A taste of Terres de l'Ebre—meet the people behind the produce
There are few destinations where terroir is reflected in taste quite as much as in Terres de l'Ebre. This southernmost part of Catalonia is home to some of the region's most diverse landscapes, with mountains, sea, beaches and wetlands, all playing their part in shaping the local gastronomy. The waters of the River Ebro have fed the land and nourished its bounty for centuries. Here, three prominent culinary figures share more about the region's specialities and the ways the river has shaped them.
Michelin-starred chef and owner of Villa Retiro in Xerta
What makes the cuisine of Terres de l'Ebre so special?The rich natural surroundings — from the arrosars [water-filled rice fields] of the Delta de l'Ebre to the mountainous areas of Els Ports Natural Park. This geographical diversity yields a variety of fresh and high-quality ingredients, which form the basis of an authentic cuisine that's deeply connected with the land and its traditions. The gastronomy of Terres de l'Ebre is in a process of constant growth, gaining recognition both regionally and nationally.
What are some of your favourite local specialities?Arròs [rice] is emblematic of the Delta de l'Ebre and is grown in vast quantities in the area's arrosars. We work with different varieties and different techniques, sometimes exploring new ways to prepare traditional dishes — but always maintaining a high level of respect for the produce. I also enjoy eel, which has been part of the local cuisine for many generations. And in the town of Xerta, visitors should definitely try the citrus fruits, especially the Xerta orange, which is known for its exceptional quality and flavor.
How has the Ebro River shaped the region's culinary landscape?The Ebro River is important not only because of its rich produce, such as rice and eels, but also because of its former role as a transport route. In the past, the river facilitated the distribution and exchange of local products, allowing people access to a wider range of ingredients, thus enriching local cuisine. Without it, the history and gastronomy of Terres de l'Ebre would be very different.
How would you describe your culinary style, and how do local ingredients feature in your cooking?My culinary style centres on produce from the Delta de l'Ebre and I always use the most appropriate techniques to highlight the unique qualities of each ingredient. I respect the origin of each product but also incorporate contemporary touches, seeking a balance between tradition and modernity. Our menu at Villa Retiro, for example, features dishes like Catalan-style cod with romesco sauce, charcoal-grilled green peppers and olives.
Oil producer and owner of Identitat Olive Oil in Horta de Sant Joan
Tell us a bit more about your olive oil. What makes your products so special, and how are they influenced by the land here?We produce monovarietal olive oils, which are made with only one olive cultivar [cultivated variety]. This means each oil has unique flavour characteristics and delivers a different experience. The local terroir has a great influence on our products. We are based in the Terra Alta region, which is sheltered by a mountain ridge and home to numerous organic farming practices. All of these conditions come together to create olive oils with distinctive tasting notes.
Aside from olive oil, what are some of your favourite local ingredients?Personally, I love vegetables cooked in various ways — raw, sauteed, steamed — as well as lamb and fresh fish. I could eat these all my life! I also like rice — a good paella done in the Terres de l'Ebre style [with seafood and locally grown rice] can certainly compare to the best Valencian renditions.
Historically, the most important ingredient of the area was saffron, but unfortunately this is very scarce nowadays. It's said that during the Middle Ages, the saffron cultivated in Horta de Sant Joan set the price of saffron in Europe. It meant that at that time, the town held a lot of wealth and was a very strategic place to control.
Nowadays, visitors should also try peaches in Bot, asparagus in Gandesa and local honey. There are also a number of new initiatives mainly based on fermenting different sugars for producing either beer, mead or spirits.
What is one fun fact visitors should know about the village of Horta de Sant Joan?Most people don't know that the famous artist, Picasso, spent time in the village on two occasions. During his second time here, he and his girlfriend, Fernande Olivier, actually stayed at my great-grandparents' hostel, Hostal del Trompet. With their Parisian dress and mannerisms, they must have experienced quite the culture shock here. As a result, his short stay in town generated a lot of stories, which locals regale visitors with to this day.
Owner of restaurant and mussel farm Musclarium in La Ràpita
Tell us a bit more about the production of oysters and mussels in the Ebro Delta region.At present, there are 30 companies cultivating oysters and mussels in the region. Together, we produce around 700 tonnes of oysters and 3.5 million mussels every year.
What makes your produce so special, and how is it shaped by the local ecosystems?Here, the sweet water of the Ebro River mixes with the marine water of the Mediterranean Sea to produce large amounts of phytoplankton — microorganisms that are an important food source for the mussels, oysters and other creatures in the Ebro Delta. This, in turn, gives the produce we cultivate a really special flavour. When you eat one of our oysters, it's like tasting the Mediterranean Sea — salty, fresh and elegant.
