Benifallet - Xerta

Starting from Benifallet, we will paddle a short way upstream along the Canaletes River from its confluence with the Ebro. As we make our way upstream, we will discover the hidden beauty of this unique natural setting.

The Ebro has already left the Barrufemes Gorge behind and, although it continues its winding journey towards the sea, here it flows more gently through a truly spectacular landscape. We will paddle across one of the widest sections of the Ebro and pass through the Xerta lock in a kayak or canoe using its navigation channel.

From the kayak or canoe, you will see Coll de Som on the left, where the old road to Tortosa once ran before the "Llaguter" Bridge in Benifallet was built. On the right, the first foothills of the Els Ports Massif come into view. We also leave behind the Cardó Mountains, a little-known area that is well worth exploring on foot. And, of course, a future visit should include climbing Mont Caro, the highest peak in Els Ports and a mountain that has witnessed the passage of many different cultures and civilizations.

Like many places along this stretch of the Ebro, the route is rich in Iberian archaeological sites, as the hills overlooking the river provided ideal locations for ancient settlements. One of the highlights is the Castellot de la Roca Roja. The strategic importance of the area also led to the establishment of cement works and quarries along the riverbanks, whose remains can still be seen today. The Ebro, once the area's main transport route, was the key reason for their location.

For anyone who has never experienced passing through a navigation lock, this will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the trip. Once inside the lock chamber, the gates close behind us and we are gently lowered seven metres to match the river level on the downstream side. This break of almost thirty minutes is a perfect opportunity to relax before the final section of the route while enjoying the riverside vegetation and the famous citrus orchards around Xerta.

After leaving the Xerta lock, we will see this Arab-origin weir, which marks the beginning of the Right and Left Ebro Canals, essential for supplying water to the farmland of the Ebro Delta. There is also the option of making a stop or finishing the route in the village of Tivenys, just twenty minutes before reaching our final destination in Xerta.

Please check with us in advance to confirm that the navigation lock is operating, as it is closed during certain months of the year.