Showing posts with label Estartit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Estartit. Show all posts

Estartit Holidays | Apartment, Villa, Hotel, Or Paella

People come to this site looking for information on Estartit. Estartit Holidays was started to supply the answers to what its like to holiday in Estartit. When I check the stats for this site the biggest number of searches is for things like Apartments In Estartit, The Festamar, The Barracuda, Festa Sol, Villas To Rent In Estartit, and so on, but there are more obscure searches as well.

Over the last week several people gone to Google and typed in, 'What can I buy in Estartit?' I thought it was a strange thing to searching for, but hey different people need different things. What puzzled me more was why go to all the trouble of finding this site and then not ask the question you want the answer to? For those of you new to this site, there is a little comment link at the end of every post/article. If you want to know something about L'Estartit, just ask. I promise to answer as best as I can.

If you were one of the people looking for 'what can I buy in Estartit' I will try to answer you now, and if you are looking for something specific let me know.

Estartit relies on tourism for its living and 90% of everything it does or sells is geared towards the holidaymaker. So, as you can imagine, there is a lot of tat for sale, and usual souvenirs. There are however a couple of interesting shops in Santa Anna Street.

Firstly, to all you smokers out there, there is a traditional tobacconist that sells nothing but cigarettes and tobacco at very low prices.

Just a few shops further along there is a perfume outlet that sells a wide range of designer perfumes and aftershaves.

If you are a budding chef and fancy trying your hand at making paella, I have just the place for you. On the left as you come into the square from Santa Anna Street, is a shop that sells a wide range of paella pans.

Most people who holiday in Estartit go there for the sun and sea, there are though some among you that go for the activities. If this is you, and you have the money, there are a number of shops on the seafront that sell everything from scuba diving gear to wind surfers. If, you are really, really rich, why not head down to the harbour and pick yourself up a yacht?

There some of you lucky enough to have enough money to buy the ultimate holiday treat.

Buying a holiday home in Estartit? If you are thinking of buying a villa or apartment in Estartit, then you are going to be spoilt for choice. There are a number of estate agents in Estartit, the is even an English one at the north end of the sea front, all of them have a large number of apartments, houses, and villas to rent or buy. Even just walking around, you will see a number of apartments and villas for sale. So, whether you are looking for a second home, a holiday home, or just a property investment such as a holiday let, you might need more than two weeks to go around them all, so book into one of the many hotels in Estartit and enjoy your stay. Talking of walking I hope to get some feedbck from you all on Walking Holidays In Spain


Previous Post Estartit Holidays|Miami Apartments Estartit

Golfing Holiday | Estartit Golfing Holiday

Looking for a golfing holiday? Or are you just hoping to play a few rounds of golf, while the family is on the beach? L’ Estartit doesn’t have a golf course of its own, but there is one just up the road at Pals. As Pals Golf Course is only 15 minutes away, I guess, we could justifiably say this is the local course. However, what makes Estartit great for a golfing holiday is its location, right on the beach, and close to several golf courses. Most of L'Estartit Hotels will have details on the local courses.

Platja de Pals Golf Course is a 6222 meter par 73. It is an internationally renowned course, in fact it was voted in the top 100 courses in Europe. As for the setting it could not be more perfect.

Of all the courses on the Costa Brava, this has to be the prettiest. Hundreds of pine trees line the fairways, making for very scenic views.

The Pals golf course itself is fairly level and smooth. The greens are slightly raised and generally defended by bunkers. I think even the novice will find reading the greens quite easy. That’s not to say they are dead flat, they do have gentle slops and dips, the thing I found, was that the ball did tend to play true.

The one thing I would watch out for is the trees'. Although pretty to look at, they do present a natural hazard. The branches do tend to over hang some of the fairway, so watch your driving. The less I say about that the better.

All in all this is a great golf course. I would think no matter what your level of skill you will enjoy a round at Platja de Pals.

There are other Golf courses on the Costa Brava close to Estartit. I have listed a couple below, with travel times from Estartit
Estartit.

Serres de pals Golf Course = 12 Mins

Emporda Golf Course = 8 Mins

Costa Brava Golf Course = 35 Mins

Mas Nou Golf Course = 35 Mins

Girona Golf Course = 35 Mins

Peralada Golf Course = 45 Mins

Torremirona Golf Course = 50 Mins

PGA Catalunya Golf Course =50 Mins

As time goes by I will add details of all the courses listed above. I will also try and give more of an insight into the facilities of each venue, and also try and give a flavour of the surrounding area.

For now thank you for reading Golfing Holiday |Estartit Golfing Holiday on ‘Estartit Holidays’

Previous post Estartit Family Holiday Day 2

Estartit Family Holiday Day 2 - Activities

Hi. In the last post Estartit Family Holiday Day 1 we talked about a relaxed, sort of lazy day. In this post we will look at what there is to do in Estartit if you fancy something a bit more active. The thing to remember when reading this is that I am trying to give a flavour of the place, rather than specifics. That will come later with the review posts.

So, your up, fed, and ready to go, but where to. Well, as were on the coast it has to be a day with a nautical theme.