Besides mussels and oysters, what are some must-taste ingredients from the region?Visitors should absolutely try the local rice, grown across the Ebro Delta. The oils, salt and honey we produce here are noteworthy too.
This paid content article was created for the Terres de l'Ebre Tourist Board as part of a joint initiative with the Catalan Tourism Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Los Angeles Times
8 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Spaniards take aim at tourism's role in housing crisis — with water guns
BARCELONA, Spain — Protesters used water pistols against unsuspecting tourists in Barcelona and on the Spanish island of Mallorca on Sunday as demonstrators marched to demand a rethink of an economic model they believe is fueling a housing crunch and erasing the character of their hometowns. The marches were part of the first coordinated effort by activists concerned with the ills of overtourism across southern Europe's top destinations. While several thousand rallied on Mallorca in the biggest gathering of the day, hundreds more gathered in other Spanish cities, as well as in Venice and Portugal's capital, Lisbon. 'The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,' Andreu Martínez said in Barcelona with a chuckle after spritzing a couple seated at an outdoor cafe. 'Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.' Martínez, a 42-year-old administrative assistant, is one of a growing number of residents who are convinced that tourism has gone too far in the city of 1.7 million people. Barcelona hosted 15.5 million visitors last year with such attractions as Antoni Gaudí's La Sagrada Familia basilica and the Las Ramblas promenade. Martínez says his rent has risen more than 30% as more apartments in his neighborhood are rented to tourists for short-term stays. He said there is a related effect of traditional stores being replaced by businesses catering to tourists, such as souvenir shops, burger joints and bubble tea spots. 'Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, are coming to an end,' he said. 'We are being pushed out systematically.' Around 5,000 people gathered in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, with some toting water guns as well and chanting, 'Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists.' The tourists who were targeted by water blasts laughed it off. The Balearic island is a favorite for British and German sun-seekers. It has seen housing costs skyrocket as homes are diverted to the short-term rental market. Hundreds more marched in Granada, in southern Spain, and in the northern city of San Sebastián, as well as the island of Ibiza. In Venice, a couple of dozen protesters unfurled a banner calling for a halt to new hotel beds in the lagoon city in front of two recently completed structures, one in the popular tourist destination's historic center where activists say the last resident, an elderly woman, was kicked out last year. Protesters in Barcelona blew whistles and held up homemade signs saying, 'One more tourist, one less resident.' They stuck stickers with a drawing of water pistols on the doors of hotels and hostels that said 'Citizen Self-Defense,' in Catalan, and 'Tourist Go Home,' in English. There was tension when the march stopped in front of a large hostel, where a group emptied their water guns at two workers positioned in the entrance. They also set off firecrackers next to the hostel and opened a can of pink smoke. One worker spat at the protesters as he slammed the hostel's doors. American tourists Wanda and Bill Dorozenski were walking along Barcelona's main luxury shopping boulevard where the protest started. They received a squirt or two, but she said it was actually refreshing given the 83-degree weather. 'That's lovely, thank you, sweetheart,' Wanda said to the squirter. 'I am not going to complain. These people are feeling something to them that is very personal, and is perhaps destroying some areas' of the city, she said. There were also many marchers with water pistols who didn't fire at bystanders, using them instead to cool themselves. Cities across the world are struggling with how to cope with mass tourism and a boom in short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb, but perhaps nowhere has surging discontent been so evident as in Spain, where protesters in Barcelona first took to firing squirt guns at tourists during a protest last summer. There has also been a confluence of the pro-housing and anti-tourism struggles in Spain, whose 48 million residents welcomed a record 94 million international visitors last year. When thousands marched through the streets of the capital city of Madrid in April, some held homemade signs saying 'Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods.' Spanish authorities are striving to show they hear the public outcry while not hurting an industry that contributes 12% of the gross domestic product. Last month, Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove almost 66,000 holiday rentals from the platform that it said had violated local rules. Spain's Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy told the Associated Press shortly after the crackdown on Airbnb that the tourism sector 'cannot jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people,' which enshrines their right to housing and well-being. Carlos Cuerpo, the economy minister, said in a separate interview that the government is aware it must tackle the unwanted side effects of mass tourism. The boldest move was made by Barcelona's town hall, which stunned Airbnb and other services that help rent properties to tourists by announcing last year the elimination of all 10,000 short-term rental licenses in the city by 2028. That sentiment was back in force on Sunday, as people held up signs saying 'Your Airbnb was my home.' The short-term rental industry contends that it is being treated unfairly. 'I think a lot of our politicians have found an easy scapegoat to blame for the inefficiencies of their policies in terms of housing and tourism over the last 10, 15, 20 years,' Airbnb's general director for Spain and Portugal, Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago, recently told the AP. That argument either hasn't trickled down to the residents of Barcelona or isn't resonating. Txema Escorsa, a teacher in Barcelona, doesn't just oppose Airbnb in his home city; he has ceased to use it even when traveling elsewhere, out of principle. 'In the end, you realize that this is taking away housing from people,' he said. Wilson writes for the Associated Press. AP videojournalist Hernán Múñoz in Barcelona and AP writer Colleen Barry in Venice contributed to this report.
