A cycling trip through Terres de Lleida and Terres de l’Ebre is synonymous with contrast. You can find everything from flat routes with stops to enjoy local heritage and walks among lagoons to observe flora and fauna, to greenways along former railway lines or demanding ascents to mountain massifs. As you move through the territory, the landscapes also change: from the open plains and olive groves of Lleida, to the rugged reliefs of the Els Ports Natural Park, and finally to the seaside among the rice fields of the Ebre Delta. Everywhere, the path is combined with culture and gastronomy, turning each cycling outing into a complete experience. Terres de Lleida: exploring the agricultural landscape on two wheels The Ponent counties are ideal for enjoying cycling thanks to their wide and sunny routes. Among the cereal fields and orchards of Segrià or Urgell, you can follow gentle itineraries that combine nature and culture. One of the most popular routes is the Canal d’Urgell route, with kilometers of paths that run parallel to the water, and several sections with almost no slope, perfect for families. The route passes through charming towns such as Agramunt, famous for its nougat and chocolate; passes near Balaguer, with the largest arcaded square in Catalonia and views over the Segre; and also enters les Borges Blanques, where you can visit the oil mills. This last town is located in les Garrigues, a county defined by olive trees, almond trees, and dry-stone constructions. If you ride along its paths and roads, stop to admire the centuries-old olive trees and discover the popular stone huts, once used by farmers to shelter from the weather and protect livestock. The more adventurous can connect with the Lakes Cycling Route, which follows the course of the Noguera Pallaresa River up to the Pre-Pyrenees. Or head to la Segarra and enjoy its medieval heritage with the Castles Route, which takes you through various historic fortresses preserved in towns such as Montcortès, Florejacs, Concabella, and Montfalcó Murallat. But first, it’s worth regaining strength and tasting typical dishes such as snails a la llauna and coca de recapte, paired with local products such as olive oil from les Garrigues and wines from the DO Costers del Segre. Terres de l’Ebre: cycling paradise between sea and mountains If you continue south, the landscape changes completely. In Terres de l’Ebre, the mountains of the Els Ports Natural Park blend with the Mediterranean Sea, where the Ebre River flows into the Ebre Delta. The latter is the largest aquatic habitat in Catalonia and is home to a rich and varied ecosystem. One of the most popular routes in Terres de l’Ebre is the Val de Zafán Greenway, which descends from Arnes to Tortosa and can be extended to the Delta. It is a safe route that goes through old railway tunnels, viaducts, and spectacular landscapes, perfect for families and amateur cyclists. Arriving at the Ebre Delta Natural Park places you in a unique setting, where you’ll find flat routes among rice fields, lagoons, and birdwatching points. Amateur cyclists can also choose routes around the Cardó mountains or paths between historic towns such as Miravet, with its Templar castle overlooking the river, and Benifallet, known for its caves and river gastronomy. For the more demanding, the climb to Mont Caro (1,441 m), the highest peak of the massif, is a true sporting challenge with steep ramps but spectacular views over the Delta. The roads crossing the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit are another good option if you are looking for difficulty, offering curves and gradients that rival the Pyrenean passes. Complete your trip with the gastronomy and heritage of the area. Delta rice, mussels and oysters from Fangar, fish stew, or Ebre eels are just some of the proposals of this cuisine with such a strong personality. After enjoying it, stop in Tortosa to admire its Gothic cathedral and the castle of La Suda, or head to coastal towns such as l’Ametlla de Mar or l’Ampolla, with the charm of seafaring life. A land of contrasts Cycling through Terres de Lleida and Terres de l’Ebre means discovering two complementary faces of Catalonia: the calm of the plains, the immensity of the rice fields, and the silence of the paths, alongside the energy of the rivers and wildlife, the toughness of the mountain passes, and the joy of local culture. Whatever your way of enjoying cycling, you will find a route made to measure here.