Ulldecona Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Spain? Make sure to add Ulldecona to your list! Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and more with this comprehensive guide.


Introduction to Ulldecona

Located in the Tarragona province of Catalonia, Ulldecona is a hidden gem in Eastern Spain. This small town is often overlooked by tourists in favor of nearby popular destinations like Barcelona or Valencia. However, Ulldecona has a quaint charm and impressive historical significance that makes it a worthy stop on your next trip to Spain.

List of Places to Visit in Ulldecona

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castillo de Ulldecona (Ulldecona Castle): A well-preserved Moorish castle dating back to the 12th century. The castle offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Museu Etnològic (Ethnology Museum): Exhibits and displays showcasing the local history and culture of Ulldecona and surrounding towns.
  • Sant Miquel de Tous (Saint Michael Church): A Romanesque church from the 12th century worth visiting for its architecture and history.

Natural Attractions of Ulldecona: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Muntanyes de Godall (Godall Mountains): Perfect for hiking or mountain biking, the Godall Mountains are a beautiful natural spot worth exploring.
  • Delta de l’Ebre Natural Park (Ebro Delta): A vast wetland with impressive biodiversity. Offers hiking, boating, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ulldecona

  • Ruta de les Fonts de la Sènia: A 14 km route through the Sènia River valley, with stops at various natural springs along the way.
  • Raval dels Canyars: A short 3.5 km hike through a stunning canyon with a waterfall and beautiful vegetation.

Best Things to Do in Ulldecona: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting Tour: Ulldecona is part of the Tarragona wine region, and there are multiple tours that offer wine tastings and vineyard visits.
  • Olive Oil Tour: Another local product worth trying is olive oil, and many local farms offer tours and tastings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ulldecona

Day Activity
1 Explore the town of Ulldecona and visit the Ulldecona Castle
2 Visit the Ethnology Museum and Sant Miquel de Tous Church
3 Hike/bike the Ruta de les Fonts de la Sènia
4 Take a boat tour of the Ebro Delta
5 Go wine tasting in the Tarragona wine region
6 Visit olive oil farms and enjoy tastings
7 Relax and enjoy the town or take a day trip to nearby destinations

Food and Drink Scene of Ulldecona

Must-Try Dishes

  • Arros caldòs: A traditional rice soup with seafood and vegetables.
  • Xató: A salad made with endive, cod, anchovies, and a sauce of almonds, garlic, and red peppers.
  • Pebrassos: A type of flatbread made with flour, olive oil, and pepper.

Local Beverages

  • Tarragona Wine: Ulldecona is part of the larger Tarragona region, known for its red and white wines.
  • Olive Oil: The region is also known for producing high-quality olive oil.

Where to Stay in Ulldecona: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hostal Residencia Celma: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a good location.
  • Hotel La Vila: A charming boutique hotel in the center of town.
  • Camping La Plana: A camping option for those who prefer more nature-oriented accommodations.

What to Buy in Ulldecona: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Olive Oil: Local olive oil farms offer high-quality oils worth bringing home.
  • Wine: The Tarragona wine region produces excellent reds and whites.
  • Ceramics: Ulldecona is known for its ceramics, and there are several local shops selling beautiful pieces.

Local Culture and Customs of Ulldecona

Ulldecona is a small town with a strong community feel. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there is a focus on traditional Catalan culture. The town celebrates several fiestas throughout the year, including a gastronomic and wine festival in August and a festival honoring the patron saint in September.

Best Time to Visit Ulldecona

The best time to visit Ulldecona is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists. Summer months can be very hot and crowded, while winter months can be chilly and damp.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ulldecona

Do:

  • Try local wines and olive oil.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the natural landscapes.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the significance of the local historical and cultural attractions.
  • Assume everyone speaks fluent English.
  • Disrespect the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ulldecona

Ulldecona is a safe town with a low crime rate. However, as with any travel destination, visitors should take basic safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings and avoiding unsafe areas at night.

Health in Ulldecona

Ulldecona has several medical clinics and pharmacies in case of emergencies. Visitors should also have adequate health insurance coverage for travel.

Getting to Ulldecona: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ulldecona

The closest airports to Ulldecona are Reus Airport (REU) and Valencia Airport (VLC). Both airports are around an hour and a half’s drive from Ulldecona.

Bus Stations Near Ulldecona

Ulldecona has a bus station with daily connections to nearby towns and cities, including Barcelona and Valencia.

Other Options

Renting a car is an easy and convenient option for exploring the area. However, keep in mind that parking in Ulldecona can be limited, especially in the center of town.

How to Get Around in Ulldecona

Ulldecona is a small town, and most attractions are easily accessible on foot. However, if you want to explore the natural landscapes, a car or bike rental may be necessary.

Where to Go Next from Ulldecona: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Peñíscola: A beautiful coastal town about 40 minutes’ drive from Ulldecona, famous for its medieval castle and beautiful beaches.
  • Morella: A well-preserved medieval town about an hour’s drive from Ulldecona, known for its beautiful architecture and impressive views.
  • Tarragona: A larger city about an hour’s drive from Ulldecona, with impressive Roman ruins and a beautiful medieval town center.

Conclusion

Ulldecona has a unique charm and culture that sets it apart from other popular tourist destinations in Spain. With its beautiful natural landscapes, impressive historical attractions, and delicious local cuisine and products, Ulldecona is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Spain.

The historic town centre The historic town centre The castle The castle