Things To Do
in Torroella de Montgrí

Torroella de Montgrí is a charming Catalan town perched inland from the Costa Brava, at the foot of the Montgrí Massif. Its medieval streets wind around the Ter river, offering a relaxed pace and picturesque corners. The town serves as a gateway to nature reserves, coastal trails, and nearby beaches, all within easy reach.

Visitors can combine old-town charm with outdoor adventures in the surrounding Montgrí Natural Park and the Medes Islands marine reserve.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day by wandering through the charming streets of Torroella de Montgrí, where you can admire the stunning medieval architecture. Visit the impressive 14th-century Church of Sant Genís, known for its beautiful altarpiece and serene atmosphere. Don't forget to stop by the local bakery to sample some traditional pastries and coffee for breakfast.

afternoon
:

After exploring the historic center, head to the nearby Museu de la Mediterrània, which offers fascinating insights into the region's culture and history. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local tapas bar, where you can savor authentic Catalan dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. As the afternoon unfolds, take a stroll along the River Ter and relish the peaceful scenery.

evening
:

In the evening, find a cozy restaurant in the town center to indulge in a traditional Catalan dinner, perhaps trying some 'escalivada' or 'fideuà'. As the sun sets, enjoy a glass of local wine while soaking in the ambiance of the town square. Finish your night with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, appreciating the beauty of Torroella de Montgrí at night.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

Kick off your day with a trip to the nearby beaches of L'Estartit, just a short drive from Torroella de Montgrí. Spend the morning soaking up the sun on the sandy shores or taking a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea. For the adventurous souls, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coastline and its hidden coves.

afternoon
:

After a morning of fun in the sun, enjoy lunch at one of the beachside chiringuitos, where you can feast on fresh seafood and traditional paella. Spend the afternoon indulging in water sports such as windsurfing or snorkeling, exploring the vibrant marine life around the Medes Islands. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, take a leisurely walk along the promenade and enjoy the stunning sea views.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to Torroella de Montgrí for a classic Spanish dinner at a local eatery. Try some 'tapas' to share, paired with a refreshing sangria while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Wrap up your day by taking a sunset stroll along the beach, watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink over the water.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range)$40-70
🚆Public transport ticket (local)$1.50-3
Coffee in cafe$2-4
🧈Milk (1 liter) or dairy product$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming historic center with easy access to Montgrí Natural Park
  • Beautiful beaches and a calm Costa Brava vibe
  • Excellent seafood and Mediterranean cuisine
  • Walkable town with friendly locals
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Seasonal crowds in summer
  • Some services scale back outside peak season
  • Parking can be tricky during market days
  • "Bon dia" - Good morning
  • "Si us plau" - Please
  • "Gràcies" - Thank you
  • "Quant costa?" - How much does this cost?
  • "On és el lavabo?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Parles anglès?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Torroella de Montgrí

Visit one of these nice places.

Pont Vell (Old Bridge) over the Ter

A historic stone bridge with reflections in the river and views toward the Montgrí Massif.

Plaça de la Vila

A picturesque square framed by traditional stone houses, ideal for morning light and candid street scenes.

Montgrí Massif viewpoints

Ridge overlooks offering sweeping panorama of the coastline and interior farmlands.

L’Estartit marina at sunset

Harbor scenes with boats, pastel skies and the distant Medes Islands.

Culinary Guide

Food in Torroella de Montgrí

The Empordà region blends Catalan coastal influences with inland produce, resulting in bright seafood-focused dishes and simple, flavorful tapas and tavern fare.

Torroella de Montgrí Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Suquet de peix

A traditional Catalan fish stew with tomato, garlic and saffron, usually served with crusty bread.

Must-Try!

Escalivada

Smoky grilled peppers and eggplant, often served with anchovies or tuna.

Pa amb tomàquet

Tomato-rubbed bread with olive oil and salt, a staple accompaniment to meals.

