The route of the 3 Kingdoms runs along thousand-year-old paths that unite people, cultures, traditions and languages and that our ancestors travelled on foot, by bicycle or by carriage.
Asphalted and dirt roads, mountain paths and tracks, small local roads and an old railway line converted into a greenway are the kind of terrain we will find.
The stages are designed to allow time to enjoy and discover the territory. In general, they are stages with gentle kilometres and gradients, although there are some steep but short climbs and some stages that are longer in terms of gradient and/or difficulty.
ACROSS LANDS WITH THOUSAND YEAR OLD OLIVE TREES
An awesome start to the 3 Kingdoms Route leaving from the Castle of Tortosa, which has impressive views of the Ports Mountain range. After crossing the Ebro River on the old railway bridge the route gradually enters a sea of olive trees which will accompany you throughout the stage. The Romans walked the Via Augusta through these same olive groves. If it takes your fancy you can stop to inspect these thousand year old olive trees, but now some of them have such a great girth that you need a whole group of people to encircle them. You can also visit an oil mill and partake in a tasting.
THROUGH THE CÉRVOL RIVER VALLEY
After crossing the Sénia River, which marks the border between Catalonia and Valencia, and passing through the enchanting village of Rossell, the stage continues by following the amazing Cérvol River Valley before arriving in Vallibona, a village of just forty inhabitants situated in a marvellously remote spot. Having a drink while sitting outside on the guesthouse terrace with only the sounds of the birds and the impressive views of the mountain facing you is a priceless experience. Vallibona’s is famous as ‘the land of the dinosaurs’.
THE LEGEND OF “EL TIGRE DEL MAESTRAT”
This is the shortest stage, but it starts with a 4km hard ascent which passes through lands that were once dominated by “El Tigre del Maestrat”, a general in the Carlist Wars and the liberator of Morella. The picturesque town of Morella will appear in front of you as you ride, rising up into an imposing shape on the skyline, which we are sure will not leave you unmoved.
VILLAGES THAT YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Herbesset, Castell de Cabres, Coratxer and El Boixar are the names of charming villages that you will discover on this stage. Villages in which it seems that time has stopped still. The reward: The experience of spending a night in a rural village with less than thirty inhabitants. A unique experience to enjoy the peace and a silence broken only by nature itself.
WILD AND INTRIGUING NATURE
The great day has arrived when we will step on the legendary Tossal del Rei, the route’s highest point and the central axis of the 3 Kingdoms Route. A stage with wild nature and captivating mountain landscapes that will lead us to the lovely village of Beseit. In this village you will find one of the unmissable adventures: “Les Gúbies del Parrissal”, an easy / moderate hiking route along the Matarranya River along footpaths and wooden footbridges and walkways.
THE MATARRANYA, THE SPANISH TUSCANY
A stage that enters the region known as the Spanish Tuscany with its beautiful medieval villages and landscapes of foothills with vineyards and almond trees. The rural life and lands of vineyards will remind you of the famous Italian region of Tuscany.
TRAVELLING THROUGH THE BAJO ARAGÓN HISTÓRICO
This is a straightforward stage which traverses an agricultural region where life is hard for its inhabitants. As you cycle you will get a good idea of what rural lives entails in the region of Bajo Aragón Histórico until you reach the capital, Alcañiz which awaits you with its outstanding castle.
THE VAL DE ZAFAN GREENWAY
Without doubt, the Val de Zafan Greenway is one of the most enticing tourist attractions in our region. It boasts so much contrasting scenery as the route stretches from the Aragon steppe to the Mediterranean Sea while travelling through two natural parks, namely the Ports and the Ebro Delta. Cycling the greenway, by following an old railway line and discovering its many hidden secrets is a truly unique experience, which is safe, easy and appropriate for all ages and abilities.
Should you be willing to pedal just a little further after finishing the stage you can arrive at the sanctuary of Mare de Déu. It will make a big impression on you for sure!
WHERE PICASSO DISCOVERED THE PORTS MOUNTAIN RANGE
“Tot el que se, ho he après a Horta” (Translation: All I know, I learned in Horta).
And with this assertion Picasso described the landscapes that inspired his magnificent work. This highlight stage stretches from the Matarranya to the Terra Alta and from Aragon to Catalonia. You will experience scenery that makes you feel as if you were in Tuscany, pedalling among the vineyards to discover the wonderful medieval town of Vallderoures or the Estrets d’Arnes, just two jewels of this special stage.
ALONG THE CANALETA AND THE EBRO RIVERS
The simplest and without doubt one of the most wonderful stages of the 3 Kingdoms Route. Innumerable tunnels, bridges and viaducts will transport you through dreaming landscapes alongside the Canaleta River, while you discover stories about long ago wars and old trains. Soothe your tired feet in the springs of Fontcalda, have a coffee in an old train carriage or just watch the waters rushing through the weir (Assut de Xerta). These are some of the enjoyable experiences that this stage will afford you. Finally, the Ebro River will gently accompany you until the last castle on the 3 Kingdoms Route, the one that stands in Tortosa.
Plaça Carles III, 24
43540 La Ràpita (Tarragona)
Phone:+34 977 745 541
e-Mail: info@els3regnes.com
We have been awarded the CARTANYA 2024 AWARD, granted by the Diputació de Tarragona.
