Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit was selected to both the 2020-2021 and 2023 Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories.
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit
A natural park with three types of landscapes
Why visit Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit
An area of great environmental interest marked by a wide variety of ecosystems and landscapes; ranging from the mountainous terrain of the Montgrí Massif to the Baix Ter Plain and the coastal strip, flanked by the Medes Islands as an outstanding feature.
Sustainable destination Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit is situated in Baix Empordà-Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain. The Costa Brava was one of the first mass tourism destinations in the Mediterranean but luckily, Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit successfully achieved to apply policies designed to combine responsible travel activities with the preservation of the environment, in perfect harmony with continuing economic development. Emphasis has been placed on its distinctiveness that comes from its magnificent landscape, from its heritage and from its arts and culture scene which has been active and lively for many years.
Read further to find out all about green holiday in Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit.
Destination’s sustainability performance
A day in Torroella de Montgrí
A day in l’Estartit
Culture & Local Life
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit features a cultural and historical heritage that shows the human and historical development of the area. The most outstanding monument is Montgrí Castle, built between 1294 and 1301 as a demonstration of the power of King James II of Aragon over the Counts of Empúries. The significant remains found here are currently exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia and the Museum of the Mediterranean. The Medes Islands were often taken over by pirates who attacked the coastal areas. The numerous fortified farmhouses in the area bear witness to their attacks.
Image © J. Renart
Sustainability
The municipality and its tourism department are firmly committed to sustainability in all its aspects: environmentally friendly development of tourism, land planning, mobility, energy saving, management of publicly owned woodlands, recovery of existing areas, etc., and also to the safeguarding and enhancement of natural sites and their habitats, and to the restoration of heritage features in these areas, such as footpaths, outstanding buildings and other landmarks.
The vision has been to adapt the destination to influence the main tourist markets by enhancing its unique nature and heritage attributes.
Good Practice Story
Torroella de Montgrí, a destination on the Costa Brava (Girona, Spain), has a partner who´s been key to the municipality´s commitment to more sustainable tourism. His name is Josep Pascual Massaguer, a son of fishermen, and for over 50 years he´s recorded data linked to the coastal climate of incalculable value for the international scientific community (for example recognised by NASA in 2019). These records highlight the impact on climate change and on the coastal area which is beginning to suffer harm due to the rising sea levels and high temperatures. Josep Pascual Massaguer work allow for an improved assessment of the human contribution to the greenhouse effect.
GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Nature & Wildlife
The quantity and variety of both marine and terrestrial habitats, combined with the landscapes fashioned by man in the Montgrí Massif, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter marshlands, were the factors that led to the area being granted the status of a Natural Park in 2010. Three different types of natural terrain cohabit within an area of 8,192 hectares. The Park include a range of landscapes and habitats, with a rich heritage that bears witness to the historical development of the area from the Palaeolithic era to the present day. The protective measures combine perfectly with the continuation of traditional activities in the areas concerned, whether they be agricultural or relate to active or exploration-based forms of tourism such as hiking, scuba diving and cycling.
Image © Arxiu imatges PTCBG
Getting there
Torroella de Montgrí and l’Estartit are situated in the heart of the Costa Brava, with easy access from other coastal resorts and also from Girona, Barcelona and the French border. AVE/TGV trains to Girona (45km) and to Figueres (a 39km). SARFA and AMPSA bus companies run regular from Barcelona, Girona and the main towns on the Costa Brava. GR92/E12, Mediterranean path, Ter Route. Eurovelo 8 Mediterranean Route, Pirinexus, Ter Route.
Getting around
From Torroella de Montgrí and l’Estartit you can access many walking, cycling and mountain bike routes to discover the magnificent places of the Montgrí, Medes and Baix Ter Natural Park in a sustainable way. Some are stretches of longer routes such as the Pirinexus, which reaches the Pyrenees, or the Ruta del Ter. You will also find other routes that will allow you to discover the Natural Park. Click here to find out more about walking and hiking route during your green holiday in Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit.
Travel tips from our editors
Medes Islands, an underwater paradise
Located just a mile off the coast in front of l’Estartit beach. Don’t forget to do a trip in a glass-bottomed boat to admire one of the most important marine flora and fauna reserves in the western Mediterranean. Here all water and underwater activities available must comply with the regulations that have enabled the preservation of this natural space.
Ecotourism itineraries
70% of the municipality is part of a natural park with high landscaping value and lots of itineraries and activities to enjoy nature: the GR92 path, the Ter route and the 18 local itineraries are suitable for trekking lovers, the Pirinexus and the cycling network of the Baix Empordà are better if you are more fond of cycling and more intense sports.
A town of history and culture
Especially for the musical heritage that comes from way back. The town has a rich annual programme of musical recitals, concerts and sardana dancing, as well as the summer Festival de Torroella and the Jazz Estartit Festival. Do you prefer painters, sculptors, writers and photographers? The dynamic cultural scene here has attracted several private foundations and art galleries too.
Sustainability Recognitions
In 2024, Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit reached the Gold Award level in the GD Award Program.
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit was selected as the “Best of Seaside 2019” destination in recognition of global leadership in offering sustainable coastal tourism.
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