Ports de Tortosa-Beseit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ports de Tortosa-Beseit |
|
|---|---|
.JPG)
Rocky outcrops at els Ports
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mont Caro |
| Elevation | 1,441 m (4,728 ft) |
| Listing | List of mountains in Aragon |
| Geography | |
 Ports de Tortosa-Beseit
Location in Spain
|
|
| Country | Spain |
| Parent range | Iberian System, eastern zone |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Alpine orogeny |
| Age of rock | Cretaceous |
| Type of rock | Karstic |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Drive from Roquetes on the western side or from Beseit on the eastern |
The Ports de Tortosa-Beseit (say: PORTS deh toor-TOH-sah beh-SAYT) is a group of limestone mountains. People often call it Ports de Beseit or simply Els Ports. It is found at the northeastern end of the Sistema Ibérico. This is a large system of mountain ranges in central Spain. The highest point in the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit is Mont Caro, which stands 1,441 meters (about 4,728 feet) tall. Many rivers, like the Matarranya and the Cenia, start their journey in these mountains.
Contents
Exploring the Ports Mountains
The Ports de Tortosa-Beseit is mostly made of limestone. This means you'll find many steep cliffs, sharp peaks, and deep valleys. There are also lots of natural shafts and caves to explore.
One special place is the Tossal dels Tres Reis (Peak of the Three Kings). It's 1,350 meters (about 4,430 feet) high. Here, the borders of three old kingdoms used to meet: Valencia, Catalonia, and Aragon. You can find a cairn (a pile of stones) marking this historic spot.
Most of these mountains are quiet and empty, with only a few small villages. Long ago, in the 1940s and 1950s, these mountains were a hiding place for people during difficult times.
Amazing Animals and Plants
The Ports mountains are home to many different animals. It has one of the biggest groups of griffon vultures in Europe! You can also spot Spanish Ibex (a type of wild goat), Roe Deer, and Wild Boar. Smaller animals like European badgers and common genets also live here. If you look near the rivers, you might see grey wagtails.
In the rivers and ponds, there are trout and amphibians like the Marbled newt. These creatures thrive in the clean mountain waters.
The plants in the Ports are very diverse. You'll find plants that like the warm Mediterranean climate. But in higher, cooler areas and sheltered valleys, there are also plants usually found in Alpine regions or colder places.
Mountain Ranges and Peaks
The Ports Massif is made up of several smaller mountain ranges. Some of these include the Muntanyes de Benifassà, Serra de les Falconeres, and Serra de Caro. At its northern end, the Serra de l'Espina connects with the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range.
Many peaks rise within the Ports. The highest is Mont Caro, at 1,441 meters. Other important peaks include Castell de l'Airosa, Tossal dels Tres Reis, and Roques de Benet. Each peak offers unique views of the rugged landscape.
Protected Natural Areas
To protect the special environment of the Ports, two natural parks have been created:
- Parc Natural dels Ports is on the Catalan side of the mountains.
- Parc Natural de la Tinença de Benifassà is on the Valencian side.
These parks help keep the animals and plants safe and allow people to enjoy the natural beauty responsibly.
See also
- Beseit
- Matarraña/Matarranya
- Tinença de Benifassà
- List of mountains in Aragon
- List of mountains in the Valencian Community
- List of mountains in Catalonia
Images for kids
-
Mont Caro, the Ports' highest point
-
Beech forest in the National Park area
-
Mas de Barberans, a town located at the feet of the eastern edge of the Ports
-
A mountain river at La Vall in the Mas de Barberans administrative area
-
Ulldemó River close to Beseit on the western edge of the Ports
-
Spanish Ibex at Ports de Tortosa Beseit
-
Belemnites fossils from Les Foies, in the Serra de l'Espina close to Alfara de Carles
-
Ulldecona Reservoir in the Tinença de Benifassà
-
Roques de Benet near Arnes, Terra Alta
.jpg)
.JPG)
