22 March 2026

Montgrí Castle Sunrise Trek: How to Access the Trail from Camping Les Medes

If you’re chasing first light over the Costa Brava, the Montgrí Castle Sunrise Trek is a must. From the top, you’ll enjoy a sweeping 360º panorama that takes in the gulf of L’Estartit and the Medes Islands. Staying at Camping Les Medes puts you in the heart of the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park—just 800 m from the beach and 2 km from the centre of L’Estartit—so catching that golden hour is remarkably convenient.

In this guide, you’ll learn why sunrise is the best time to visit Montgrí Castle, practical ways to access the trail from Camping Les Medes, what you’ll see from the top, and smart tips to make the most of your hike.

Why Montgrí Castle at sunrise

Montgrí is a storied landscape. The area has been settled for some 300,000 years, when a colony of Homo erectus took advantage of its natural resources. The castle itself was built between 1294 and 1301 by order of King Jaume II. Only the exterior walls and towers were ever completed, but the vantage point they provide is extraordinary.

At sunrise, the soft light and typically calmer morning conditions transform the view. From the battlements you can enjoy a spectacular 360º panorama:

The bay of Roses and Empúries
The Canigó and the Pyrenees
The Montseny and Gavarres mountains
The Baix Ter plain
The gulf of L’Estartit and the Medes Islands

These landmark views are all part of the Natural Park’s mosaic of habitats and classic Costa Brava landscapes. Starting early also helps you beat heat and crowds and gives you time to explore more of the park later in the day.

How to access the Montgrí Castle trail from Camping Les Medes

Short answer for sunrise-seekers: From Camping Les Medes, plan a pre-dawn start and make your way toward the Montgrí hills within the Natural Park. Use official park signage and local waymarked paths to reach Montgrí Castle. Start early enough to arrive before first light and carry a reliable headlamp.

Orientation from the campsite

Camping Les Medes sits in front of the Medes Islands Nature Reserve, surrounded by fields in the Costa Brava, at Paratge Camp de l’Arbre (17258 L’Estartit, Girona). You are:

800 m from the beach
2 km from the centre of L’Estartit

This proximity makes it easy to approach the Montgrí massif from nearby town areas and park access points.

Popular approach options

Depending on your preference and timing, you can choose among several practical approaches:

On foot from the campsite vicinity
- Set out early and follow local lanes and official Natural Park indications toward the Montgrí hills.
- Keep an eye out for waymarked paths that lead up to the castle.
From L’Estartit (2 km from the campsite)
- Head to the centre of L’Estartit and pick up signed paths within the Natural Park that ascend to the castle.
- This approach pairs well with a beachside return after your trek.
From surrounding town areas
- The Montgrí massif sits above the plain, with access from nearby urban areas. Use official signage and designated park routes to make your ascent.

Tip: Always allow extra time before sunrise for a steady climb, and factor in a few minutes at the top to settle in as the horizon brightens.

Check sunrise times the day before and plan backward to determine your start.
Follow official park signage to stay on designated paths within the Natural Park.
Carry a headlamp and a backup light; dawn starts mean stretches in low light.
Pace for safety; take short breaks as needed so you arrive in time for first light.

What you’ll see from the top

The Montgrí Castle Sunrise Trek pays off with a true 360º view. Expect to identify:

The blue sweep of the gulf of L’Estartit and the Medes Islands just offshore
The bay of Roses and Empúries to the north
The Canigó and Pyrenees on clear days
The rolling Montseny and Gavarres ranges
The fertile Baix Ter plain, once lagoons and marshlands and now a tranquil mosaic of cultivated fields, fruit trees, pastures, rice paddies, and poplar groves

Sunrise light enhances relief and color across these landscapes, making orientation easier and photos more dramatic.

Safety and etiquette in the Natural Park

Montgrí, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter form a protected Natural Park. A few principles help keep it pristine:

Stay on marked paths to protect fragile habitats and for your own safety.
Leave no trace: pack out all waste.
Be wind-aware: the area can experience breezes; secure hats and light layers.
Use low-impact lighting before dawn to preserve night vision for you and wildlife.
Respect others’ quiet at sunrise so everyone can enjoy the moment.

The Natural Park also includes a rugged coastline with small, beautiful coves—most accessible only on foot or by boat. If you extend your day, keep the same respect-first mindset along the coast.

Make a day of it: ideas after your sunrise hike

You’ll descend with the whole day ahead. Consider these nearby experiences that pair naturally with a dawn trek:

Explore the Medes Islands by sea: This unique archipelago lies just one mile off L’Estartit and is famed for its natural wealth and beauty.
Go diving with Aquàtica (on-site at Camping Les Medes): Since 1996, Aquàtica has offered diving trips and courses in L’Estartit and the Natural Park, and since 2017 the center has been located within our campsite. They limit divers per outing for comfort and calm, organize small guided groups, and promote respectful, low-impact diving within the park.
Cycle the Baix Ter plain: The Ter River links the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava, cutting a verdant corridor across the landscape. Today, the plain presents a serene patchwork of fields and groves that’s a pleasure for walkers and cyclists alike.
Discover hidden coves of the Montgrí coast: The rocky shoreline hides small, stunning coves—most reached on foot or by following the coast by boat—preserved in exceptional condition precisely because they’re less accessible.

Practical takeaways for your Montgrí Castle Sunrise Trek

Start from Camping Les Medes in the heart of the Natural Park, 800 m from the beach and 2 km from L’Estartit’s centre.
Use official park signage and designated paths to reach the castle.
Plan your timing by checking sunrise and allowing a comfortable ascent plus setup time.
Pack smart: headlamp, light layers, water, snacks, and a windproof outer layer.
Respect the park: stay on marked routes and leave no trace.
Capture the 360º view: look for the Medes Islands, the bay of Roses and Empúries, the Pyrenees, Montseny, the Gavarres, the Baix Ter, and the gulf of L’Estartit.
Extend your adventure with Medes Islands exploration, respectful diving with Aquàtica, or a gentle cycle across the Ter plain.

FAQ

Where is Camping Les Medes?

Camping Les Medes is in the north of Catalonia, on the Costa Brava, in front of the Medes Islands Nature Reserve: Paratge Camp de l’Arbre – 17258 L’Estartit (Girona). It’s 800 m from the beach and 2 km from the centre of L’Estartit.

What makes Montgrí Castle special?

Built between 1294 and 1301 by order of King Jaume II, only the exterior walls and towers were completed. From the top you get a spectacular 360º view over the Costa Brava and the Natural Park’s diverse landscapes.

Is Camping Les Medes open year-round?

Yes—make your reservation; the campsite is open all year.

What else can I do nearby after a sunrise trek?

Explore the Medes Islands, discover the Montgrí coastline’s tucked-away coves, enjoy cycling across the Baix Ter plain, or book a respectful diving trip or course with Aquàtica at the campsite.

Conclusion

A Montgrí Castle Sunrise Trek rewards early risers with one of the Costa Brava’s grandest natural viewpoints—right above a landscape where mountains, sea, and fertile plains meet. From Camping Les Medes, you’re perfectly placed to access the trail within the Natural Park, greet the day from the castle walls, and then keep exploring by sea or by land.

Ready to watch the first light spill over the Medes Islands? Make your reservation—we open all year—and plan your sunrise hike, coastal discoveries, and, if you like, a day of respectful diving with Aquàtica.