Riudecanyes: Water, Heritage and Olive Culture
Accommodation in Riudecanyes
Riudecanyes lies inland from the Costa Daurada. When planning your stay, you can choose between different focuses: the landscape and water at the PantĂ de Riudecanyes, the heritage of Escornalbou and Sant Mateu, and olive culture. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you decide what to explore during your visit: water sports, architectural history and regional traditions each offer a different way to experience the area.
Landscape and water at the PantĂ
The municipality rises through the Serra de l’Argentera, forming a viewpoint over much of the Camp. The Pantà de Riudecanyes is a place for walks and enjoying the surrounding landscape. Swimming is permitted; you can also go paddleboarding, kayaking and pedal boating. This gives you a choice between walks through the landscape and various activities on the water.
The PantĂ is easy to access and has a car park; from the car park, it takes ten minutes to reach a picnic area. Before your visit, check local information about access and facilities, as well as the conditions for using the water.
The architectural history of Escornalbou and Sant Mateu
The Castell Monestir de Sant Miquel d’Escornalbou dates from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The complex includes a Romanesque church, the remains of the chapter house and a cloister. It also features the carefully reconstructed manor house of Sr. Toda, dating from the early 20th century. At the summit of the complex stands the Ermita de Santa Bà rbara, which offers views across the comarques of Tarragona.
The Església de Sant Mateu de Riudecanyes marks a different period: it was built in 1582 as a Renaissance church of stone and mortar. Its two-tier bell tower is 20 metres high, and its clock dates from 1845. The dates and architectural features give the two sites clearly distinct places in the history of the municipality.
Landscape, mills and olive culture
The Centre d’Interpretació dels Fruits del Paisatge is housed in the former building and mill of the Cooperativa de Riudecanyes. It presents the landscape, history and traditions of the inland Costa Daurada and Baix Camp. Audiovisual media, panels and interactive games also introduce the landscapes of the Muntanyes de la Costa Daurada and the quality products they yield.
In Riudecanyes, you can visit several centuries-old Arbequina olive trees. An olive-oil tourism experience includes a guided walk among centuries-old olive trees, a visit to the Centre d’Interpretació dels Fruits del Paisatge and a tasting of Escornalbou extra virgin olive oil. Check the current details of this experience before planning your visit. The bookable “Viure la Terra” route focuses on olive growing and the characteristics of olives and olive oil.
The Camà dels Molins leads back towards Riudecanyes. Its information panels point out the town’s flour, rice and sulphur mills. The panels may change or be renewed over time; check on site to see what information is available.
Guided tour and event
The Ruta per la Baronia d’Escornalbou is a bookable guided tour that begins at the Castell Monestir de Sant Miquel d’Escornalbou. The itinerary includes a stop at the Riudecanyes reservoir, followed by a visit to the town and its interpretation centre. This guided tour is a different option from exploring the Pantà or olive culture on their own.
On the Saturday before Holy Week, Riudecanyes hosts the Fira Tastaverd, also known as the Fira dels Sentits. It focuses on organic and natural products, crafts and traditional trades; folk music and Castells accompany the event. Check the current dates and programme details when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: La Secuita, La Selva Del Camp, RodonyĂ , AiguamĂşrcia, La Riviera, Mas de Barberans, Roquetes, Reus.
Back to the main travel overview: Tarragona.
