L’Ametlla de Mar, Baix Ebre

About the place:

What about making a short walk to discover one of the strands where the Berber pirates tried to hide from the Christian Knights of the Order of St.. George of Alfama many years ago? Following a very short stretch of the coast at l’Ametlla de Mar you will enjoy of spectacular views over the Mediterranean to reach the Island rock. The rock which forms a sort of peninsula divides two small beaches full of secrets.

On your way you will be see the remains of an old coastal battery where machine guns where installed during the civil war.

An excursion to enjoy the landscape and imagine the adventures of pirates and soldiers!

Direction tips:

The route begins at the tip of the eagle at l'Ametlla de Mar. To reach the starting point of the route you will have to go to L’Ametlla de Mar taking the N-340 or AP7 (exit Ametlla de Mar). When going by the AP7, take the exit Ametlla de Mar and follow the indications to El Perelló. After the roundabout (with a gas station) you must take he first road to the left (Camí de l’àliga).

If you go to l’Ametlla de Mar via the N340, you must take TV3025. Just before you reach the roundabout (with the statue and a petrol station) you turn right taking the Camí de l’àliga.  This path continues parallel with the motorway for 4.2 km. At this point it forks. Take the left side (Camí del Lligallo de Manra). At 1,2 km you will reach a new fork. At this point continue to the left to cross the highway and the railway by a bridge. Continue straight on for about 500 meters until you arrive at the end point. You can park your car in front of the last house.

Walk towards the sea taking a narrow path between the bushes that will take you to the tip of the eagle. At this point you follow the coastal path that follows along the right edge. You’ll have to look for the path that is located about 1m under the eagle point. Immediately when you see the walkway, you will find on the right side the old defense quarter. From here you must be very attentive to the signals of GR (white and red marks) that take you up and down to the Island rock. To return, you have to undo the road.

The best season:

autumn, summer, spring

Lunch tips:

Although there is no picnic area, along the walkway just behind the Rock Island (taking the stairs to a chalet), you’ll find a stone bench where 4-5 persons can eat a sandwisch will you enjoy of some spectacular views. If you prefer to go to a restaurant, you can go to the Camping Ametlla or to Mas d’en Curto.

More info:

Difficulty: medium
Type: linear route
Distance: approx. 1.8 km (includes roundtrip)
Duration: 50 minutes (without stops, includes roundtrip)
Accessibility: a route with a lot of strong slopes. There are many stones on the road.
Recommendations: Even though you go to the beach, you have to use very good walking footwear. Watch the children at all times, since there is some stretch where the path is very narrow and the path passes beside a cliff.

Photo: © ExploraTgn.cat