Estartit:
Estartit is conveniently near some the most attractive and least crowded beaches of the Costa Brava. Just down the road, the vast stretch of beach at L´Estartit runs all the way to historic Sant Martí de Empuries, with its own charming beach . From here, a maritime walkway with views of the Roman ruins of Empúries runs as far as the fishing town of L’Escala with its own seafront promenade, beaches and tempting sea food restaurants. For sports people the activities are all listed e.g. water sports i.e. swimming, sub aqua, wind/kite surf, water-ski and sky diving. There are some of the best Karting tracks you'll find. For golfers there are some great and varied courses all within 20 to 30 minutes. For kids the pool, the beaches and one of the great water parks to spend the day Aqua Brava (25 mins.) for the timid to the wild at heart. For the little ones there is a great Family Fun Park just 25 minutes away. A guide to these activities is available in the house.
Shopping, Restaurants and Culture:
If the mood should strike you to sample the pleasures of town and city you can be in Figueres or Girona in 15 or 20 minutes, or take a train to Barcelona for the day. A must do is to visit the beautiful pottery and antique town of La Bisbal, (20 minutes away). Cap de Creus is another nearby area where the Pyrenees run down to the sea, accessible by way of the beautiful coastal artists village of Cadaqués made famous by Salvador Dalí and Picasso. The Dalí museum in Figueres is about 35 minutes from L´Estartit. El Bulli, currently the world’s most famous restaurant is nearby, but usually requires booking several months in advance. There are so many good restaurants within 10 to 25 minutes drive and a full guide is available in the house. Visitors find plenty to do in any season in this rural area dotted with medieval villages: there are weekly markets and local festivals to visit, Roman and prehistoric ruins, churches and monasteries to see, good country cooking, great walks.
Places worth visiting, wine & olive oil:
Near to Barcelona is the Penedes wine region and also famous for Cava which is actually the Spanish version of Champagne. The local area wine and olive oils are also a must to sample. The Roussillon region of Catalan France, some 35 minutes away is more than worth a visit by those with a bit time to spend especially to sample its wines (the sampling is usually free ) in the many villages and view the vineyards with the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees mountains. Lovers of nature should not fail to visit the nearby Aiguamolls nature preserve where migrant birds routinely stop on their way to and from Africa. There are guide books available in the house to many of the treasures of Catalonia on the Spanish and French sides of the Pyrenees.
Other Activities Water park: sky dive; quad tours; boat hire: karting.
Golf:
GOLF HEAVEN, a brief outline... The Costa Brava is one of the most beautiful areas of Catalonia and of Spain. Its coast of the Mediterranean and its interior overlooked by the spectacular Pyrenees. Golf in the Costa Brava is second to none and it has received the distinction of being the world's best emerging golf destination. The PGA de Catalunya was voted one of the ten best courses in Europe in 2001 by Golf World magazine. Empordà Golf course is actually made up of four, nine hole courses, each of which can be combined to form six different rounds of 18 holes. Pals Golf Club runs parallel with the beautiful white sands of Pals beach and is surrounded by dense green pine forests. Pals is used as one of the PGA European Tour Qualifying Schools. With its close proximity to Serres de Pals and Emporda Golf clubs, Pals is a must visit in any golf holiday. The Peralada course is a few kilometres from Figueres and is one of the most beautiful and complete golf courses in Catalonia, and the casino/castle of Peralada for a great night out. Torremirona Resort and Golf Club is tucked into a breathtaking natural setting with the Pyrenees as a backdrop. Girona Golf Club was founded in 1992 and designed by FG Hawtree, who described it as one of his finest creations. Immaculately maintained, it is the only course in Spain sown with 'Pencross Grass'. This is a brief guide to Costa Brava golf courses all within 15 to 30 minutes drive. Brocures are available in the house.
