Montgrí, Medes Islands, and L'Estartit

L'Estartit is a quiet Costa Brava resort in the Baix Empordà comarca of Catalonia, approximately 140km northeast of Barcelona and 2 to 2.5 hours by car or bus via the AP-7 motorway and the C-31 coastal road. SARFA buses operate from Barcelona Nord bus station directly to L'Estartit during the summer season (return fares approximately €15 to €25). Outside July and August, the most practical transit route involves taking a train to Girona and arranging onward transport by local bus or taxi. The primary draw is the Parc Natural del Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter, a protected natural area encompassing the Montgrí limestone massif, the Medes Islands marine reserve, and the Lower Ter wetlands. The seven Medes Islands — rocky islets rising 30 to 50 metres above sea level and lying 1km offshore from L'Estartit — form one of the Mediterranean's most ecologically rich marine reserves, protected since 1983. The underwater terrain of caves, tunnels, and drop-offs supports an exceptional density of grouper, moray eels, octopus, and large sea fans, making this the premier snorkelling and scuba diving site in Catalonia. Boat excursions to the Medes Islands depart from L'Estartit harbour throughout the day from June to September (approximately €10 to €15 return, 10-minute crossing). Glass-bottomed boat tours allow non-swimmers to observe the reef from above the surface. Snorkelling equipment is available to rent on the promenade for approximately €10 per day; several dive centres based in L'Estartit offer introduction dives for beginners (approximately €60) and guided dives for certified divers across the reserve's most striking sites. L'Estartit's main beach extends 3km between the harbour and the mouth of the River Ter, with calm, family-friendly conditions, flag monitoring, and lifeguard services during the main season. The seafront promenade connects the harbour to the beach along a flat stretch lined with restaurants, ice cream shops, and equipment rental outlets. The Montgrí Castle, a 13th-century fortress crowning the summit of the limestone massif above the town, is visible from the entire coastline. The ascent from the base near Torroella de Montgrí takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes each way on a well-marked trail, with panoramic views extending across the Costa Brava to the Pyrenees on clear days. Torroella de Montgrí itself, 5km inland, is a well-preserved medieval market town with a Monday morning market and the 14th-century church of Sant Genís. A full-day itinerary begins with the morning bus arrival, a boat excursion to the Medes Islands, a swim on the beach, and lunch at one of the harbour restaurants specialising in fresh seafood, with an optional late-afternoon hike toward the Montgrí Castle before the evening bus return to Barcelona.