The Deltas of the great Mediterranean rivers form a terrain of outstanding importance. Not only do they tend to be relatively unspoilt areas, contrasting with the heavily developed coastline, they are also home to a rich variety of plant life and fauna. They are also highly productive from an agricultural point of view. The 320 km2 of the Ebro Delta make up the largest wetland in Catalonia and the largest aquatic habitat in the Eastern Mediterranean after the Camargue, and second in Spain, after Doñana.
The inland Delta area is dominated by rice fields, which are the reason for the dramatic change in the landscape over the course of the year. The brown hues typical of the fertile winter ground slowly transform into liquid mirrors when the fields are flooded in Spring. At that time, the sky and the sea merge into one and the Delta becomes a real dream world. Later the rice plants break through the surface of the water and a huge emerald carpet spreads over the paths until at the end of summer the grains of rice take on a golden hue as they await the harvest.
The coastal area of the Delta has one of the most attractive aquatic sceneries in the Mediterranean, typified by lagoons surrounded by reed beds, and a large area of salty marsh containing halophiles, in other words, plant life that can survive in places with high salt levels. It also boasts long, sandy, deserted beaches with huge sand dunes, almost the last ones existing along the Catalan coast. These areas are the scenario for one of the most important aquatic bird reserves and sanctuaries in Europe, especially for the migratory birds that use the Delta as a 'stop over point' on their long and exhausting journey between Africa and Europe.
The Ebro is subdivided into nine zones of interest. (information obtained from 'The Coastal Guide')
1. Llacuna de les Olles: Smallest lagoon of the delta, interesting area between beach and lagoon.
2. La Punta del Fangar: This is an area with a sand surface of 410ha which can be visited by car, bike or by foot.
3. Llacuna del Canal Vell: With an extension of 235ha this is the greatest lagoon of the of the delta.
4. Desembocadura: The zone of the opening of the Ebro includes the protected natural areas of the Garxal (280 ha), illa of Sant Antoni (170 ha) and illa of Buddha .
5. Riu i Platja de Migjorn: The Migjorn river is an old opening of the Ebro that surrounds l'Illa by Buddha (the island of Buddha) during 3.5 km finishing to the beach. The area is an accessible zone by car from San Jauma (town nearby)
6. Llacuna de la Tancada: It has an extension of 312 ha, visiting this area by car or bicycle is recommendable. Flamingo’s and different species of ducks are frequently seen in the lagoon.
7. Punta de la Banya: The atmosphere in this area is very interesting. A great amount of birds stay here during the winter. The access is restricted with exception of the days between the 15 of July and the 15 of September, without leaving the beach the area can be entered by car.
8. Llacuna de l’Encanyissada: With an extension of 1192ha it is the greatest lagoon of the Delta. It is possible to make a tour of the whole lagoon. The route varies between 12 and 18 km .
9. Ullals de Baltasar: It is the only fresh water atmosphere of all the Delta. It is a little well-known zone which has much importance at botanical and maritime level.
One day you might enjoy a bike ride through undulating forestry, admiring the rich flora and fauna and watching the many species of bird flying overhead. The next day you might hire a boat and head out onto one of the lagoons for some fishing, hoping to reel in that piscine leviathan or maybe your just out to sit, relax and listen to the sounds of nature as the Spanish sun warms your skin.
Why not contact us with your preferred dates and we will help!
Choose Your Homepage
Follow Us on Facebook & Twitter
Bolero Holidays | Y2K House | Millennium Court | Ellerbeck Way | Stokesley | TS9 5JZ
Contact Us | Sitemap | Privacy Policy
