The Frozen Lake

A refuge of water and life

At the mouth of the Estany Gelat ravine, there is a small natural paradise that captivates with its biodiversity and history. This unique space, part of the Natura 2000 Network, is one of the few wetlands on the Tarragona coast, a refuge of life where fresh water merges with the salinity of the sea, creating a unique and fragile ecosystem.

Estany Gelat is an essential meeting point for migratory birds, which stop there during their long journeys, and is also home to the fartet, a small endemic fish in danger of extinction. Sea rushes and salicornia paint the landscape with changing shades to the rhythm of the seasons, reminding us of the importance of preserving these spaces.

But beyond its ecological value, Estany Gelat is also a setting for history. In times of smuggling, this place was key for the carabineros who guarded the coast. It also witnessed a clash between British and Spanish troops during the Anglo-Spanish War (1804-1809), a skirmish that left its mark on the local memory.

Next to the lake, you can still see the remains of a construction linked to hunting, owned by the Marquis of Marianao, a key figure in the configuration of the territory. Later, these lands would be sold, giving way to a new episode: the foundation of Miami Platja by the businessman Marcel·lí Esquius i Garcia.

This privileged enclave is also a crossing point for emblematic routes such as the GR92, which winds along the coast, and the short-distance path that follows the ravine to the sea. A place to get lost and rediscover nature in its purest form.