Last updated: September 2026
Estartit is a small, relaxed resort on the northern Costa Brava, known primarily as the gateway to the Medes Islands marine reserve — one of the finest diving and snorkelling destinations in the western Mediterranean. The seven small limestone islands and their surrounding waters lie just 1 kilometre offshore and are home to an extraordinary variety of marine life, from vast schools of fish and playful groupers to nesting seabirds and underwater caves. For anyone who dives, the Medes Islands are reason enough to visit Estartit.
Beyond the islands, Estartit has a lot to recommend it: a broad, 6-kilometre sandy beach, a genuine working harbour with fresh-fish restaurants, and a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere than many of the larger Costa Brava resorts further south. The town sits at the mouth of the River Ter delta and is flanked by the Montgrí massif — a limestone plateau with an imposing 14th-century castle — creating a dramatic natural backdrop quite unlike anywhere else on the Spanish coast.
| Resort type | Beach and watersports resort |
|---|---|
| Beach type | Fine sand, 6km long |
| Nearest airport | Girona (GRO) — approx. 45 min |
| Best for | Diving, snorkelling, families |
| Diving | Medes Islands marine reserve |
| Nightlife | Low to moderate |
| Average July high | 28 °C |
| Season | April – October |
The Medes Islands (Illes Medes) are a protected marine reserve and one of the most biologically rich underwater habitats in the Mediterranean. The seven islands — all uninhabited, the largest just 210 metres high — have been a strict nature reserve since 1983, and the restrictions on fishing and anchoring have allowed fish populations to recover to densities rarely seen elsewhere in Spain. The islands are visible from the beach at Estartit and are a defining feature of the town’s identity.
Underwater, the Medes are extraordinary. Groupers of remarkable size and tameness are the islands’ most famous residents, gathering in large numbers around the dive boats and showing little fear of divers. Other common species include large sea bream, moray eels, octopus, spiny lobsters and vast schools of barracuda. The underwater caves and tunnels — particularly at the L’Infern and La Vaca sites — are exceptional dive experiences, accessible to intermediate divers and running through limestone passages lit by shafts of light from the surface.
For snorkellers, the shallow areas around the outer islands are accessible on half-day glass-bottomed boat trips that depart regularly from Estartit harbour throughout the summer. These trips allow non-divers to observe the marine life from above or, with basic snorkel equipment, to swim in the reserve’s clearest shallows. Several dive schools in Estartit offer complete beginner courses, open-water certification and guided dives specifically designed around the Medes — they are open from April to October, with July and August the busiest months.
Access to the marine reserve is strictly regulated: no anchoring, no fishing, no removal of any marine organisms. The regulations that visitors can take photographs is about the only thing they are permitted to do other than observe — but they are generously permitted to observe as often and for as long as they like. The reserve’s success story is a model for marine conservation across Europe.
Even for non-divers, Estartit’s beach is a major attraction. The Platja d’Estartit stretches for 6 kilometres from the harbour in the south to the mouth of the River Ter in the north — a long, uncrowded arc of fine grey-gold sand with calm, clear water. The beach is gently shelving and excellent for swimming, and the section closest to the harbour has the densest concentration of restaurants and beach bars. Sun lounger hire, showers and Blue Flag water quality make it one of the better-equipped beaches on the northern Costa Brava.
The Montgrí Castle, perched on the limestone massif rising steeply behind the town, offers a rewarding uphill walk of around 2 hours return from the edge of Estartit. The 14th-century castle was never completed — its four towers and outer walls stand largely intact but the interior was never built — and it was used as a prison in later centuries before being abandoned. The summit views over the Gulf of Roses, the Medes Islands and the surrounding wetlands of the Ter delta are outstanding.
The Illes Medes boat trips are the most popular excursion for non-diving visitors — glass-bottomed boats depart from the harbour several times a day and circuit the outer islands, allowing passengers to see the underwater life through the hull windows and to snorkel at designated stops. Combined with a picnic and a couple of hours on the water, this is one of the most enjoyable half-days anywhere on the Costa Brava.
The medieval town of Torroella de Montgrí, 5 kilometres inland from Estartit, is an exceptionally well-preserved Gothic market town with a 14th-century church, arcaded main square and intact medieval walls. The Thursday market is excellent and the town has a programme of summer concerts — including a well-regarded international music festival in July and August — that make it a worthwhile evening excursion.
The nearest airport to Estartit is Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), approximately 45 kilometres south and around 45 minutes by taxi or private transfer. Ryanair flies from multiple UK regional airports to Girona, making it a convenient gateway for Costa Brava holidays. Shared shuttle services to Estartit and surrounding resorts operate from the airport during the main summer season.
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is approximately 130 kilometres south and around 1 hour 45 minutes by car via the AP-7 motorway. Barcelona offers significantly more UK flight options, particularly from smaller regional airports not served by Girona, and is worth considering for visitors who plan a city break before or after their Costa Brava holiday.
