L'Esrartit day 2

Monday 29 July

L'Esrartit day 2

So, L'Estartit, a beach resort on the Mediterranean coast.

There are three main parts, going north there are the marinas with all manner of beautiful boats tied up, a playground for the kids, icecream stands, canoes on high racks waiting for the teenagers to book an 'adventure' trip, a plethora of tourist boats all offering trips around the bays, out to the islands, to the caves, snorkelIing, diving, etc.  

David, James and Jasper booked themselves on a trip around to the caves with time to swim and do a bit of snorkelling.  The sea looked a little choppy for Rachel and me so we gave it a miss, the boys had a great time, the boat had a glass bottom so that they could see the lovely coral and the colourful fish swimming around, Jasper and James swam for about 15 mins and then it was time to come back, the wind had got up so it was definitely not for someone with a sea-sick problem.

Coming further south round the bay there are the high rise hotels and shops, nothing too extreme, nothing too high, but with the hills as the back drop the houses climb up the hillsides and it is very attractive.  Most of the buildings are white, cream or a shade of terracotta, quite Spanish looking with wrought iron balustrades and terracotta tiled roofs, and colourful window boxes.  

The shops and restaurants spill out into the street, the shops are mostly the tourist kind, colourful, affordable and full of things you need, like 'crocs', scarves, swimming togs, bags in all shapes and hues, sun dresses, shorts, skimpy tops, jewellery, etc. There are more restaurants than cafes, all offering something slightly different, tapas and paella are pretty stable, but fish or steak and chips are obviously very popular also.  There are no take-aways or Chinese or Indian restaurants, I think food is a leisurely past time here, their siesta lasts from around 12 to 3pm and it is not unusual for shops to close at that time. 

Then past the commercial area there are the beaches which stretch for at least 2 k's.  They are packed with families the whole way.  It looks just like on the post cards, lovely striped sun umbrellas, deck chairs, maybe I should call them recliners, all decked along prime spots along the beach and close to the water, and all for hire at €5 a day!  

The sand is soft, golden and wide, so there is in fact plenty of room for all, the later you come the further from the sea you are, but the sand is still good.  The sea is clear and warm, at least once you are past that first initial splash, there is a shallow gradient so that the little kids are safe from being swept out by a freak wave and there are no 'holes' to get stuck in. I didn't see any jelly fish, so it's all good.

 

The cars pack in on the hard sand close to the road, so the only danger about going to this beach is that you might get run over!!  There was also a travelling fair ground which was just being packed up and as we were leaving the following day there was a children's roundabout being assembled, so no shortage of entertainment.  Every 500 mtrs or so there was a refreshment hut, like a cafe really with tables and chairs under the awning which sold all sorts of snacks, juices and alcohol. 

Definitely a great place to have a family holiday, and, no, it's nothing like any other beach resort I have been to.