Lets face it the kids love the beach and splashing about in the sea. With that in mind why not stop off at one of the many swimwear shops and pick up some snorkel sets.

That’s one of the great things about the Mediterranean Sea, in this part of Spain, it’s crystal clear. Your children will have great fun trying to catch the little fish that swim feet from the shore.

If you would like to watch the fish, but would prefer to keep your feet dry, then why not head down to the harbour in Estartit and take trip on a glass-bottomed boat. These boats sail out regularly during the day. They sail around ‘Las Islas Medas’ (The Medas Islands) and along the coast. On the way back, you can go down stairs and look through the boats glass bottom.

This unique feature of the boat, allows unrestricted views, of the colourful coral and fish, which live in this protected archipelago. This is truly a worthwhile trip, and could be the unforgettable experience of the holiday. For other Costa Brava sites worth a visit read The Costa Brava


If you do think about taking this cruise, around the islands, there are a couple of things to bear in mind.

1 Pick a calm day. If the sea is a bit rough it tends to whip up the silt, on the seabed, spoiling the views from the bottom of the boat.

2 If, you wear shorts on the day, you may find it a bit chilly, as it can get a bit windy around the islands.

3 Don’t take the trip if you have a stinking hangover. This is one tip I will personally never, never, break again.

When you get off, everyone is normally hot and ready for some refreshment. There is a great ice cream parlour on the corner, between the marina and Santa Anna Street. They serve ever flavour of ice cream and sorbet you could possible imagine. My kids love that shop.

If letting someone else sail you around is not adventurous enough for you, why not consider going it alone.

(Depending on the age of your children) You could try hiring your own boat. For a bit more speed, it has to be a Jet Ski. On the other hand if wind power is your thing then why not try mastering a dingy or wind surfer. You could even go canoeing. All of these things are available for hire at the Estartit Marina. (Subject to training, age and experience) Please also check if you are covered under the terms and conditions of your Travel Insurance.

It is even possible to explore the coral of the ‘Las Islas Medas’ archipelago by scuba diving. However, that’s a whole subject on its own.

Any way that’s enough for now. In future posts each aspect of this article will be explained in more detail. If you have experienced any of this, or even just visited Estartit, please leave a comment, it would be great to hear from you.


Until then thank you for reading Estartit Family Holidays Day 2 - Activities


Previous Post Estartit My Arse

Related Post Estartit Holidays 2008

Estartit Holidays | Estartit My Arse

A site about Holidays In Estartit Spain. Why a post called Estartit My Arse? Well, for those of you outside the UK it’s not easy to explain. However if you read on it will become clear.

On the second day of my last holiday in Estartit Spain, I was sitting in the bar at the Festamar, drinking a cold San Miguel, when a man tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and was confronted by a Jim Royal look-alike (For those of you outside the UK, Jim Royal is character from a comedy show). I knew he wasn't on a walking holiday in Spain, that was for sure.

This bearded, pot bellied, man that I had never met before, started to moan. Watching him standing there in his skin tight Speedos and grey vest (which was originally white, complete with tomato and barbeque sauce stains) complain to anyone who would listen, gave me a great insight into why the English abroad have such a bad reputation.

The poor barman, seeing possible trouble, came over and tried to plicate him. He had no chance. Jim was having none of it. He wanted the manager. Curiosity got the better of me, so when the bar man left to get his boss, I had to ask.

“What’s the problem?” (Oh God, Why did I ask).

“I’ll tell you what the problem is pal. This place doesn’t sell English beer. I haven’t had a decent cup of tea since I arrived, and don’t even get me started on their so called English breakfast”

I thought about nodding in agreement so he would just go away, but his whole attitude annoyed me. “But this is Spain” I said. Somehow thinking that my statement would make him realise where he was. No such luck!

He prepared for the next part of his speech by putting his hand down his Speedos and re-arranging his bits.

“Well, I’m English. My family is English. Everyone here is English. They should realise that, and make sure they have English beer and food, not all that Spanish rubbish. As for the staff, they’re all Spanish. Spanish! How are you meant to understand them?"

I was about to tell him Spain was the ideal place for Spanish people to work, when the manager appeared. Now, when I tell you Jim did not pause for breath for the next ten minutes, its no exaggeration. He complained about Spain. He complained about Estartit. He complained about the Festamar Apartments. He even complained about chips! I’m not joking. The lack of chips (Fries) had apparently ruined his holiday.

The manager just stood there smiling, waiting for him to finish. Was Mr Royal about to finish? No way. He was just building up to his climax. Once again he returned his hand to his Speedos, this time (luckily) he pulled out a ticket to the weekly barbecue.

“See this”. He said, thrusting the ticket under the retreating managers nose. “This cost me fifteen euros. Fifteen euros, and no chips? Rice and Salad, who wants that with a barbecue? I’m not happy, so what are you going to do about it?”

I think the manager was going to stand his corner until Jim tried to shove the ticket into his hand. The manager recoiled in horror, remembering where the ticket had been retrieved from. Taking his wallet out, he refunded the fifteen euros.

