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Published: March 13th 2014
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About this time last year we went to a travel fair in Pamplona. That's when we first heard about the Ebro Delta. We've been eagerly anticipating this trip ever since so when the opportunity came to spend a night in the heart of the delta, we grabbed it with both hands.
We stayed at the
Masia Tinet which turned out to be a wonderful choice. The hotel is surrounded by paddy fields but as it's not rice growing season just yet, they were brown and barren instead of green and lush. We have been told to go back in June if we want to see the place at its best.
Before checking in we drove to the northern part of the delta hoping to be able to get to the lighthouse. It wasn't possible but we had quite a bird watching/photography experience. Along the way we spotted a field full of large black birds. Upon closer inspection they had a glossy sheen displaying the full spectrum of colours - the glossy ibis. It's a good job we stopped too as on our return journey they had all disappeared.
At the end of the track was a restaurant. Naturally it was
closed as it was out of season but it gave us a place to park with a view of the sea, beach and rocky bay. We walked along the sand and negotiated the dunes to get a fabulous view of flamingos feasting on the inlet. It proved impossible to get to the lighthouse though.
Before checking in we drove out to the Eastern extent of the delta. Riumar is mostly closed at this time of year and seems to be a bit of a tourist trap for the summer. We just parked up and walked out to the bird hides. The network of paths along the coast combined with the well located and informative hides made for an enjoyable couple of hours.
It was a quiet night in the hotel with only one other room occupied. Dinner wasn't served as we hadn't booked in the morning! Instead we walked out to a Spanish bar called "Bon Gusto" where we were served enormous plates of food. Perfect after a hard day walking and watching. In the morning breakfast was fantastic! The rustic bread with cheese and preserves was delicious.
Our morning started by having a look around Sant
Jaume, just over the river from Deltebre. You used to have to get a boat across the river but now there is a shiny new bridge. It's a shame as we were looking forward to the adventure of the boat! From there we drove out to the huge spit which juts out into the sea. We walked some way along but we needed to get away and vowed to return to see if we could get out to the huge piles of salt we could see in the distance. Oh well, another day!
So, a place which lived up to its billing. How very refreshing. And as the rice paddies are planted and get greener, it will only get more beautiful.
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Jackie
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Superb photos
i just love your photos, and the bird habitat reminds me of my childhood on West Mersea island near Colchester. Lucky you!