Hamilton Spectator
16 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Spaniards squirt water guns at foreigners in Barcelona and Mallorca to protest overtourism
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Protesters used water pistols against unsuspecting tourists in Barcelona and on the Spanish island of Mallorca on Sunday as demonstrators marched to demand a rethink of an economic model they believe is fueling a housing crunch and erasing the character of their hometowns. The marches were part of a coordinated effort by activists concerned with the ills of overtourism across southern Europe's top destinations, including Venice, Italy, Portugal's capital of Lisbon and several other Spanish locations. 'The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,' Andreu Martínez said in Barcelona with a chuckle after spritzing a couple seated at an outdoor café. 'Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.' Martínez, a 42-year-old administrative assistant, is one of a growing number of residents who are convinced that tourism has gone too far in the city of 1.7 million people. Barcelona hosted 15.5 million visitors last year eager to see Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia basilica and the Las Ramblas promenade. Martínez says his rent has risen over 30% as more apartments in his neighborhood are rented to tourists for short-term stays. He said there is a knock-on effect of traditional stores being replaced by businesses catering to tourists, like souvenir shops, burger joints and 'bubble tea' spots. 'Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, are coming to an end,' he said. 'We are being pushed out systematically.' Around 5,000 people gathered in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, with some toting water guns as well and chanting 'Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists.' The tourists who were targeted by water blasts laughed it off. The Mediterranean island is a favorite for British and German sun-seekers. It has seen housing costs skyrocket as homes are diverted to the short-term rental market. In Venice, a couple of dozen protesters unfurled a banner calling for a halt to new hotel beds in the lagoon city in front of two recently completed structures, one in the popular tourist destination's historic center where activists say the last resident, an elderly woman, was kicked out last year. Squirts cause tension, and provide refreshment Protesters in Barcelona blew whistles and held up homemade signs saying 'One more tourist, one less resident.' They stuck stickers saying 'Citizen Self-Defense,' in Catalan, and 'Tourist Go Home,' in English, with a drawing of a water pistol on the doors of hotels and hostels. There was tension when the march stopped in front of a large hostel, where a group emptied their water guns at two workers positioned in the entrance. They also set off firecrackers next to the hostel and opened a can of pink smoke. One worker spat at the protesters as he slammed the hostel's doors. American tourists Wanda and Bill Dorozenski were walking along Barcelona's main luxury shopping boulevard where the protest started. They received a squirt or two, but she said it was actually refreshing given the 83 degree Fahrenheit (28.3 degrees Celsius) weather. 'That's lovely, thank you sweetheart,' Wanda said to the squirter. 'I am not going to complain. These people are feeling something to them that is very personal, and is perhaps destroying some areas (of the city).' There were also many marchers with water pistols who didn't fire at bystanders and instead solely used them to spray themselves to keep cool. Crackdown on Airbnb Cities across the world are struggling with how to cope with mass tourism and a boom in short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb , but perhaps nowhere has surging discontent been so evident as in Spain, where protesters in Barcelona first took to firing squirt guns at tourists during a protest last summer. There has also been a confluence of the pro-housing and anti-tourism struggles in Spain, whose 48 million residents welcomed record 94 million international visitors in 2024. When thousands marched through the streets of Spain's capital in April, some held homemade signs saying 'Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods.' Spanish authorities are striving to show they hear the public outcry while not hurting an industry that contributes 12% of gross domestic product. Last month, Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove almost 66,000 holiday rentals from the platform that it said had violated local rules. Spain's Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy told The Associated Press shortly after the crackdown on Airbnb that the tourism sector 'cannot jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people,' which enshrines their right to housing and well-being. Carlos Cuerpo, the economy minister, said in a separate interview that the government is aware it must tackle the unwanted side effects of mass tourism. The boldest move was made by Barcelona's town hall, which stunned Airbnb and other services who help rent properties to tourists by announcing last year the elimination of all 10,000 short-term rental licenses in the city by 2028. That sentiment was back in force on Sunday, where people held up signs saying 'Your Airbnb was my home.' 