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From the city of Tortosa the mountains of the Els Ports rise up like a child's drawing from the flatlands of the Ebro river. Driving across the olive studded campo the calcareous crags and peaks make it hard to believe that it is possible for a green valley to exist here, but as one weaves around the bends of the small ravine of the Conca it suddenly appears like magic. The valley from here on is shown on Michelin maps as a scenic route as it winds its way up to Alfara de Carles and the Fonts del Tosca.
 Tosca itself forms a gigantic basin surrounded by mountain ridges from which eagles and vultures soar, and is the source of a mineral water to be found in many Spanish shops. It is in this idyllic valley that Tony and Christine have their finca with its self-catering apartment on the first floor of the casa. It was purchased by them in 2005 with the aim of providing a haven where guests could come and unwind from the stresses of life by enjoying the surrounding countryside with it flora and fauna. The name "Ninfas del Agua" is derived from the fact that there is a never ending supply of water (fromTosca) feeding the fountains and pools with which the finca is adorned besides flowing down the adjacent barranca in times of wet weather.
In the UK Tony graduated in Hotel Management and has used the experience gained to make guests as comfortable as possible while staying in the 2 bedroomed apartment. He also uses this knowledge to provide guests with a meal during their stay cooked before them in the unique barbecue kitchen.
The garden of the finca is based around the orange orchard with small clearings for private sunbathing, playing boules or badminton or just enjoying the surroundings before enjoying a refreshing dip in the traditional Spanish pool. If staying in the spring it is an experience to wander down the garden picking oranges for juicing or taking in the heady perfume of their blossom. Guests are also encouraged to enjoy the fresh vegetables and fruit from the garden when in season. Children will also enjoy feeding the birds in the aviary or the ducks by their pond.
During the early summer it is just nice to do nothing but lie back and listen to the nightingales singing their melodious song.
 The Els Ports is situated in the south of Catalonia where it forms a natural barrier with Aragon and Valencia. Mont Caro at 1442 m is the highest point and it is possible to drive the hair-pinned road to the very summit where fantastic views can be gained over Tortosa and the Ebro Delta. The park is famed for it walking routes, including part of the GR7 which allow the intrepid explorer to experience the wildlife including ibex, boar and Catalonian wildcat as well as enjoying the wild flowers in the spring and early summer. Walking maps and guides are supplied within the apartment. Further afield but within easy driving distance is another natural park, the Ebro Delta which is a great interest to bird-watchers with its variety of wildfowl and sea-birds.
There are also many places of interest in the surrounding countryside although Alfara is the only town to be found within the parks' boundaries. Font Calda is an ancient place of pilgrimage which is renowned for its thermal waters with supposed healing powers and is a hair-raising drive over the Serra de Pandols. The town of Bot is the centre of the Terra Alta wine-producing region and the produce can be sampled at the rural museum here as well as in the nearby town of Gandesa.
 Picasso also has connections with the Els Ports having stayed two summers recuperating from illness at Horta de St Joan. This medieval hill-top town with its galleried streets and Picasso Centre is well worth a visit.
The nearby city of Tortosa dates from Roman times and is dominated by the castle (now a Parador) which overlooks the river and the distant Els Ports. At the rear the ancient fortifications and remains of an original Arab settlement can be seen stretching over the surrounding hillside. The city straddles the Ebro and a memorial to the fallen of the Battle of the Ebro stands in the river by the old town. In mid-July the whole city comes alive when it celebrates its medieval past with the Renaissance Fiesta.
Going upstream one will come to the small town of Miravet with its castle, and which is accessed by a current driven ferry over the river. Further inland between Gandesa and Mora are the battle-scarred remains of the town of Corbera which have been left as a memorial to the Spanish Civil War.
Throughout the whole of the summer season it is also possible to witness the traditional Catalan correfoc or fire-run in many of the nearby towns, often used to close the local fiesta
All in all, this whole undiscovered area of Spain is well worth a visit and Finca Ninfas del Agua is an excellent choice for a base to explore the area. further details of the finca can be found at The website of Finca Ninfas del Agua |
