Discover Sobrestany: Nature, Trails and History

Nature and Landscape

The landscape around Sobrestany is shaped by the former lake of Bellcaire. Since 2010, its areas have been part of the protected area of the Parc Natural del Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter. A circular route runs around the former lake and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Rice is once again an important crop of excellent quality in the area of the former lake of Bellcaire. The winter waterbird count conducted by the Parc Natural del Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter also includes the Sobrestany area as one of three locations. For a section on foot or by bicycle, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions before setting out.

The combination of protected landscapes, agricultural use and winter birdwatching reveals several facets of the same former body of water. Rice cultivation is just as much a part of this landscape as the seasonal waterbird count. This gives nature enthusiasts a variety of specific points of interest, without the former lake losing its historical character.

Trails and Structures

The fourth stage of the Ruta del Montgrí y el Baix Ter passes through the Sobrestany district and by the Torre Ferrana. The tower has a square floor plan and machicolations on all four sides. This stage therefore combines a route through the district with a clearly recognizable historic structure. On a route involving sections on foot or by bicycle, the current trail conditions should be checked before setting out.

History and Culture

Halfway between Sobrestany and L'Escala lies the medieval hermitage of Santa Maria del Palau. It is a late Romanesque rural church with Cistercian influence; its construction is believed to date to the late 13th century. In the nearby historical context, the Torre Ferrana and Santa Maria del Palau bring together a fortified structure and sacred medieval architecture.

Several ancient destinations are also located around Sobrestany: the ancient site Greek necropole of El Portitxol, the Museum Ruïnes d'Empúries, the ancient site Ruïnes d'Empúries and Ullastret as an ancient site. The museum and the two explicitly ancient sites, Ruïnes d'Empúries, offer different ways of approaching history. For a museum visit, it is advisable to check the current opening hours before travelling.

Beaches in the Wider Area

Several beaches are also located around Sobrestany. These include Platja dels Riells, Cala Mongó, Platja del Rec del Molí and Platja del Portitxol. These coastal destinations complement the trails through the landscape, the historic structures and the ancient sites with another specific area of interest.

The same broader destination area also includes La Torre Vella, Els Griells, Estartit and El Mas Pinell.

For the broader travel overview: Torroella De Montgri.