Carrer de les Illes and the salting industry

Carrer de les Illes, also known as Carrer de Darrere, is located behind Carrer de Santa Anna, which is also referred to as Carrer de Vant. Today, visitors can still see two stone lintels from houses built along this street in 1763 and 1790, providing a glimpse into the town’s architectural heritage.

The old houses of L’Estartit were typically one-story buildings, many oriented towards the south to take advantage of the sun. The people of L’Estartit worked both in the fields and at sea, and each house had dedicated space for different tasks, reflecting the self-sufficient lifestyle of the community.

One key industry that emerged in the town was the salting industry, born out of the need to preserve food. In factories like Can Borrat, Can Audivert, and Can Domingo Salador, local workers would smoke herrings, salt anchovies, and create boxes for packing the fish, which were essential for both local consumption and trade.

This history of craftsmanship and resourcefulness shaped the identity of L’Estartit and remains a proud part of its cultural heritage.