L’Estartit is a coastal resort on the northern Costa Brava in Catalonia, located beside the Montgrí massif and facing the Medes Islands marine reserve. The town is best known for its long sandy beach, marina and watersports, particularly diving and snorkelling. Compared with some of the smaller Costa Brava villages, L’Estartit is more modern in appearance and developed primarily as a tourism destination during the twentieth century.
The main beach extends for several kilometres south of the town and is backed by dunes and shallow water, making it popular with families during summer. The waterfront contains hotels, apartments, restaurants and shops concentrated around the promenade and marina area. Although tourism dominates the local economy, the town still retains some fishing and boating activity around the harbour.
One of the main attractions of L’Estartit is access to the Medes Islands, a protected group of small islands located just offshore. The islands form one of the most important marine reserves in the western Mediterranean and are particularly well known for diving. Boat excursions operate regularly from the marina, while diving schools and snorkelling trips are a major part of the local tourist industry. The protected waters contain diverse marine life including fish, coral formations and underwater caves.
L’Estartit also provides direct access to the Montgrí Natural Park, an area of limestone hills, cliffs and coastal scenery. Walking routes lead towards viewpoints, rocky coves and the nearby Montgrí Castle overlooking the coastline. Sections of the Camí de Ronda coastal path also pass through the surrounding area.
Although less historic than destinations such as Cadaqués or Begur, L’Estartit offers a practical combination of beaches, outdoor activities and access to protected coastal landscapes on the northern Costa Brava.
Google map L’Estartit
Top 5 Things to Do in L’Estartit
1. Visit the Medes Islands
The Medes Islands are one of the western Mediterranean’s most important marine reserves. Boat trips, diving excursions and snorkelling tours operate regularly from the marina.
Google map Medes Islands 4.8/5
2. Relax on Platja de L’Estartit
The town’s long sandy beach stretches for several kilometres and is popular for swimming, walking and family visits. Shallow water and open views towards the Medes Islands are major features.
Google map Platja de L’Estartit 4.5/5
3. Explore Montgrí Natural Park
The surrounding natural park contains hiking trails, limestone cliffs, coastal scenery and viewpoints overlooking the Costa Brava coastline and the Bay of Roses.
Google map Montgrí Natural Park 4.6/5
4. Walk to Montgrí Castle
A hilltop medieval castle reached by walking routes from the surrounding countryside. The elevated position provides wide views across the coast, plains and nearby mountains.
Google map Montgrí Castle 4.7/5
5. Walk Sections of the Camí de Ronda
Coastal walking paths near L’Estartit connect beaches, coves and rocky headlands, providing access to quieter sections of coastline away from the main resort area.