Les Caminades

Spain Catalunya, Tarragona, Terra Alta Arnes

Website: http://www.lescaminades.com Sleeps: Eight People Accommodations: Camping, Yurt Activities: Bird watching, Climbing, Cycling, Family holidays, General nature, Hiking, Horse riding, Mountain biking, Painting, Swimming (lake/sea), Walking Introduction: Les Caminades are pleased to present environment friendly holidays in Els Ports Natural Park, Southern Catalunya. Either come and stay with friends or family in our Mongolian Yurt or take part in a 6 day trek across Els Ports mountains. Full Description: Bordered by the Mediterranean and the Riu Ebre, Els Ports Natural Park encompasses 800km² of craggy mountainside with gorges and waterfalls, terraced groves of oranges and olives and picturesque medieval villages. Els Ports is a refuge for many endemic and threatened species of both flora and fauna and is today one of the most important reservoirs of biodiversity in the country. Its proximity to the Mediterranean, but with peaks of 1500 meters, has created a unique eco-system : Euro-Siberian and Alpine plants live among typically Mediterranean species. this results in a geo-botanical paradise in which more than a thousand species can be found.

Arnes where we are based is typical of the walled villages that surround Els Ports with tiny streets leading through arches to shaded plazas. The tight-knit rural community is polite and very hospitable and although small provides almost everything you could need; shops, market, cafes and restaurants.
Les Caminades - the walks

A 6 day self-guided trek across the western slopes of Els Ports Mountain natural park in the southern Catalunya. It is one of the most beautiful and completely unspoilt regions of inland Spain. The circuit follows GR and PR paths across the mountains and is suitable for experienced hill walkers only. To get from one village to the next requires stages of upto 25 km along paths that are accessible only by foot. We will arrange your accomadation including evening meals and breakfast, take you to and from the airport, move your luggage every day and provide you with a packed lunch and all the maps and notes you'll need.

Our objective in creating this circuit has been to combine the challenge and adventure of mountain walking with the pleasure of discovering another culture. Whilst the natural park is rugged and wild the villages though picturesque, are lively, hospitable and of considerable historic and artistic interest. We have deliberately chosen a variety of style of accomadation, some very basic and others much more up-market. However all offer the essentials after a long days hike : a hot shower, meal and a comfortable bed. ( and we particularly like the people that run them)

Yurt Holidays

We now have a family-sized yurt on our land on the banks of the Estrets river, a fifteen minute walk from Arnes. The yurt has been hand-made in Mongolia with completely natural material, covers 35m² has a pinewood floor and is furnished with a double bed and two singles. Next to the yurt is a kitchen and dining area and a solar-heated shower and composting toilet are discretely located further away. It is placed in a secluded spot under pine trees overlooking the river with views to the mountains. A perfect base for family holidays, the yurt combines comfort with the pleasure and satisfaction of getting back to nature. There is ample room to pitch another tent if you'd like to invite other friends.

PRICES :

July and August only - 400€ per week, extra tent : from 50€ per week for 4 people

Things to do.

The river is great for swimming, with clear warm rockpools and plenty of shallow areas for young kids. You can walk into the mountains and the Estrets canyon or through vineyards and olive groves to the villages of Arnes or Horta St. Joan. Golden orioles nest in the trees above the yurt and other birds that pay daily visits are bee-eaters, vultures and bonelli eagles. For those interested in art and architecture, the Picasso museum in Horta St. Joan is fascinating as is the pre-historic Iberican settlement and museum at Calaceite, and in every village are magnificent examples of spanish gothic and renaissance architecture. A short drive away is the Delta de L'Ebre Natural Park and the Costa Daurada.

This is an area waiting to be discovered. Although tourism here has developed in the last few years it still remains mainly local, i.e.catalan. This only adds to its charm. Once here you really do feel that you're off the beaten track.

If you'd like to find out more please visit our web-site. Click Here to go to the Website