About the country
Spain offers a great variety of dive sites, with its Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines.
We had discovered Estartit and the Medes Islands, the “Mecca” of Mediterranean diving, twenty years earlier. As very young divers, we were delighted to discover red coral, gorgonians, scorpionfish and large, fairly unfazed groupers. The sites are just as beautiful and rich twenty years later. For us, the Medes Islands are the richest sites in the Mediterranean for flora and fauna. The Medes Islands are a 10-minute boat ride from Estartit. You have to pay a marine tax for every dive, bookings are made in advance, and there’s generally only one boat per dive site.
The easiest way to reach Estartit is by road from Barcelona (2h30) or Perpignan (1h30).
The best of : Tasco petit ; La Vaca ; El Dolfi.
Our opinion
Difficulty
Visibility
Diversity
Atmosphere
Practical
In June 2005 and June 2025.
Unisub, an established, well-known club, we preferred it for how easy it is to book, its schedule (2 dives, morning and afternoon, including 2 at Medes) and its roomy boat. They have a huge one (20 people or more), comfortable, with a toilet, and a smaller one for around ten people. It’s possible to leave your gear at the club or on the big boat. The boat is 10 minutes from the club, which handles transferring the equipment. It’s still a bit of a factory, if you’re independent, you’re on your own ! That said, the briefing stays clear and friendly.
In June 2025.
The dive club offers a range of accommodation, we preferred renting an apartment at the end of the marina, close to the dive boat. There are lots of rentals, we were in a quiet spot in the apartments at the end of the road, with a stunning view, …
In June 2025.
Estartit no longer has anything of the old fishing village about it, there are a few good restaurants, a pretty beach and a hiking trail worth doing if the heat isn’t too overwhelming.
The region remains rich with things to discover :
- The Greek and Roman site of Empúries is splendid.
- The beautiful medieval villages like Monells, Vulpellac, Ullastret, Canapost, Peratallada, and Pals. Wander the streets of Girona.
- A 360-degree view from the top of the ramparts of Montgrí Castle, after a short hike.