Benifallet

The municipality of Benifallet, covering an area of 62.42 km², is located in the northernmost part of the Baix Ebre region, bordering the Terra Alta and Ribera d'Ebre regions. On the border with Miravet lies Roca Folletera, the historical boundary marker of the Tortosa municipality.

The term limits with Prat de Comte and Pinell de Brai, municipalities of Terra Alta; with Miravet and Rasquera, from the Ribera d'Ebre; and with Tivenys, Paüls and Xerta, from the same Baix Ebre region.

History

The name Benifallet first appears in documents from 1153. The place already existed before the conquest of Tortosa by Ramon Berenguer IV. In 1208, King Peter the Catholic gave the castle to William IV of Cervera, who, in 1215, gave it in turn to the knights of the Order of the Temple.

Later, Benifallet returned to royal jurisdiction through its connection with the city of Tortosa. In 1207, Ramon de Montcada granted these lands, along with their boundaries and appurtenances, to Bernat Oliver Fuster, so that he might own, cultivate, and settle farmers there.

Connections

The first road linking Benifallet to another town was built in 1917. Before that date, the town was connected to the outside world by means of llaguts (small boats). Llaguts were used to transport people, but also to trade goods and provide basic services to the town.

The Benifallet ferry was used for years to connect Benifallet with the towns on the other side of the river. The ferry stopped operating in 1991, the year the Pont del Llaguter bridge was inaugurated. This bridge, part of the C-12 or Ebro Axis, links the right bank of the Ebro River with Benifallet.

Agriculture, livestock and tourism

Over the last decade, Benifallet has experienced strong tourism growth thanks to the development of the Benifallet Caves and the navigability of the Ebro River. In terms of gastronomy, the Benifallet pastry stands out as a local product recognized throughout Catalonia.

Benifallet, with fewer than a thousand inhabitants, is an agricultural village that in recent years has focused on agribusiness and tourism. In addition to traditional Mediterranean crops such as almonds, olives, and carob, a large number of fruit trees are cultivated.

In irrigated areas, the main crops are peaches and citrus fruits, with a wide variety of both. Peaches are sold during May, June, and July. Late autumn and winter are the months when commercial activity focuses on oranges and mandarins, which are highly valued in Europe.

The fruit from Benifallet, thanks to its temperate climate and gentler terrain, ripens very early. The local food processing industry, bottled water, and pastry manufacturers are important sectors of the local economy.

The livestock sector includes poultry farms, rabbit farms, cattle farms, and pig farms. The vegetation consists of coastal scrubland with kermes oak and dwarf palm; Aleppo pine and coastal scrub—rosemary, thyme, white rosemary, heather, etc.—extend throughout the territory. Riparian vegetation includes poplars, elms, tamarinds, and reeds, among others.

Climate

The temperate climate, typical of Mediterranean lands, has mild and stable temperatures and low rainfall. It is significantly influenced by the topography, which makes it more benign.

The climate in irrigated areas has led to peaches and citrus fruits being the main crops, with a wide variety of both. Peaches are sold during May, June, and July. Late autumn and winter are the months when commercial activity focuses on oranges and mandarins, which are highly valued in Europe.

The fruits of Benifallet, with a temperate climate favored by a relief that makes it more benign, are very early.

Traditions

Benifallet has several festivals, but the Fiesta de los Quintos, celebrated in December, is particularly noteworthy. Traditionally, young men called up for military service would collect funds during this festival. The tradition continues today, even though military service is no longer mandatory.

Today, the town of Benifallet also celebrates with particular enthusiasm the Clotxa Festival in January; the Anniversary of the Cuevas Maravillas (Wonder Caves ) in March; and the Fiesta Mayor (main festival ) in September. Other events also take place throughout the year, but with less prominence.

Places of interest

The Caves of Wonders

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. It consists of a collection of spectacular formations with a wide variety of structures, such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstones, draperies, macaroni, and a large number of helictites that seem to defy the law of gravity.

Schedules by appointment only

• Mornings: 10:15, 11:15, 12:15 and 13:15
• Afternoons: 4:15 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:15 PM and 7:15 PM

Low season: January, February, March, November and December.

High season: April, May, June, July, August, September and October.

Days and times vary depending on the season. Please contact the Benifallet Tourist Information Office directly by emailing [email protected] or calling 977 46 23 34.

You can also call the Cuevas Maravillas phone number: 977 26 78 00.

More information.

Llagut “Benifallet”

Given the scenic and tourist richness of the Ebro River, we have the Llagut “Benifallet”, where you can enjoy a fascinating journey through the most spectacular places in this environment, with the flora and fauna that surrounds us.

Open from April to October

• Mornings: 11:00 and 12:30
• Afternoons: 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM

Days and times vary depending on the season. Please contact the Benifallet Tourist Information Office directly by emailing [email protected] or calling +34 977 46 23 34. You can also call the Cuevas Maravillas (Wonder Caves) at +34 977 26 78 00.

The Castellot de la Roca Roja

Castellot de la Roca Roja is one of the best-preserved Iberian settlements in Catalonia. The settlement is situated on a rocky hill on the left bank of the Ebro River, approximately 40 meters above the river level and about 50 meters above sea level.

Admission is free.

The Cardó mountain range: convent and spa

The Cardó Desert became a spa resort in the 19th century. It is located at the top of the Salt del Frare cliff.

Construction began in 1604 by three friars and a laborer. In 1606, the land was purchased and construction of the convent began, where the Discalced Carmelite community settled. Due to the Carlist War and, later, the Mendizábal confiscation of church property, the Carmelites had to leave Cardó.

In the 19th century, some businessmen from Tortosa decided to build a spa and restaurant in a group of buildings that had been abandoned for two centuries. During that century, the spa enjoyed great renown, until the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.

In 1974 it was purchased to start a bottling plant, which passed through different owners until activity finally ceased in 2007.

Admission is free.

The Green Way

The Vía Verde is a tourist route that follows the old railway line of the Val de Zafán, which once connected Aragon with Catalonia and has been converted into a cycling and hiking trail. The 22-km Baix Ebre section passes through Tortosa, Roquetes, Jesús, Aldover, Xerta, and Benifallet, where one of the most emblematic stations on the entire Vía Verde is located.

Admission is free.