Estartit holidays

Looking for something more active? Watersports are popular here. Glide along the sea on a stand-up paddleboard or get your adrenaline pumping on a jet ski or fly-board. If you prefer to be under the water instead of on it, Estartit is also one of Spain’s best scuba diving spots. Less than a mile off the coast, the Medes Islands (Illes Medes) are a diver’s dream. Considered one of the most important marine reserves in the western Mediterranean, with crystal-clear waters to boot, you’ll discover coral reefs, seagrass meadows and plenty of marine wildlife.

Mix up your beach days with one on the road; day trips are easy from Estartit. One for walkers is the hike up the Roca Maura Mountain, where you can put a sizable dent in your daily step count and enjoy views out to the town and harbour. Alternatively, hop in your hire car to visit the neighbouring village of Torroella de Montgrí and the remains of its towering castle.

Surrounding traditional Catalan villages, such as Pals, Palafrugell and Palamós, are all within 20 miles of Estartit and are definitely worth a visit for a deeper insight into the culture of the region.

You can still find temperatures in the early 20s as late as October but take note: you’ll also have more rainy days during the off-season. May, October and November are the rainiest months.

The upside of visiting outside of summer is fewer crowds and a better chance of grabbing a cheap holiday deal. This is especially true in winter, though you’ll have to put up with temperatures of around 8C.

Called ‘Illes Medes’ in Catalan, this archipelago includes seven islands and islets off the coast of Estartit. Spread across 23 acres, this aquatic hotspot abounds with marine life – we’re talking lobsters, scorpion fish, groupers and colourful corals.

See it all from a glass-bottom boat or dive beneath the surface to underwater caves and tunnels for a closer look at action. Back on the surface, keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins.

Beaches

Beach lovers are spoilt for choice in Estartit – the nine or so miles of coastline includes hidden coves and idyllic stretches of white sand. The town’s main beach, Platja Gran, has bars, sun loungers and the Mini Beach Club, which offers entertainment for kids during the summer.

La Pletera beach is the quieter option. Part of the Ter Vell Nature Reserve, this is a good choice if your dog is in tow – four-legged friends are allowed to roam freely here.

Torroella de Montgrí

Only about four miles inland from Estartit, the town of Torroella de Montgrí offers an insight into local life on the Costa Brava. Visit on a Monday morning to pick up local delicacies such as cured meats, cheeses and locally grown vegetables from the energetic market. Later, lose yourself in the town’s winding network of medieval streets.

A key cultural sight is the Palau Solterra Museum, a 15th-century palace housing around 200 contemporary photographs from artists across the globe.

Montgrí Castle

On a limestone hill 300 metres above Torroella de Montgrí, this unfinished castle was built between 1294 and 1302 by James II of Aragon. There is no road access, but hikers can take on the steep 45-minute climb from the town.

If you make the effort, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views across the ocean and surrounding countryside. For the best vistas, climb the recently built spiral staircase to the top of the 13-metre-high castle walls.

Watersports

The combination of an expansive coastline and a large marina offers ample opportunities for watersports. You’ll find stand-up paddle-boarding on the main beach and kite surfing at La Pletera.

From the marina, take off on a jet ski or sail on the tranquil bay waters. For something completely different, book a freediving course where you’ll learn breathing and relaxation techniques that help you dive deep into the ocean, without a tank.