Jim turned to me, and with air of triumph and said. “That’s how you treat these people….Estartit My Arse!”

Looking at the manager I just shook my head and went back to my beer, feeling like I should apologise on behalf of the whole English nation.

Thank you for reading Estartit My Arse on Estartit Holidays

Previous Post Estartit Family Holiday Day 1

Estartit Family Holiday Day 1

If you are looking for the ideal family holiday then Estartit Spain has it all. From one of the longest golden beaches you will ever see, to the wooded hillside, to the quaint cafes and bars, Estartit has charm by the bucket load.

You can lie on the uncongested beach soaking up the rays, while watching your children paddle in the crystal clear sea. Then, why not take a stroll along the promenade to the marina. Here, you will find a large number of restaurants, where you can eat great food, while watching the yachts go by.

After lunch why not do a spot of shopping. Santa Anna Street leads from the marina to Estartit’s town square and is lined with small gift shops. You can buy the usual L’Estartit beach towels, L’Estartit hats and L’Estartit plates. However, you can also purchase a large range of traditional Catalonian crafts. If when you have finished buying souvenirs for everyone at home, you feel tired from all the walking, shopping, and the heat, take a rest in the town square.

Tapas bars ring Estartit Town Square. You can sit down at one of the tree-shaded tables and enjoy a cold glass of sangria and watch the children playing on the church steps. After a couple of glasses, you might decided, to take the children back to your accommodation for a nap and maybe a well-deserved siesta for yourself. After all the night is still to come!

After the sun goes down you will probably start to think about dinner. No matter what your taste, Estartit has something for everyone. If you want to try the local cuisine, there are waterside
restaurants serving paella and a vast array of excellent seafood dishes. Because Estartit Costa Brava is in Catalonia, you can also experience Catalonian delicacies in the many tapas bars. If this type of food is not to your taste don’t worry. Estartit also has a large variety of restaurants serving chicken and steak. There are pizzerias, Chinese, and fast food outlets, there is even an Indian restaurant.

Maybe, if this was your first day in Estartit Spain, you might want to go back to your villa, apartment, or hotel and get the children to bed. Then, pour yourself a tall cold drink, pull up a chair on your balcony or patio, and watch the sun set over the sea.

Don’t worry if the sort of day I have described seems to quiet for you. In my next post Estartit Holidays Day 2 I will talk about the many activities that Estartit and the surrounding area has to offer. Walking Holidays, Sailing, Diving, and much more. Until then, happy holidays.


Thank you for reading Estartit Family Holiday Day 1 On My-Estartit.

Previou Post Travel Insurance A Holiday Must

Estartit Holidays 2008

Are you thinking of going on Holiday to Estartit this year (2008)? Well, if you are this is the site for you. Over the coming weeks and months I intend to put as much information about Estartit Spain on this site as humanly possible. I want to help you and your family (if you're going with one) to have a great time. However, before we get started I want to be honest and say that I like Estartit. I have been going there for a number of years. When I started going to Spain my children were young, now unfortunately my eldest is old enough to vote. So, as you can imagine, my wife and I know the hassle involved in the whole holiday process. We know nearly all Estartit Hotels We have also seen the good and sometimes bad side of Estartit as a holiday resort.

So, with that in mind where do I start? Well I suppose I had better start with the kind of holiday you are looking for. Generally I would have to say that L'Estartit is a quiet place, having originally been a fishing port.

In the 1960's and 70's it grew as the British discovered the package holiday. The whole of the Costa Brava hospitality trade exploded, as this part of Spain became the main destination English tourists. However, things change in the 80's with the rise in popularity of the Costa del Sol, the whole of the North East of Spain saw a drop in visitor numbers.

Today, this difference in visitor numbers is vast. To prove a point, try getting on a beach in the Costa del Sol or Benidorm in August! Then, if you could, go down to the beach in Estartit.....wow room for everyone.

Sorry I have rambled on a bit. The point is this is a quiet place, no skyscrapers, only a couple of night clubs in the whole resort and generally not much yobbish behaviour. So who does come here? Well, in the package holiday market it is mainly families,(Read) Estartit Family Holiday Day 1 However, Estartit also attracts people looking for:

Camping Holidays
Diving Holidays
Sailing Holidays
Fishing Holidays
Golfing Holidays
Walking Holidays

Walking Holidays In Spain is a subject I will cover later in the year, the rest I will try to write about in the near future.

This brings me to my next point. If your ideal holiday in Spain consists of, going to nightclubs, getting smashed on cheap larger, and then sleeping all day, then this is not the place for you. The nightlife in L'Estartit is mainly centred on couples and families. Good food and then a drink in a bar over looking the marina, seems to be the popular choice for couples, while families tend to go to the apartment complexes with entertainment.

From experience I have to say that L’Estartit (as the Spanish would say) is a great place for a quiet family holiday. In future posts, I will try to give you all the information you might need before booking your holiday. As this was just meant to be an introduction to this site I will sign off for now. Check back soon.

Thanks for reading Estartit Holidays 2008 on My-Estartit…..Happy Holiday.

Related Post Estartit Family Holiday Day 2 - Activities
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