'Taking away housing' The short-term rental industry, for its part, believes it is being treated unfairly. 'I think a lot of our politicians have found an easy scapegoat to blame for the inefficiencies of their policies in terms of housing and tourism over the last 10, 15, 20 years,' Airbnb's general director for Spain and Portugal, Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago recently told the AP. That argument either hasn't trickled down to the ordinary residents of Barcelona, or isn't resonating. Txema Escorsa, a teacher in Barcelona, doesn't just oppose Airbnb in his home city, he has ceased to use it even when traveling elsewhere, out of principle. 'In the end, you realize that this is taking away housing from people,' he said. ___ AP Videojournalist Hernán Múñoz in Barcelona, and Associated Press writer Colleen Barry in Venice, Italy, contributed. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-lululemon-sale-tout-40d29be02e0e449c8deda2d83b2a64a5.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
Lululemon's ‘We Made Too Much' Section Is Bursting With Packable Summer Styles
Whether your summer travel wardrobe is filled with athleisure essentials or more fashion-forward pieces, Lululemon's 'We Made Too Much' section is the one place you can rely on to uncover airport-ready styles at far more wallet-friendly prices than the rest of its site. Luckily, the retailer just did a sweeping restock of the section, offering up countless fresh styles to add to your suitcase for your next trip—including exercise dresses, joggers, skirts, and more starting at just $39. After visiting the site to stock up on versatile activewear essentials for my own upcoming travels, I've compiled a list of the 15 best picks, with markdowns up to 43 percent off. From cozy in-flight layers to sleek pieces that'll turn heads on the streets no matter where in the world you are, these are the summer-friendly Lululemon styles you'll want to claim as your own before they sell out. Lululemon is primarily known for its high-quality activewear, but its 'We Made Too Much' section is also stocked with sleek lifestyle picks like this bold crochet cardigan—the perfect addition to chilly flights. The relaxed-fitting layer is easily dressed up or down; and while it will instantly become a year-round statement wardrobe piece, it's especially great to have on hand for cool beach evenings and al fresco dinners in the summer time. Made from a soft cotton blend that feels luxurious against the skin, wear it open or closed thanks to three gorgeous buttons. This stunning lilac midi skirt may be stylish, but it's also sure to be one of the most comfortable pieces in your travel wardrobe this summer—and it's under $100 now. The stretchy elastic waistband is designed not to dig into your skin, so you can wear it comfortably on long sightseeing days or even on a cross-country flight. Plus, the longer hemline ensures you'll stay covered while the lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric will keep you cool amidst rising temperatures. And whether you prefer a low- or high-rise, this A-line skirt will look great either way. To avoid feeling stifled by tight fabric while traveling, choose this loose-fitting split-back tee. Designed as activewear, trust that it'll keep you sweat-free no matter the weather. The flowy top is ultra stretchy with a fabric that's specifically designed not to lose its shape. It's made from a sweat-wicking polyester blend that packs down easily and won't take up much space in your suitcase; right now it's just $49 in five dreamy pastel shades. Your go-to summer mini skirt doesn't need to sacrifice comfort to be stylish. Don't believe me? Just look at this high-rise mini that's designed with a smooth, thick waistband that lays flat against the skin. The breathable cotton-blend construction is a great swap for denim. Its versatile shape will look just as great styled with sneakers as it will with a pair of kitten heels. It comes in a range of six bright and neutral shade options starting at just $39. Pick up more than one color without maxing out your budget. You should always invest in clothing made from high-quality materials. The Zeroed In Short-sleeve Shirt is the best example; on the surface, it appears to be another plain T-shirt, but it's made from a moisture-wicking soft cotton blend that effortlessly ties comfort with function. The relaxed fit is flattering and easy to style with every pair of shorts or pants in your suitcase, and you'll even be able to tell by the weight of the fabric that this is a clear upgrade from your other closet staples. A high-quality pair of stretchy, long-line shorts will be an invaluable addition to your suitcase this summer, and seeing as this high-rise option is fitted with two deep side pockets, it's no question that they're your best choice. Designed for running, these shouldn't ride up with every step. Plus, they're made with a thick, comfortable waistband that won't dig into your skin or feel restrictive. They're a great pick to layer beneath a mini dress if you're seeking more coverage, but they can also be worn while hiking and for more strenuous activities in the sumer heat since the fabric is quick-drying