L'Estartit Travel Guide

L’Estartit runs along a long beach and promenade with the marina and harbour at one end; holiday apartments, campsites and shops spread inland toward the foothills of the Montgrí Massif. The high street and seafront promenade concentrate most services, dive shops and restaurants, so visitors usually base themselves within easy walking distance of the beach or the marina.

Costs: $50-120 per day - Budget travellers can stay in campsites and self-catering apartments; restaurants and activities push daily costs up in high season.

Safety: Generally safe - Low violent crime; take usual precautions for belongings on busy beaches and at the marina.

Best Time: May-September - Warm, dry weather and calm seas suit diving, sailing and beach days; shoulder months are quieter.

L’Estartit sits between the foothills of the Montgrí Massif and the Mediterranean, strung out along a long sandy beach and the mouth of the Ter estuary. Originally a fishing village, it expanded rapidly from the 1960s when Costa Brava tourism brought hotels, apartment blocks and campsites; the permanent population is still small (around 1,400) but many visitors swell numbers in summer.

The town’s economy is now a mix of tourism, nautical services and seasonal businesses; its Club Nàutic marina serves hundreds of craft and a steady stream of dive boats that visit the nearby Illes Medes. The Montgrí Massif and nearby coves offer hiking and quieter beaches, while the estuary supports birdwatching and local agriculture.

Visitors come to L’Estartit for diving, sailing and beaches - the protected reefs and marine life around the Illes Medes are the main draw. The town also makes a convenient, low-key base for exploring the northern Costa Brava and nearby medieval towns. Camping, family-friendly resorts and a well-equipped marina mean the season is long and varied activities beyond sunbathing are easy to find.

The clearest, warmest weather runs late spring through early autumn and is best for diving, swimming and sailing. Shoulder seasons give milder temperatures and fewer crowds while winter is quiet and wetter.

L’Estartit is easiest reached by car or coach from Girona and Barcelona airports, with regional buses connecting from nearby towns. The town is on local roads and has a well-equipped marina for boats visiting the coast.

• By air: Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): Girona is the nearest airport and is roughly a 40- to 60-minute drive depending on traffic; taxis cost around €60-90 and regional buses plus a short local bus or taxi link can be cheaper.
• By air: Barcelona-El Prat (BCN): Barcelona is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car; trains or airport buses connect to regional bus services, with total public transport journey times typically 2-3 hours.
• By bus: from Girona and Figueres: Regional buses connect L’Estartit with Girona and Figueres; journey times are roughly 1-1.5 hours and fares are modest (single fares usually in the low euros).
• By car: Drive from the AP-7 motorway and coastal GI roads; parking is available but can be scarce in high season - expect tolls on some routes if approaching via the motorway.

L’Estartit is compact and easy to explore on foot, with most shops, dive centres and the beach within the central area. For reaching nearby coves, the estuary or regional sights, use local buses, taxis or hire a bike or car.

• Walking: The promenade and town centre are pedestrian-friendly and most visitors walk between beach, marina and shops.
• Taxis and local buses: Taxis are available but not numerous outside peak season; regional buses serve neighbouring towns and the estuary area.
• Bicycle or scooter rental: Popular for short local trips and exploring the coast; rent from several outlets in town during the tourist season.
• Boat and dive boats: Day boats and dive operators leave from the marina for the Illes Medes and nearby coves; bookings in high season are recommended.

Dining centers on seafood and Mediterranean cuisine with many beachfront restaurants and informal chiringuitos serving fresh fish, rice dishes and tapas. In summer you will also find international menus aimed at visitors and bakeries, small markets and grocery shops for self-catering; reservations are wise at busy times.

Nightlife is low-key: beachfront bars and terraces stay open late in summer and a few seasonal clubs host events, but evenings tend to be relaxed and family oriented. After-dark activity peaks in July and August.

Small shops and boutiques line the seafront and main street, selling swimwear, beach gear and souvenirs; specialist dive shops and nautical suppliers serve regular visitors. Larger supermarkets and services are available inland.