Free walking tours in L'Estartit and what to see

Must-sees

L'Estartit is a coastal village in the Baix Empordà, known above all for the Medes Islands, a small archipelago just off its beach. The islands and their seabed are protected and part of the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park. It is one of the best places on Spain's Mediterranean coast for diving, with abundant marine life in shallow water and posidonia meadows.

On land, L'Estartit beach is long and of fine sand, stretching south to the mouth of the Ter. The promenade and the harbour are the centre of village life. Above Torroella de Montgrí, a few kilometres away, you can see the Montgrí castle, reached on foot. To the north, the massif's cliffs hide coves reached by footpaths.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours are not common in L'Estartit. The typical format is sea outings and trips from the harbour. The most popular are glass-bottom boats around the Medes Islands, try-dives and guided snorkelling trips. There are also kayak routes along the Montgrí cliffs. On land you can join guided visits of Torroella de Montgrí or a trip to the Greco-Roman ruins of Empúries, in L'Escala.

How long to spend

Allow one to three days for L'Estartit, depending on your plans. In one day you can take a boat trip to the Medes Islands in the morning and spend the afternoon on the beach. With two days, add a kayak or snorkel route and a climb to Montgrí castle. If you are coming to dive, the norm is to stay three or more days to do several dives at a relaxed pace and rest in between.

Where to stay

The best area to stay is around the promenade and the harbour. The boats and dive centres leave from there, and you have the beach, restaurants and atmosphere a step away. If you prefer more peace, places a little further from the centre or towards the south beach are calmer. Torroella de Montgrí is another option for those who want village atmosphere and do not mind taking the car.