L Ampolla (Spanish La Ampolla, cat. L'ampolla) is an ancient port town in the province of Tarragona, located on the shores of the Balearic sea, in the Delta of the Ebro river, 160 km South from Barcelona. It is nestled in Tranquility Bay (la Bahia de la Calma), and due to the shape of the Gulf of St. George (El Golfo de Sant Jordi), which it is, got its name, translated from Catalan means "bottle". Since the city is next to a nature reserve Ebro Delta and many of the trails with a visit to a conservation Park start in L Ampolla, the city is often called the "Delta Gate" (Puerta del Delta).
The historical origins of the settlement date back to the times of Iberian tribes. The ancient origin of L Ampage confirmed found during excavations on its territory amphorae and coins of the Roman Empire. Ancient documents testify that in the XVI century the village was visited by Pope Adrian VI.
For a long time the village was in the sphere of influence of major cities in Catalunya and led a long fight for judicial independence. Right to self-government and the status of the municipality of L Ampolla received only in 1990.
Residents are engaged in fishing, agriculture, but in recent years more and more importance in the life of the city gets tourism. Guests are attracted not only a variety of beaches - sandy or rocky huge, stretching for several kilometers, or a tiny, hidden behind the fractures of the rocks - but the distinctive atmosphere of L Ampolla, certain traditions and rituals.
Maritime trade and fishing in all ages were determining factors of local life. These characteristic features inherent in the town today. L Ampolla is considered a Paradise for lovers of fish dishes, shrimp, mussels, crab. It has a range of famous all over Costa Blanca of restaurants where the menu is rife with culinary masterpieces of seafood, cooked according to special recipes.
The town attracts tourists not only by the kitchen. L Ampolla luck: all eight of its beaches are part of Costa Dorada, or Golden Coast, which throughout is characterized by pristine sand and gentle entrance into the water. The township is bordered by a mountain range, which contributes to the formation of the optimal for a beach holiday climate.
This city is for those who wants and knows how to enjoy life. Here You will find cozy restaurants with casual dining, bars and small parks where you can have a great placed to stay.
In L Ampolla only five hotels and three clubs but lots of bars of music, and in no other city of the coast is not such a number of musical festivals and celebrations.
You can coincide your visit to attend one of the festivals in the city:
The pride of the city - a picturesque daily market on the Wharf, which offers wonderful river and sea products. The restaurants specialize in cooking the typical dishes of the region, with a special place in the local gastronomy is "rice and vegetable imagination", made from products of Delta.
Near L Ampage of the natural Park of Delta del Ebro, where many species of animals and a huge number of birds, including pink flamingos. The reserve is a protected area of UNESCO and the pride of Spain.
The Ebro Delta has a truly unique flora and fauna that are fully adapted to life in sandy soils with high salinity in the coastal zone. In total, the region's flora comprises about 500 species of plants.
A great place for lovers of active recreation, here you will find a fascinating fishing on the river and the sea, underwater fishing, hunting.
To reach L Empoli by car in 1.5 hours from Barcelona, or 30 minutes by train from Tarragona.
