Where we ate: Lunch at mas De Curto,brilliant, a real find, all reviews proved accurate. L'Estany beach, near L'Ametllja, an excellent lunch at the xiringito (beach bar). El retiro, just outside Xerta, a Michelin star restaurant. Incredible food, surroundings and experience. Be very hungry when you go, especially with the tasting menu, and helpful with any dietary changes. L'Ampolla area beach, a light lunch at a taperia called Just Alex. Only been open over a month. But very tasty food. In the village: small bar Catreig, surprisingly very good. Rosa Maria restaurant, again very tasty, The Xiringito restaurant in the village, quality was super. Hotel Pepo, probably the most adventurous of all the village eateries. Again, go hungry for a great experience. Beaches: , L'Estany, near L'Ametllja, longish, clean. One of the many beaches at L'Ampolla, very pretty, blue flag, not too busy. What we did: Eloi got us on to a private tour of Benifallet, an eye-opener, the old church, the old honey mill, tales of Moors, civil wars and river floods. Las cuevas De Benifallet, wonderfully cool inside (18C), compared to 44C outside. The guide was good.
Excellent, worth a trip. Benifallet boat trip. It is very informative, the commentary is in Catalan, everything is, but some Spanish and English meant we could understand. Beware of resin leaking wooden seating, it ruins clothes. We spent a couple of hours in Tortosa, the biggest and busiest local town. Quite old, the cathedral is worth a visit. The green way bicycle excursion, electric bikes are on offer. You go past fab scenery and tunnels, thoroughly enjoyable. Kayaking, a great half day experience, breakfast, swim and guide provided. Well worth it. The fruit and honey seller will recommend buying the kayak and boat trip tour together, from the Tourist Office, saves some money. Arriving late Saturday, we had pre ordered some provisions, worth it, as san Juan festival meant no shops were open til Tuesday! The village shops are not numerous, but there’s a butcher, gift and a corner shop, Suma, an Aladdin's cave. Had it not been for the heatwave, we might have ventured more, but 46C was overwhelming, so stayed by the beautiful pool, the scenery and the air conditioning! Every other day we BBQ’d. All facilities, suited us very well.The property, and the surrounding land was maintained by Eloi, he volunteered taking us to and from restaurants, there are no taxis. We are v grateful! Thanks to David y Angeles
