Xerta brings together walking and mountain biking routes, activities on the Ebro, architectural history, and local festivals and food culture. If you are looking for a hotel in Xerta, you can first decide which of these aspects of the town you want to shape your stay. The differences are tangible: from paths through orchards to a 16th-century chapel, and from the river to traditional dishes.

Routes, Via Verda and the Ebro

For cyclists, Estació de Xerta offers bike hire and shuttle or return transport services along the Via Verda de la Val de Zafán–Terres de l’Ebre. Outside the Estació is a landscaped family recreation area with picnic tables and benches, a fountain, a children’s playground and parking. The seating and fountain give the area a practical purpose of its own, in addition to its connection with cycling.

The Ruta de la Barca passes through Xerta’s orchards below the town. There are also walking, hiking and mountain biking routes along paths across the municipality and up to the foot of the Els Ports massif. This gives you different landscape settings to choose from: orchards below the town on the one hand, and paths leading to the foot of the massif on the other.

Various water sports are practised on the Ebro at Xerta, including boating and sport fishing. This offers a different focus from the routes on land: activities on the water take centre stage on the river, while the routes connect different landscapes and destinations.

Architectural history and historical memory

The Centre d’Interpretació del Riu de Xerta is located in Xerta’s former railway station. You can book a visit by calling 644 450 105. The Route of Manor Houses leads to architectural remains, including the 16th-century chapel of Bishop Sentís. Casa Ceremines is one of Xerta’s most distinguished manor houses. Its current appearance dates from a renovation in 1887, a few years after Ramon Martí i Tomàs acquired the house.

The Church of the Assumption of Mary and Sant Martí also has a clearly documented architectural history: the present-day church was enlarged between 1580 and 1690. By contrast, L’Assut de Xerta is a historic water-management structure on the Ebro, completed in the early 15th century. These dates refer to different events—the completion of the Assut, the enlargement of the church and the renovation of Casa Ceremines. This makes it possible to distinguish the structures by specific historical milestones.

Another link to history lies beside the Via Verda: the Trinxeres del Barranc dels Fornets is a system of fortifications. Its development for visitors commemorates the heritage of the Spanish Civil War and contributes to historical memory. This subject adds a distinct perspective on cultural heritage to the histories of architecture and water engineering.

Sant Martí and Xerta’s cuisine

Sant Martí is Xerta’s main festival, dedicated to the town’s patron saint and held on 11 November. Traditional events include vaquillas in the streets, a communal dinner with beef stew and the Jota Xertolina dance. The festival brings together several elements: street events, a shared meal and dancing all feature equally.

Local dishes also offer a range of flavours. Fogasseta is a traditional country dish from Xerta: a round loaf filled with an omelette made with artichoke, spring garlic and sausage. Torrons de Xerta are round sweets made from hazelnuts, honey and sugar, following the same recipe for centuries. Fogasseta combines bread with a savoury filling, while the torrons are characterised by their sweetness and a long-established recipe.

When planning your stay, the difference between a festival with a specific date and the various historical phases of construction can help you decide what to focus on: Sant Martí takes place on 11 November, while the architecture and cultural heritage span different periods. Routes, activities on the Ebro, architectural history and local cuisine give you other specific points of interest for your trip to Xerta.

Discover more destinations: La Palma D'ebre, El Rourell, Guialmons, Vandellòs, El Pinell de Brai, Arnés, La Fatarella, Clarà

For the wider travel guide: Tarragona.