Estartit itself has limited public transport connections — there is no direct rail service and the bus network is infrequent. A hire car is strongly recommended for getting around the area, reaching nearby towns and making the most of the wider Costa Brava. Parking in Estartit is available at the harbour and on the outskirts of the town, though it can be tight in peak season in July and August.
Estartit’s accommodation is a mix of modest three-star hotels, apartment complexes and campsites, reflecting the resort’s relatively unpretentious, family-oriented character. The main concentration of hotels is on or near the seafront promenade close to the harbour, where the beach and the boat departures for the Medes Islands are within easy walking distance. Most hotels in this area have sea-facing rooms or balconies with Medes Island views.
Apartment-style accommodation is abundant in Estartit and suits families who want the flexibility of self-catering. Many apartment complexes have communal swimming pools and are positioned a short walk back from the beach. Availability through UK tour operators (TUI, Olympic Holidays, Jet2holidays) is good throughout the May to September season, with early booking recommended for July and August when the diving community fills the resort.
For those who prefer camping, Estartit has several large campsites with excellent facilities including swimming pools, restaurants, and organised activities. The campsites are particularly well set up for families and for divers, with many offering storage and rinsing facilities for diving equipment, and direct relationships with local dive schools for booking tuition and guided dives.
Search4Sun compares Estartit holiday deals from the UK’s leading tour operators, with departures from regional airports across the UK. Whether you are looking for a diving holiday at the Medes Islands marine reserve, a relaxed family beach break on the northern Costa Brava, or a cultural base for exploring the medieval towns and wetlands of the Ter delta, we can help you compare packages and find the right option at the right price.
Always check your booking is protected by ABTA, holds ATOL certification or carries ABTOT cover — these schemes protect your money if an operator ceases trading before or during your holiday. For a plain-English guide to what each scheme covers, read our holiday protection guide.
For last-minute Estartit deals, check LastMinute.com for the latest availability and rates. See also our Empuriabrava holidays and Costa Brava holidays pages for more destinations nearby.
Estartit enjoys a moderate Mediterranean climate tempered by its position on the Gulf of Roses, where sea breezes help keep summer temperatures comfortable. July and August are the warmest months (average highs of 27–29 °C) and the Medes Islands marine reserve is at its busiest, with dive boats heading out from early morning and glass-bottomed boat trips running throughout the day. Sea temperatures peak at 24–26 °C in August and remain above 22 °C well into October.
For diving enthusiasts, May and June are excellent months to visit Estartit. Visibility underwater is often at its best in spring before the summer plankton bloom slightly reduces clarity. Dive schools are open from April and early-season bookings are easier to secure than in peak summer. The water is cooler (17–20 °C) and a 5mm wetsuit is recommended, but marine life activity is high and the Medes Islands are considerably less busy than in August.
September and October are arguably the best overall months for an Estartit holiday. The water is warm (22–24 °C), the beaches are quieter, accommodation is cheaper and the visibility for diving and snorkelling improves after the summer. The Montgrí massif walking trails are very pleasant in the mild autumn temperatures. The Torroella de Montgrí music festival runs through July and August, but the town is enjoyable to visit year-round for its markets and medieval architecture.
Yes — Estartit is an excellent place to learn to dive or try your first guided dive. Several established dive schools operate in the resort, offering PADI and SSI beginner courses, try-dives in the Medes Islands and guided dives tailored to all experience levels. The underwater visibility is excellent (often 20–30 metres) and the calm, warm summer waters (22–26 °C) make conditions very comfortable for beginners. Most schools have English-speaking instructors.
May, June and September are ideal months for Estartit holidays — the sea is warm enough for diving and swimming, the crowds are lighter than in July and August, and accommodation prices are noticeably lower. July and August are the busiest months, particularly for divers who book weeks or months in advance. The Medes Islands are accessible for boat trips and diving from April through October, with the marine reserve at its most biologically active in spring.
Yes — glass-bottomed boat trips depart from Estartit harbour several times a day throughout summer. These trips circuit the outer islands, viewing the marine life through the boat’s viewing panels and stopping at designated snorkelling zones where passengers can swim in the reserve. The trips last around 2–3 hours and are suitable for all ages. For a more immersive experience, many operators offer half-day snorkelling trips with guides and equipment hire included.
The medieval town of Torroella de Montgrí, 5 kilometres inland, is one of the best-preserved Gothic towns in Catalonia and worth a morning visit. The Greek and Roman ruins at Empúries (Empuries) are 25 kilometres south — a world-class archaeological site beside the sea. The Aiguamolls wetland nature park is just north, excellent for birdwatching. And the Montgrí Castle, rising dramatically behind Estartit, is a 2-hour return walk with panoramic views over the Gulf of Roses.
Absolutely. Estartit’s 6-kilometre beach is wide, sandy and uncrowded, with calm water suitable for swimming with children. Glass-bottomed boat trips to the Medes Islands are a big hit with older children. The harbour area has good restaurants and an easy-going atmosphere. Nearby Torroella has markets and cultural events in summer. The resort is notably quieter and more relaxed than Lloret de Mar or Platja d’Aro, making it a good choice for families who want a genuine holiday rather than a party destination.
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