Baixada del Renaixement

Arriving in Xerta, the Ebro River immediately dominates the landscape, its broad, steady current cutting through the valley with a quiet power that hints at the day ahead. As you drive into town, the silhouette of the Ebro River curves against the horizon, framed by the stark limestone cliffs of the Cardó Massif, which reach toward the sky like jagged sentinels. This is a region defined by the river’s path, a waterway that has seen centuries of struggle, including the Battle of Xerta in 1837, where control of these very currents determined the outcome of a regional conflict.

## The river journey

The swim itself is a descent through history, tracing a course that flows past the remnants of the Val de Zafán railway line. From the water, you can spot the abandoned stone stations of Xerta, Aldover, and Benifallet—relics of a rail era that ended in 1973, now reclaimed as a greenway. As you push forward, the imposing structure of the Assut of Xerta hydraulic dam marks a pivotal point in the landscape, a 375-meter engineering feat that has diverted the river’s strength for generations. You will also pass the 'Torre del millonari', the eclectic Villa Retiro mansion, standing as a silent observer above the riverbanks. The event, organized by Club Natació Tortosa, offers distances of 6700m and 12000m, with a full course spanning 12522m. While the water remains inviting by mid-July, the race is a test of endurance against the steady flow of the Ebro. For those looking to challenge themselves further in these waters, the UltraEbre Swim Marathon provides a longer experience in July of 2027. The finish line in Tortosa concludes a journey that reflects the enduring spirit of the region, much like the local dedication to the Jota Xertolina dance, a tradition preserved by the townspeople during the annual festival of Saint Martin.