Camping Castell Montgri

This campsite wows at first sight. Not only is it a sprawling property with several complexes -- each with its own pool, restaurants, and bars -- but also a bustling one. It is located in a pretty, natural setting right outside L’Estartit, home to a beautiful beach. The main pool is located in the central area, known as Panorama. To the right is La Bassa, with a small pretty pool and a waterfall. Left is the Ombra area, home to the water park. It can get crowded during peak season, and there have been complaints of lack of privacy, noise, and crammed plots. However, guests (mostly families) keep coming back year after year due to the myriad activities for all ages and tastes. There is so much going on here, especially during peak season, that some guests find it hard to pick one activity at a time. With a farm, several sports facilities, group activities, bicycle rental service, a massages hut, a nightclub, movie nights, bars, and even archery lessons, there is probably something for everyone here. Just note that the terrain is hilly, and that there can be long walks between the different campsite areas.

The campsite is located outside of L’Estartit, a small town known for being home to a beautiful beach with views of Medes Isles, a wonderful spot for scuba divers. There is a supermarket a 15-minute walk from the main gate, and many more shops and restaurants in town. Guests can walk to L’Estartit, but some may find it to be too much of a hike, especially those traveling with kids. Montgrí Natural Park, which is the vast area around the campsite, is a lovely place for a quiet walk in the woods or for a trip with the bikes. Begur and a couple other historic towns are a short drive away, and top Costa Brava attractions such as Cadaqués and Tossa de Mar are both about an hour away.

There are several accommodation options here, including fully equipped mobile homes, yurt-style tents for up to five guests, and plots for private campers. Mobile homes can sleep between four and six guests, and feature fully equipped kitchenettes, living rooms, private bathrooms, and porches. The tents are for a maximum of five guests, and feature kitchenettes, two bedrooms, a private bathroom, and a dining area. Those traveling with their own camper can book a spot for it on-site as well. These spaces have power outlets, and some can fit a small tent for shade. There are five buildings housing shared bathrooms and showers throughout the property. Note that the grounds are uneven, with hills and dirt paths, and that some areas are a hike from the pools and the restaurants. Wi-Fi is available for a fee and only in certain places.

Castell Montgrí is a self-contained complex with a stunning list of things to do on-site. There are three pools, including a huge one with a maximum capacity of 300 people, a water park with two slides, and a smaller, more intimate pool a little farther from the main areas. Sports facilities include a soccer field with natural grass, basketball courts, tennis courts with lights for night play, bocce areas, an 18-hole mini-golf, and an archery field. During peak season the entertainment team organizes sports tournaments and fitness classes such as Pilates and Zumba. The campsite is family-friendly, and features shallow areas in the pools, entertainment for kids, staffed activities, and even a small, cute farm with ponies, a vegetable garden, ducks, rabbits, and hens. Guests also have a number of convenient amenities on-site, such as a (pricey) supermarket; a laundry room; bicycle rental services; a massage hut, and a carwash. However, there are very few free activities, and extra charges can add up. There are five restaurants -- including a pizzeria, a creperie, and a snack bar -- and two bars with outdoor seating.