Ascó

For other uses, see Ascó Nuclear Power Plant.

Ascó
Municipality
Ascó
Coat of arms
Ascó Location in Catalonia
Coordinates:
Country	Spain
Community	Catalonia
Province	Tarragona
Comarca	Ribera d'Ebre
Government
• Mayor	Josep Ma. Buixeda Ruana (2015)
Area
• Total	73.6 km2 (28.4 sq mi)
Elevation	70 m (230 ft)
Population (2014)
• Total	1,654
• Density	22/km2 (58/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Asconenc, asconenca
Website	asco.cat

Ascó Nuclear Power Plant

Ascó (Catalan pronunciation: [əsˈko], locally: [asˈko]) is a large village in the comarca of Ribera d'Ebre, Catalonia, Spain, on the right bank of the Ebre river at the feet of the Serra de la Fatarella range. The village of Ascó is known for its nuclear power station, and for excellent fishing in the river.

The local economy is based upon agriculture and work at the power station. The local area is studded with groves full of almonds, olives, grapes, and occasionally citrus fruits. It is approximately 26 km (16 mi) from Mequinenza, 4.7 km (2.9 mi) from Flix, 8.6 km (5.3 mi) from Riba-roja d'Ebre and 16 km (9.9 mi) from Gandesa, in the area where the Battle of the Ebro was fought during the Spanish civil war. The terrain is a mixture of flatland, hills, mountains, forests and farmland.

Attractions and amenities

Ascó has shops, a bank, a post office, a restaurant, several tapas bars, an excellent baker, pharmacy, news stand, cafés, etc., all within a 3-minute walk from the river bank. There are also schools, a college, and a railway station on the main line to Valencia, Barcelona, and Zaragoza. It is less than an hour drive from Reus airport and Salou.

The village is built on the side of a hill overlooking the river and has the remains of a ruined castle on its summit. There are cycle paths and walking paths known as Vias Verdes (green ways) which follow the river and which offer spectacular views of the Ebro valley.

Fishing

Zander, carp, catfish, mullet, and bass fishing is excellent in the river which has good easy access and low banks. There are fishing guides who specialise in fishing this area. The area is little fished and catches can be excellent. Local fishermen may act as guides. The fishing is not free and night fishing is banned. A fishing licence for Catalonia is required. Carp fishing is best in winter when the carp form huge shoals. Catfishing is best in summer when the catfish go on huge feeding frenzies. Local catfishing guides at Ascó usually stock bait and tackle.

Demography

1900	1930	1950	1970	1986	2007
2499	2422	1885	1630	1847	1616

References

• Panareda Clopés, Josep Maria; Rios Calvet, Jaume; Rabella Vives, Josep Maria (1989). Guia de Catalunya, Barcelona:Caixa de Catalunya. ISBN 84-87135-01-3 (Spanish). ISBN 84-87135-02-1 (Catalan).

External links

• Official website (Catalan)
• Information - Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan)
• Statistical information - Institut d'Estadística de Catalunya (Catalan)