We always talking about the north of Catalonia, but south it’s a very beautiful place to spend a weekend too. This time we went to Fontcalda thermal baths, Tarragona province, to spend a few relaxing days. Waterfalls, nature, medieval villages, and wine, the perfect combination.
GENERAL INFO
Fontcalda is located here, at the beginning of the Parc Natural dels Ports, a natural reserve at 120km from Tarragona and 214km from Barcelona.
The parking is free, there is no fees admission to the park, reaching La Fontcalda is easy, it takes 24 minutes by car from Gandesa, 11.8 km by C-43. The path isn’t asphalted, be careful, and do it only by day. There is a restaurant, but it was closed this day, normally people prepare sandwiches or picnic stuff.
Dogs aren’t permitted, but there was a lot when I was here. Don’t forget the sun lotion to protect yourself or an umbrella.
FONTCALDA THERMAL BATHS
La Fontcalda is an outdoor mineral-medicinal water spa. Its waters rise at 28 degrees and carry calcium chloride and carbonate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride. An ideal bathroom to enjoy with family or friends in an incomparable natural environment.
AROUND FONTCALDA
The surroundings of Fontcalda stand out especially for their geological and geomorphological values, produced during the periods of alpine orogeny. It is included in the Inventory of Geotopes and geo zones of Catalonia, within the Prat de Comte-Fontcalda Geozone.
This place is an obligatory stopping point for cycling lovers due to its proximity to the Terra Alta Greenway, a route through the old Zafán Valley train route that linked Tortosa (Tarragona) with Puebla de Híjar (Aragón).
WHERE TO SLEEP
Horta de San Juan is the best place to stay, a little medieval village. Here you can easily rent a house (with a bbq and swimming pool) for 150€ per night. I recommend the Font Major house.
Another option is to stay at Miravet, a famous city for wineries. The Gandesa area is a good choice to taste delicious wines and good cheeses.
