Parador de Tortosa

Spain – Catalonia – Tarragona – Tortosa

10th-century castle

4-star

The ancient city of Tortosa is in a key strategic position near the mouth of the River Ebro, which marks the southern frontier of Catalonia. On a hill above the city is an impressive castle that goes back to the time of Abderramán III in the 10th century, and this mighty citadel now houses the Parador de Tortosa. Guests approach the hotel via a steep, winding road, which makes its way around the walls and fortified gateways, eventually arriving on the lofty terrace, edged by battlements and looking down on the cathedral and the pattern of roofs of the picturesque old town, and across the fertile plain of the Ebro to distant mountains. The traditional-style rooms, with wooden furniture and rich wall hangings, each have a wooden balcony that shares these views. The restaurant offers a variety of regional dishes such as Anguila en suc (elvers simmered with almonds and saffron), Suqueit de peix (a fish and potato stew), paella rice dishes and Garrofetas del Papa (a local crispy cookie).