and sweat-wicking. Comfy travel pants are always 'in'—regardless of the season. This cropped pair is our favorite way to test out the newly-returned capri trend without veering too far off the full-length pants path. These are more elevated than sweatpants (but have a shockingly similar feel), and the high-rise waist is secured with an adjustable drawcord, so you can easily achieve your perfect fit. The pockets are fitted with a subtle card sleeve to safely store essentials while on the go, and perhaps most impressive of all, they're currently almost $50 off. Summer isn't exactly the time you'll want to slip on sweatpants when you're in the mood for something comfy, but don't let the heat stop you from traveling in loungewear. Take this as your sign to snatch up these oversized sweatshorts while they're under $60. Made with the same stretchy elastic waistband and cozy fleece-lined fabric as your favorite pair of sweats, they cut off just above the knees for added air flow with a slouchy, relaxed fit. They're even available in sizes ranging from 3XS to XL, and boast deep pockets practically made to hold your go-to airport snacks. Aside from being comfortable and offering that ideal casual fit for summer travel, these jersey shorts are also super stylish and versatile, lending themselves to endless styling potential. Made with a soft, brushed fabric that's both stretchy and quick-drying, these simple shorts are far more travel-friendly than classic rigid styles (but they still have deep pockets), plus the neutral color options make them easy to style with basic tees and bolder options alike. And if you like a longer inseam, the seven-inch shorts are also available for $49 right now. If you don't already have an exercise dress in your closet, this is your opportunity to snag a comfortable and breezy mini to travel in while it's just $59. Made from a lightweight organic cotton fabric and decorated with flattering scrunched detailing at the back, the functional piece is as easily styled for a day of sightseeing as it is for an afternoon by the pool. It lands just above the knee for the perfect amount of coverage, while the high-neck design is on-trend and sleek. Dresses may have never been on your radar for travel days, but that will all change with this breezy piece in your collection. Weary travelers will be happy to have a cushy, supportive pair of sandals to slip on after a long day on their feet, which is exactly why you'll want to add the Restfeel Flip-flops to your shopping cart while they're marked down to $49 this summer. The cloud-like insoles are lined with a super-soft fabric atop a layer of foam, while the outsoles are crafted with durable rubber that provides traction on everything from smooth airport floors to uneven cobblestone streets. They're supportive and breathable enough to wear on a walking tour, but if you're tied to wearing sneakers on the go, these recovery slides will offer much-needed reprieve for tired feet at the end of the day. Lululemon is perhaps best known for its buttery soft leggings, and this high-rise, cropped pair is a must-have for the summer while it's almost $20 off in a hot pink shade. The Align leggings are made to feel like a second layer of skin—comfortable for yoga, traveling, and everything in between. They move with your body without ever feeling restrictive or digging in, and the wide waistband is home to a hidden card pocket for stashing items while you're out and about. Most importantly, they're both sweat-wicking and quick-drying. If you're going to wear a pair of long pants in the summer, it should at least be a pick that's as loose and breathable as this $89 option—and it certainly doesn't hurt that they come in the most beautiful lilac shade. Don't worry about feeling restricted by tight, uncomfortable fabric since these pants are made with a wide-leg design complete with slits at the hems, and a cooling material that will feel great even after touching down in a toasty destination. They're the perfect style to dress up or down with the right accessories, available in sizes 3XS to XL. Whether you're looking for a lightweight in-flight layer or sweatshirt to travel with in case weather takes a turn for the worse, this full-zip hoodie is the way to go—and right now, it's almost $20 off. The generous, boxy fit is loose-fitting and easy to slip on and off in a hurry. Crafted with a subtle bubble hem, adding a playful touch to an otherwise simple piece of loungewear, the sweatshirt is made from Lululemon's classic softstreme fabric that's airy and gentle against the skin. Plus, it's quick-drying and stretchy, ensuring your unending comfort during your trip. Far more put-together than your favorite pair of sweatpants, these brushed joggers are guaranteed to become your new go-to travel pants all year-long—and you can snag them for under $100 right now. While they may feel like sweats, the tailored look allows them to be dressed up to look your most chic at the airport. Made with stretchy, quick-drying fabric that makes them uniquely functional and great for long days of traveling, they're available in sizes XS to 2XL with three inseam lengths to find your perfect fit, and the four neutral colorway options are versatile and flattering. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
