Rural farmhouse with swimming pool in Southern Catalonia
Farmhouse in the village of Bitem,Tortosa in Catalonia Spain.The farmhouse is situated in its own 20 acre secluded valley amid nearly 300 olive, carob and fig trees, with wild and cultivated vines. Outside there is a large terrace and dining area, together with a large barbeque all shaded by mulberry trees along with a landscaped pool and sun lounging area offering spectacular views down the valley. Internally there is a kitchen diner with satellite TV.... W/C wet room and two twin/double bedrooms.
Bitem is a small rural, agricultural village, a 10 minute drive from the main town of Tortosa and situated on the banks of the river Ebro. Access to the river will take you through many fruit tree plantations and is over looked by the mountains of the Els Port national park. Close by is the low lying wetlands of the Ebro delta, famous for its pink Flamingoes and various types of rice, the delta is also surrounded by miles of unspoilt beaches and protected areas. Going inland, the roads lead alongside the river through gorges, with citrus and olive groves either side and up through the Sierra de Cardo, famous for its spring water.Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes drive south of Barcelona, in the Catalonian region, you will find the province of Tarronga that is host to the Costa Dorada, with its unspoilt beaches and the Ebro Delta. Along this Mediterranean coast you will find the well known resorts of Cambrilis and Salou, here you will find the famous Port Aventura Theme Park. The River Ebro is 910 kms long and ends its journey in the wetlands of the Delta (123.5sq miles/320sq km) with its lagoons and rice fields. The Delta is a birdwatchers paradise with 300 species of birds (60% of the total number found in Europe). You will find Herons, Oyster-Catchers, Flamingos, Rare Red-Crested Pochard, Shelduck, Marsh Harrier, Avocet and Kingfisher to name but a few. Protected since 1983 as a National Park, the Delta is not only to house and breed but is an essential waystation on the flight path of migrating birds.
Follow the river inland and it sweeps through the regions fertile valley, passing fields of oranges, Clementines, Cherry Trees, Olive and Almond Trees. You are never far away from spectacular mountain scenery that is home to a variety of wildlife including Mountain Goats, Wild Boars,Hoopoes, Griffon Vultures and Golden Eagles. You will discover beautiful countryside and traditional villages. Protected areas boast delights for the visitors interested in nature. With a wide variety of landscapes and a variety,of vegetation, such as Nordic and African species cohabiting with the Mediterranean mountain flora and Umbrella Pines and Beech Trees (the most southernly in Europe) dominating the higher slopes, these are views not to be missed.
Fishing
The River Ebro is home to a variety of species of fish. Major names include, Chub, Barbel, Roach, Pike, Zander, Carp, Black Bass and other but none are more famous as the legendary Catfish that are known to grow to over a monsterous 200lbs. The farmhouse makes an ideal base for fishing the River Ebro. A five minute drive will take you to the river bank. A short car journey will take you to south to the Delta and Tortosa. A one hour drive will take you up river towards Fayon, Mequinenza and the Rio Segre confluence. The river has many swims that can be fished without a guide, however should you decide to use a professional guide, tackle and bait is usually provided along with a wealth of invaluable local knowledge. Fishing along the River Ebro is permitted from public areas, although a fishing licence must be purchased. This is easy to do and is available from each local village town hall.
