The port of L'Estartit

The Resilience of L’Estartit: A History Shaped by the Sea

For many years, sea storms and the water flows of the River Ter have caused damage to the buildings of L’Estartit.

The town’s early settlers built their first houses on the side of the mountain, protecting themselves from the force of the sea with a stone dike along the shore. Over time, the town expanded due to the favourable fishing grounds, the decline of piracy, and the natural resources provided by the Mediterranean coast.

In the early 18th century, fishermen who had settled in L’Estartit began leaving their boats on the beach, creating the foundations for the fishing community.

In the mid-20th century, the first breakwater was constructed to protect the town from sea storms, marking the beginning of the current port. This breakwater was positioned near the remains of the circular defence tower, which had been built in the era of piracy. Beyond the tower, you can see the last breakwater of the current port, a testament to the resilience of L’Estartit against the forces of nature.