L'ampolla / Tarragona / Spain

L'ampolla is situated in the province of Tarragona, around 50 kms south west of Barcelona. This is a great ocean spot that is popular with surfers, wind surfers and kite surfers of all levels and abilities. It does get pretty busy with tourists and beach goers in the summer so there may well be time restrictions or restricted zones during the height of the season. Therefore it may be worthwhile checking before you set off.

L'ampolla has a large soft white sandy beach with acres of space. Having said all this it still gets pretty rammed with people during the summer months, so it might be advisable to go out of season. If you can also go during the week, then you are more than likely guaranteed to be able to pick your spot. To get here you head out of Barcelona on the motorway towards Tortosa, 20 kms prior to reaching Tortosa, take the turning for Ampolla. When in Ampolla, follow the signs for the Ebro Delta, here you will see the beach.

The wind here is generally frontal but due to the curvature of the bay, it makes several directions side shore. The main direction is Northwest although this can change to south east depending upon the time of year. The wind speed is somewhere between 5-6 knots and is consistent for most of the year however it can get gusty during the winter. The water quality is crystal clear and is generally flat to choppy, however when the wind is strong enough and blows in the right direction you can catch some nice waves of up to 3 meters in height. The water temperature is around 16 degrees in the winter and 26 degrees in the summer so you might want to suit up or suit down accordingly.

There is an excellent campsite located very close by with everything that you need. If you want to party the night away, then you might want to consider taking the drive to Benidorm.

There isn't too much to worry about here, except to keep an eye out for swimmers and bathers in the water during the summer months.