Every July 16th, the Costa Brava dresses up to celebrate one of its most deeply rooted and exciting festivities: the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors and fishermen. In l'Estartit, this day is experienced with particular intensity, culminating in a spectacular maritime procession paying tribute to centuries of tradition. This year, we invite you not to be a mere spectator, but to become part of this celebration from a unique and privileged perspective: aboard one of our vessels.
What is the Virgen del Carmen Celebration?
The festival of the Virgen del Carmen, or Mare de Déu del Carme, is the heart of the maritime culture of the Costa Brava. It's a day when the community comes together to honor its protector, asking for shelter and giving thanks for the generosity of the sea. The celebration combines religious devotion with the pride of a town linked to the Mediterranean, creating an atmosphere of respect and contagious joy.
The climactic moment is the maritime procession. The image of the Virgin, adorned with flowers, is carried from the church to the port, where it is embarked and accompanied by a fleet of boats of all kinds. Seeing dozens of vessels, from small fishing llaüts to modern yachts, sailing together in a sign of respect is an image that stays in your memory.
A Unique Sunset Tour: Experience the Procession from Within
To celebrate this very special day, at Bravola we have designed an exclusive Sunset Tour that will allow you to experience the Virgen del Carmen procession like never before. It's not just about watching it from the shore, but joining the convoy of boats and being an active part of the tradition.
Special Virgen del Carmen Tour Route (July 16th)
Our tour is designed so you enjoy every moment of this magical day:
Departure from l'Estartit Port
We'll set sail to join the fleet just in time for the start of the maritime procession.
Procession around the Medes Islands
We'll sail alongside the rest of the vessels in the traditional circuit around the Medes Islands, respectfully following the boat carrying the image of the Virgin. You'll feel the emotion of being part of a centuries-old tradition.
Sunset and Swimming in the Bay
Once the procession is over, we'll anchor in a privileged spot in the bay. For approximately 30 minutes, you'll have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the calm sunset waters, away from the bustle of the coast.
Enjoy the Sunset
With the sun setting over the Montgrí, you can relax on board, enjoy a drink, and contemplate one of the most spectacular sunsets on the Costa Brava, closing a day full of emotion and beauty.
| Special Tour Details | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, July 16th, 2026 |
| Main Activity | Participation in the Virgen del Carmen maritime procession |
| Route | l'Estartit Port → Circuit around Medes Islands (in procession) → Anchorage in the bay |
| Additional Experience | 30-minute stop for swimming and enjoying the sunset |
Why Experience It with Bravola?
Choosing our special tour guarantees a comfortable, safe, and exclusive experience. You'll avoid the crowds on the coast and enjoy an unbeatable view of the entire event. Our professional skipper will handle all navigation, allowing you and yours to focus solely on enjoying the atmosphere and creating unforgettable memories.
Places for this tour are very limited to ensure an intimate, quality experience. It's a once-a-year opportunity to connect with the most authentic culture of the Costa Brava.