At the foot of the Serra de l’Argentera mountain range, embraced by a serene landscape, Riudecanyes emerges as an enchanting refuge where time seems to stand still. At every turn, Riudecanyes captivates with its discreet yet deeply evocative heritage, dominated by the imposing silhouette of the Castle-Monastery of Sant Miquel d’Escornalbou.
This picturesque municipality in Baix Camp, just a few kilometres from the sea, preserves the soul of the old Catalan rural villages, enveloped in a privileged natural environment. Less than 30 minutes from tourist destinations such as Salou, Cambrils, La Pineda, Tarragona and Reus, it is the perfect place to visit during your stay on Costa Dorada.
Surrounded by hills, centuries-old olive groves and the reservoir that bears its name, Riudecanyes is ideal for both nature lovers and those looking for a getaway with a local essence. Shuttle2Sun offers you its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Riudecanyes Reservoir
The Riudecanyes Reservoir is one of the great civil engineering works of the Camp de Tarragona, conceived with the purpose of guaranteeing the water supply to Reus and its agricultural environment. In 1897, Reus Town Council commissioned a preliminary study by the engineers Josep Móra, Alfons Benavente and the then young military man Francesc Macià, who would later become president of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The definitive project did not take shape until 1903, when the engineer Gaietà Úbeda i Sarachaga presented a viable plan that led to the start of construction work that same year.
The initial construction was completed in 1907, but the need to expand its capacity soon arose. This new phase was directed by José Pérez de Petinto i Losada, who completed the extension work in 1919. In the 1930s, under the supervision of the engineer Joaquim Blasco, a new phase of construction was undertaken, completed in 1951, giving the reservoir its current appearance, with a capacity of five cubic hectometres and an extension of 40 hectares.
Today, the reservoir is an ideal place for strolling and contemplating the landscape. From the road that connects Riudecanyes with Duesaigües, one discovers a privileged spot where three shades of blue converge: that of the fresh water of the reservoir, the distant reflection of the Mediterranean Sea and the clear sky of Baix Camp. A natural setting that illustrates the balance between engineering, history and environment.
The Church of Sant Mateu in Riudecanyes
The parish church of Sant Mateu, located in the centre of Riudecanyes, is one of the most outstanding examples of the religious heritage of the Baix Camp region. Its current structure, which preserves elements of late Gothic, was mainly consolidated during the Renaissance period, giving rise to a sober but elegant building, harmoniously integrated into the urban environment of the municipality.
One of the most characteristic elements of the church is its imposing bell tower, which is about 20 metres high and has a square floor plan. Visible from different points in the municipality, this bell tower acts as a spiritual and architectural beacon for the town. Inside, the church has a single nave with side chapels, decorated with altarpieces and ornamental features. The ribbed vaulted ceiling and semicircular arches bear witness to the stylistic transition between Gothic and Renaissance styles. The main altar, dedicated to Saint Matthew, stands out for its Renaissance sobriety, featuring clean lines that draw attention to the figure of the Evangelist.
Get to your favourite Costa Dorada destination, such as Salou, Cambrils, La Pineda, Tarragona or Reus, with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Escornalbou Castle-Monastery
Escornalbou Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, has evolved from a medieval fortress into a castle-monastery. Of great historical value, it has had multiple uses over the centuries, from the monks’ residence to a defence centre.
Its architecture reflects the transformations it has undergone over time, with elements that combine the medieval style with later modernist touches.
Among its most notable elements, the castle has an annexed Romanesque-style church, which was built in the 16th century, and which currently houses the tomb of the founder of the monastic order that inhabited the site.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Eduard Toda i Güell, originally from Reus, bought the castle and converted it into a manor house.
Olive oil tourism in Riudecanyes
Riudecanyes is known not only for its impressive natural and historical heritage, but also for its rich olive-growing tradition.
Olive oil tourism in the region allows visitors to immerse themselves in a world of quality extra virgin olive oils, while enjoying landscapes filled with centuries-old olive trees.
Centenary olive trees
In the surroundings of Riudecanyes, you can find olive trees more than 1000 years old, some of them true living jewels that have witnessed the passing of time. These olive trees are not only at the heart of olive oil production but also represent a deep connection to the region’s history.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Museum
The Riudecanyes Extra Virgin Olive Oil Museum is a must for olive oil lovers. In this museum, visitors can learn all about the history and secrets of olive oil, from ancient times to the present day. There are also activities and tastings of local oils, allowing visitors a unique sensory experience.
To visit Riudecanyes is to enter a corner of Costa Dorada where history, nature and traditions coexist in perfect harmony. Reach destinations such as Salou, Cambrils, La Pineda, Tarragona or Reus, with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
