The Platja d'Espolla (also known as Clot d'Espolla or Estany d'Espolla) is not a coastal beach, but an intermittent pond of karst origin unique in Catalonia.
It is located in the Pla de l'Estany region, on the border of the municipalities of Fontcoberta and Porqueres, located about 50 meters above the level of the Banyoles Lake. It acts as a natural underground overflow of the Banyoles lake system itself.
Operation details:
It is dry most of the year. It is filled exclusively underground through karst springs (popularly called kettles) after episodes of heavy rain in autumn or spring.
It fills up in less than 12 hours with a maximum flow of 4 m³/s when the underground system is under high pressure.
Dimensions It is about 360-367 meters long, 145 meters wide and a maximum depth of about 5 meters.
Drainage When its capacity is exceeded, the water overflows into the Fluvià river through the Rec d'Espolla, creating the Salts de Martís waterfall.
Unique Fauna:
The permanent absence of fish (because it dries up) allows large populations of amphibians and a very unique prehistoric crustacean to live there: the Triops cancriformis, considered a living fossil.
