La Ràpita | |
Settlement Type: | Municipality |
Pushpin Map: | Spain Province of Tarragona#Catalonia#Spain |
Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Catalonia |
Coordinates: | 40.6167°N 0.5917°W |
Subdivision Type: | Country |
Subdivision Name: | Spain |
Subdivision Type1: | Community |
Subdivision Type2: | Province |
Subdivision Name2: | Tarragona |
Subdivision Type3: | Comarca |
Subdivision Name3: | Montsià |
Leader Title: | Mayor |
Leader Name: | Josep Carles Caparrós García (2015)[1] |
Area Footnotes: | [2] |
Area Total Km2: | 53.7 |
Elevation M: | 11 |
Population Density Km2: | auto |
Population Demonym: | Rapitenc, rapitenca |
La Ràpita (pronounced as /ca/) is a town in the area of the Montsià in Catalonia, Spain. The town covers a portion of the south-west of the Ebro Delta, including el Trabucador isthmus and la Banya peninsula, which close off a salt water lagoon known as the Port dels Alfacs. The town of La Ràpita is situated on the coast near the mouth of the lagoon. It was founded by Charles III of Spain as a port to serve trade with the Spanish colonies, and constructed in the neoclassical style of the period. However, much of the town remained uncompleted after Charles' death.
La Ràpita is part of the Taula del Sénia free association of municipalities. It is known for the production of rice and salt, and is also an important fishing port, particularly for shellfish and prawns, and a tourist centre. In the early years of the present century, the town experienced a huge urban development due to the construction of many apartments and residential buildings.
Pop 1900: | 3901 |
Pop 1930: | 6039 |
Pop 1950: | 7960 |
Pop 1970: | 8964 |
Pop 1986: | 10,306 |
Pop 2007: | 14,262 |
Pop Latest: | 14,611 |
Latest Year: | 2018 |
The town now hosts two large marinas, a beach, a market and many shops and restaurants. It is attractive and draws an increasing number of tourists each summer.