About Accommodation Reviews: Over many years I’ve stayed at countless lodgings and reviewed hundreds. Reviews on this site are based on the range and quality of facilities, helpfulness of staff, value for money, cleanliness, welcome received and overall experience. Scores also reflect convenience (for example, a great overnight stop at a decent hotel by a motorway might score similarly to a boutique hotel elsewhere). Scores are out of 5 (5=Excellent, 4=Very Good, 3=Good, 2=Average, 1=Poor). I only post reviews here for accommodation I would definitely return to (3 + stars).
I’m currently at the Costa Brava Area motorhome park in the lovely seaside town of L’Estartit in Girona province, Catalonia (Spain).
When travelling by motorhome in the region I always use this motorhome area as a base for exploring the Empordà region (when travelling by car I’ve started staying at this great place in nearby Fontanilles). As readers of this blog know I am currently finishing writing a new travel book all about Girona province and during the past year I have based myself at this site for various extended stays, renting a car each time to explore every corner of this most diverse and interesting of provinces.
The Costa Brava Area offers motorhome users everything they require. There are clean showers, toilets, a washing-up area and laundry facilities (including a dryer). All plots have electricity points and are separated from each other by foliage. There are several different-sized plots for those seeking additional space, including several that can cater for some of the largest units. The site boasts a modern motorhome service point which permits up to four units to be serviced at once, meaning no queues when various units depart at the same time.
The area is fenced in with a gate that is locked at night, providing good security. Late-night pedestrian access into the area is by a gate operated by card. The area is largely grassy and is sun-drenched throughout the day. Many motorhome areas are usually located in nondescript (sometimes even industrial) areas with no views, but this place is located in the middle of a nice residential area with a small park at the entrance. The view is dominated by the Roca Maura, a small peak at the eastern end of the Montgrí Massif.
The area is family-owned and while not everyone working here is a family member, nonetheless the friendly, thoughtful and efficient manner of the staff strongly evokes that found within a typical family business. The manager is Pere who speaks five or six languages and is incredibly helpful and hardworking (nothing is too much trouble for him). He constantly puts himself out for customers and I’m quite sure he is one of the reasons many travellers return here often.
Regarding amenities, there are various bars, restaurants, shops and cash machines within easy walking distance. There is also a large Chinese shop just several hundred yards away that seems to sell just about anything, ideal if during a trip you need to replace something. There is a Spar supermarket literally around the corner which is open during the summer months.
Formerly a tiny fishing village, L’Estartit has become a popular seaside destination on the Costa Brava, with its expansive sandy beach and bay dominated by the nearby Montgrí Massif and the Medes Islands just offshore in the bay. The islands contribute to the underwater topography and marine life found here which has made this an important location for snorkelling and scuba diving. There are also various other water activities to try out, as well as boat trips around the islands and nearby coves.
Note that July and August are extremely busy months here (and indeed all along the Costa Brava). June and the first half of September are also fairly brisk, but the town is largely shuttered up from October to Easter. Actually, I like it most when it is like that. Sitting outside on the grass in the autumn and winter sunshine sipping a drink while watching the extensive bird activity make this a relaxing place to park up during the quieter months. And while much of the seafront is quiet in the winter months nonetheless the main shopping street remains open, as are several bars and restaurants within a stone’s throw of the motorhome area.
Note, though, that weekends are nearly always very busy pretty much all year around. The Spanish are into camping and motorhoming in a big way and often go away for weekends. This area is a favourite and on Friday evenings it is not uncommon to see a continuous stream of vans arriving and families putting out tables, chairs and the myriad other things the Spaniards seem to bring with them during camping forays. It is therefore usually best to reserve a pitch online via the motorhome site’s website if planning to arrive during the summer or at weekends.
L’Estartit is located in the Empordà region of Girona and is an ideal place to serve as a base for exploring this fascinating part of Catalonia, with its rocky coves, medieval villages, ancient churches, vineyards and countless activities. It’s also just a short distance from the wonderful Pyrenees mountain range, which I am constantly exploring.
I really like this corner of the world. Because I keep returning I’ve made good friends and acquaintances here and like Almería, where I was raised, this corner of Catalonia has become my second home in Spain. The motorhome area even has a house cat that remembers me each time I return (she laps of the much meted out attention given to her by the clients). So if you have a motorhome and are in the area be sure to stop by and check out pleasant L’Estartit and this excellent motorhome area.