Cala Estany Tort

As with Cala Xelin, Cala de l’Estany Tort has hard-to-reach corners that were once used by pirates and smugglers to hide or shelter during easterly storms. In the north of L’Ametlla de Mar, very close to the Cala Nova housing estate and Cala Xelin, Cala de l’Estany Tort is one of the sites of greatest ecological value in the area.

Modest in size, about 50 metres long by 60 wide, it opens to the visitor as a privileged, comforting refuge: fine golden sand mixed with small pebbles, shallow waters with little swell, and showers and picnic areas so that you can spend the whole day here, unhurried. The quality of this cove is certified by its Blue Flag.

One of the distinctive features of this little cove is that it is highly prized by lovers of scuba diving, snorkelling and underwater photography. Because it lies at the foot of the ravine and the paths around it, the lagoon’s waters are home to many endemic species, especially insects and snails. Together with Cap de Santes Creus, the natural harbour of l’Estany Tort is the largest stretch of unspoilt coastline in the south of Tarragona. In fact, this privileged spot was the usual mooring place of local fishermen who wanted to catch unique species, such as the Valencia toothcarp (samaruc), a fish native to the Iberian Levant.