L'Estartit -->

L’Estartit, although probably inhabited from earlier times, is first documented in the 18th century, by which time piracy on the Mediterranean Sea had abated. It was originally a small village of fisher folk who made their living from the exceptional local fishing grounds. Five families were recorded in 1716 and this number had risen to about twenty by the mid 18th century. L’Estartit developed from its maritime activity and until the mid 20th century the port shipped locally produced wheat, rice, wine and liquor out to larger markets such as Barcelona.

The oldest streets in L’Estartit are Carrer de Santa Anna and Carrer de les Illes, today the main thoroughfares of the town.

L'Estartit is today one of the Costa Brava's most prestigious tourist destinations, distinguished for its services, facilities and activates, but above all for its natural setting. The Medes Islands, one of the most important marine flora and fauna reserves in the Western Mediterranean, are located only a mile off the coast of l'Estartit. You can take a boat out to the islands or take scuba-diving lessons and see the fascinating underwater scenery that way.

The different landscapes that come together at l'Estartit make the town the ideal starting point for constant discoveries, either by means of guided tours or on one's own. You can find hundreds of species of birds, trees and plants, discovering new sounds and colors; protected areas like the Ter Vell lagoons with singular geological forms and rich natural heritage, the Castle of Montgrí, which reminds us of the areas historical importance, or the fortified farmsteads which remind us of a period when the people lived in fear of pirate attacks.

L'Estartit landscape is dominated by contrast. On the one hand, the impressive Mongrí massif, presided over by a 13th-century castle, runs right down to the sea, forming a coastline of cliffs, intents and coves which stretches all the way to l'Escala and which can be traversed by taking a pleasant stroll. On the other hand, the barks of the Ter river give onto numerous footpaths, marshes and a beach stretching five kilometers featuring fine sand and shallow waters, where an area of dunes under continuous transformation is still preserved.

The sea is one of l'Estarti's most important tourist assets. A large of the town's seacoast is protected and makes up the Medes islands Marine Park, formed by seven islands under which les an impressive array of fauna and flora that attracts droves of scuba divers every year. Visitors can also visit the island park in glass-bottomed boats or take scuba diving lessons. The coast at l'Estartit, with cliff faces rising over a hundred meters, presents one of the most craggy, pristine settings of the Costa Brava.

From the port of l'Estartit, you can discover the riches of the sea thanks to the numerous glass-bottomed boats which make the run to the Medes islands or follow the coastline. You can also enjoy water-skiing or sport fishing, go on a pleasant sailing cruise, or discover hidden coves by kayak. From the sea you can also observe the fauna of the Medes Islands, with over seven thousand pairs of gulls and other birds such as the cormorant.

Many people have already discovered the sensations of diving al l'Estartit thanks to a practice known as sea watching, consisting of a guided snorkeling tour where hundreds of species of fish, algae and invertebrates are revealed and identified thanks to submergible flash cards. The numerous diving centers provide a means to practice this sport and discover one of the richest sea beds in the Western Mediterranean.

The privileged geographic location of l'Estartit allows visitors to discover a significant historical heritage, including the historic and commercial center of Torroella de Montgrí, today also an important center of cultural activates, the Greco-Roman ruins of Empúries, the medieval towns of Pals and Peratallada, the Iberian settlement of Ullastret, the Dalí Museum or the monumental city of Girona.

As a tourist destination, l'Estartit offers visitors a complete, hospitable and modern range of accommodation, with hotels, apartments, campsites and rental homes in all categories. It also boasts a varied selection of sports facilities, as well as entertainment and shopping. The town has all the services and infrastructure needed to ensure a pleasant stay. Also, in keeping with its maritime tradition, it presents a broad range of culinary delights, with special prominence given to a combination of products from the sea and the mountains.

the rich natural and historic heritage of l'Estartit and of Torroella de Montgrí (the municipality which includes the village of l'Estartit), combined with its endless range of tourist resources, allow you, to enjoy all types of year-round activities, from excursions on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, engaging in adventure sports, making cultural visits, playing golf, going river fishing, playing tennis or taking in a concert, festival, play or movie..
 

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