L'Ampolla, Baix Ebre

About the place:

What do you think of biking from lookout to lookout to spy the birds that nest at the lacune of les Olles in L’Ampolla? Following a track along the lake among rice fields depending on the time of year, you will be able to see flamingos, mallard, white herons, kingfishers or camallargues. The route ends at the arenal Beach, where you can have a nice swim.

Direction tips:

The route starts at the information point of the Bassa de les Olles, located at the Arenal Beach in l’Ampolla. You’ll arrive to the startpoint by taking the TV3401 between l’Ampolla and Deltebre. Take the detour to L’Ampolla and follow the indicators to the Arenal beach. The road remains closed to vehicles 200 meters from the lagoon. You’ll have to park the car here.

To the right you will find the picnic area of the Bassa de les olles with a playground, a bar, tables, a source and the information point. Right next to the information point you’ll find a track marked with wooden sticks painted with yellow marks. Follow the track until you reach a crossroads. Turn right following the yellow marks. In this part of the road you’ll find 2 lookouts to your right where you can get a good view over the Bassa de les Olles.

When you reach a crossroad, turn left. Continue straight ahead along the track until you reach a wooden bridge. You will have to get off the bike, because the bridge has some steps. After crossing the bridge, go left towards the station of Les Olles. Just opposite the station there is a path that leads to a third viewpoint. To continue, you need to follow the main track until the next crossroad. Here you turn left following the yellow wooden poles. After crossing an other bridge, the path becomes very sandy, because you are reaching the beach.  On reaching the next intersection, you turn left. Now you are at the beach. You have to follow the red poles until you arrive again at the information point of the Bassa de les Olles.

The best season:

winter, autumn, summer, spring

Lunch tips:

The picnic area of the Bassa de les Olles has tables, benches, drinking water, a playground and a bar. Just in front of the picnic area, you’ll find the restaurant Lo Golerò, where you can taste the local cuisine.

More info:

You can rent bikes for adults with or without a kids chair (max. 20 kg) or a tandem at the information point of the Bassa de les Olles.  Prices to rent the bikes: 1 hour:  4€, 1 / 2 day: 10 €, 1 day: 15 €. (Tel: 690 795 504)

Difficulty: Easy
Type: circular route

Duration: approx. 20 minutes by bike, 45 minute walking (no stops)
Distance: approx. 2,5 km
Accessibility: The track is unpaved but it is easy to bike.  Only the stretch along the beach is more difficult to move by bicycle, as there are lots of sand.
Recommendations: there is no shadow, so it is advisable to do the route during the hours of less sun. Use a hat, sunscreen and take water with you. If the weather is good you can swim at a beach, so take your bathing suit. Use binoculars to watch the birds.

Photo: © ExploraTgn.cat