October sunshine

One of our favourite resorts, a short drive through the orchards and maize fields of the Baix Emporda from L’Estartit. Away from the port area and the wide bay is the little bay of old L’Escala. A working town its shopping streets tumbling down the hillside to it’s newly pedestrianised curve of waterside bars and restaurants.

First week in October and 25C, a smattering of people on the beach and a couple of brave souls swimming. It was warm enough to sunbathe but I just revelled in standing on a virtually empty beach!

I wasn’t prepared for it to be so hot, even though we had driven with the roof down and the wind in our hair I hadn’t brought my cossie but I had to get down on that beach!

It’s only the second time we’ve eaten out since the start of this virus and Cafe de la Riba is our go to for fresh seafood, staff are always really attentive and remember us, welcoming us warmly even though its been a whole season since we were here.

The view from the terrace is incredible. In the distance the beaches of St Marti d’Empuries, the bay of St Pere Pescador, the far side the port of Empuriabrava and the resort of Roses plus the wide expanse of the Bay of Roses.

Lots of new bars springing up, where other businesses have closed likely due to the impact on tourism, here’s hoping that they can hang on and next season is more forgiving as we learn to live with this.

Famous for anchovies, there is even a museum to the little fish on the outskirts of town and this is just one of the places that focus on this delicacy. You haven’t had anchovy until you’ve eaten them in their hometown.

If I had a few more pennies in the pot I’d love to buy a little place here, next project maybe!