de les Tres Eres. The four institutions range from a museum dedicated to Gaudi and a Refugi to the Museu Molí de les Tres Eres. When visiting museums, current opening hours should be checked before arrival.

Landscape and Surroundings

The Ermita de la Mare de Déu de Puigcerver lies at an altitude of 787 metres on the Serra de Puigcerver, on the boundary between the municipal areas of Alforja and Riudecols. From there, views extend across the Camp plain, parts of the Costa Daurada and as far as the western Priorat. The altitude and the named landscape areas are key geographical reference points around the Ermita.

The surroundings of Riudecols include Playa Eldorado, Playa de Rifá and Playa Cambrils D Camilo. All three destinations are beaches. Mola de Colldejou, a peak, is also part of the surrounding area.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tarragona.

More destinations

More places at the same destination:

Farena, Altafulla, Figuerola Del Camp, La Vilella Alta, Nulles, Salou, El Catllar.