Crema catalana

Catalan custard dessert with a caramelized sugar crust.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercat Municipal de Torroella de Montgrí

Local market offering fresh fish, seafood, vegetables, cheeses and prepared foods.

L’Estartit market (seasonal)

Coastal market where you can find seafood, local produce and snacks to take to the beach.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, with coastal breezes helping temper summer heat.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and language

A polite greeting such as Bon dia (Good day) is appreciated; Catalan and Spanish are commonly used.

Respect for local customs

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful in residential areas; bilingual signage is common.

Safety Guide

Safety

Torroella de Montgrí is generally safe; follow standard precautions in crowded areas and keep valuables secure. Be mindful of coastal currents when swimming and always follow local signs. In case of emergency, dial 112.

Tipping in Torroella de Montgrí

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are appreciated for good service but not mandatory; rounding up or 5-10% is common in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Credit cards widely accepted; many places also accept cash, and some small vendors may prefer cash in the evenings.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild, pleasant days ideal for walking and landscape photography; flowers in bloom and fewer crowds.

Summer

Warm to hot days with refreshing sea breezes; beaches busy and restaurants busy; sun protection is essential.

Autumn

Comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, and great conditions for outdoor activities; seas remain pleasant.

Winter

Milder coastal winters with cooler evenings; some services operate reduced hours, but the town retains its charm.

Nightlife Guide

Torroella de Montgrí at Night

The nightlife in Torroella de Montgrí is relaxed and family-friendly, centered around the old town and harbor. Expect cozy tapas bars, wine-tasting rooms, and small live-music venues; late-night clubs are rare and the scene prioritizes conversation and sunset views over heavy nightlife.

Hiking in Torroella de Montgrí

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Montgrí Massif Summit Trails

Ridge routes with panoramic views over the coast and Montgrí Castle ruins; range from moderate to challenging.

Gavarres hills trails

Rolling forested hills nearby with viewpoints and quiet lanes for day hikes.

Rutes along the Ter river

Gentle riverwalks past vineyards and orchards, ideal for easy strolls and birdwatching.

Airports

How to reach Torroella de Montgrí by plane.

Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO)

Located about an hour from Torroella by car; connects to several European destinations and offers car rental and bus connections to town centers.

Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN)

Major international hub roughly 1.5-2 hours away by road or rail; quick connections to Girona and Figueres for onward travel.

Reus Airport (REU)

Tertiary hub around 2-3 hours away by car; fewer frequent connections but reachable for some itineraries.

Getting Around

Walkability

Torroella de Montgrí has a compact historic core with narrow pedestrian streets. Most sights are walkable within the town center, and the riverside promenade is pleasant for strolls. Outside the core, car access is common, with good access to L’Estartit and surrounding villages via road and bus routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly Catalan-speaking with a mix of families, seniors and long-time locals.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists drawn to beaches, hiking and the Medes Islands; numbers peak in summer.

Expat and second-home owners

Some foreigners residing part-time who contribute to the town's international flavor.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely followed across the region with local amateur clubs and sports facilities.

Sailing and snorkeling

Strong coastal culture with opportunities around L’Estartit and the Medes Islands.

Cycling

Popular on coastal and inland routes, with scenic roads and manageable hills.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is usually light within the town, with occasional congestion during market days and peak beach-season hours. Regional trains and buses provide reliable connections to Girona, Figueres, and the coast; driving to nearby beaches is common but parking can be limited at busy times.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Torroella de Montgrí.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes feature vegetables, escalivada, pa amb tomàquet, and salads; ask for vegetable-focused options and ensure no broth or fish stock is used.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in the area is served by local primary care centers and nearby hospitals in Figueres and Girona. Visitors can use Spain's public healthcare system with a valid EU health card; private clinics and pharmacies are commonly found in town.

Discover Spain

Read more in our Spain 2025 Travel Guide.

Spain Travel Guide