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Ebro River: what cities does it pass through and what are its tributaries?

The Ebro is the largest river in Spain, crossing several regions, although it always stands out that it is the river that can be admired from the Puente de Piedra de Zaragoza . However, let us know everything about this river : what cities does it pass through and what are its tributaries?

Ebro River: what cities does it pass through?

The Ebro is the most important river in Spain and the largest in terms of the amount of water it moves each year. The name of this river comes from the Roman word “Iber” , which possibly gave rise to the name of the entire Iberian Peninsula. The wetlands of the Ebro River Delta are an important stop for migratory birds and a vital source for many river animals , as well as for different types of surrounding plants and fauna. Additionally, fishing on this river is a popular sport that attracts both tourists and fishermen trying to catch giant carp, walleye and catfish.

The Ebro river has an extension of approximately 928 km with a drainage basin of 85,550 km ² . It is born in Fontibre (Cantabria) and makes its way through the rocky gorges of Burgos before flowing east. With the help of several tributaries from different mountains and the Iberian System, when the Ebro river reaches Navarra and La Rioja it becomes a wider and more voluminous river . The river has a significant size as it passes through Zaragoza, Aragon , where the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar stands next to the emblematic river.

Upon reaching the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, the river narrows as it passes through mountain ranges. Finally, after passing through the gorges, the river curves to the east again and in the province of Tarragona, the Ebro river delta empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

Tributaries of the Ebro River

Due to its extension and all the territories it runs through, this river has many tributaries that cross Spain. The main ones are:

  • Izarilla River
  • Najerilla River
  • Galician River
  • Nela River
  • Bayas River
  • Zadorra River
  • Aragon River
  • Jalón River

Ebro Delta

The Ebro delta in Tarragona, Catalonia, forms a very important 320 km² area of Mediterranean wetlands that has grown rapidly over time. Today, the Ebro river delta area is used for a variety of agricultural purposes, including the cultivation of rice, citrus, and vegetables.

The river delta wetlands are also home to more than 300 different species of birds. Due to the importance of the Ebro river delta for the river’s flora, fauna and animals, in 1986 Spain protected a large area as the Ebro Delta Natural Park. The park is internationally recognized for its conservation efforts, particularly in with regard to 8 species of plant flora, 69 vertebrate fauna and 95 different species of breeding birds, including the largest colony of gulls in Aundouin. This Natural Park is also a very important stopping point for migratory birds. To maintain the ecological and economic importance of the area, a system of canals and irrigation systems has been built along the Ebro Delta.

The Ebro river area has been gaining popularity among tourists for the rich fauna and fishing it offers. Bird watchers can see seagulls, terns, warblers, flamingos, and more. Fishing in this river is known as one of the best in all of Europe.

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