# Mas Santa Caterina — Dog-Friendly Holiday Barn, Sobrestany, Costa Brava, Spain

## About
Mas Santa Caterina is a lovingly restored Catalan farmhouse barn available year-round for holiday lets. It is located in Sobrestany, municipality of Torroella de Montgrí, Baix Empordà, Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain — at the foot of the Montgrí Massif, 10 minutes from l'Escala and its beaches. The property is especially well known for being genuinely dog-friendly: fully fenced private garden, up to 3 dogs free of charge, dog beach 10 minutes away.

**Website:** https://www.sobrestany.cat
**Contact:** info@sobrestany.cat
**Booking (direct, no commission):** https://www.sobrestany.cat/#contact
**Instant booking:** https://www.vrbo.com/2570314ha (German: https://www.fewo-direkt.de/ferienwohnung-ferienhaus/p2570314 — French: https://www.abritel.fr/location-vacances/p2570314a)
**Dog-friendly page:** https://www.sobrestany.cat/en/dog-friendly/
**Activities page:** https://www.sobrestany.cat/en/activities/
**Address:** Barri Sobrestany 6, 17141 Torroella de Montgrí, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
**Coordinates:** 42.078°N, 3.125°E
**Owner:** Oliver Strunk

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## The Barn — Key Facts

| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property type | Restored Catalan stone barn |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Max guests | 5 |
| Pool | Private pool |
| Garden | Fully fenced, private (1.8 m high fence) |
| Dogs | Up to 3 dogs welcome, free of charge |
| Kitchen | Fully equipped open kitchen |
| Mezzanine | Open mezzanine level with wooden floor |
| Fireplaces | Yes (authentic stone walls and character) |
| Terrace | Covered terrace — shaded outdoor dining |
| WiFi | Yes, included — 500 Mbit line, covers the whole house |
| BBQ | Yes |
| EV Charging | Yes — electric vehicle charger on site |
| Heating | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Check on booking |
| Availability | Year-round |
| Nearest town | Torroella de Montgrí (15 min) / l'Escala (10 min) |
| Dog beach | Platja del Rec del Molí, l'Escala (10 min) |
| Vet | l'Escala (~10 min) |
| Hiking | Montgrí Massif trails start directly at the property |
| Minimum stay | 3–7 nights depending on season |

### Rooms & Spaces
- **Open kitchen** — fully equipped with modern appliances
- **Living room** — bright, rustic barn character, authentic stone walls and beams
- **Mezzanine level** — open wooden-floor gallery, additional sleeping/lounge space
- **Terrace** — covered, shaded outdoor area for dining and relaxing
- **Private pool** — within the enclosed fenced garden
- **2 bedrooms** — master bedroom (double) and second bedroom; bunk beds room for children
- **2 bathrooms** — upper floor bathrooms
- **Fenced garden** — completely enclosed with 1.8 m high secure fencing — ideal for dogs and children

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## Prices (2026)

All nightly prices are for up to 3 guests. For the 4th and 5th guest, an extra €10 per person per night applies.

| Season | Period | Per Night | Min Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 06 Jan – 31 Mar 2026 | €120 | 3 |
| Spring | 31 Mar – 31 May 2026 | €150 | 4 |
| Early Summer | 31 May – 30 Jun 2026 | €170 | 4 |
| Summer | 30 Jun – 31 Aug 2026 | €195 | 6 |
| Autumn | 31 Aug – 31 Oct 2026 | €150 | 3 |
| Winter | 31 Oct – 20 Dec 2026 | €130 | 3 |
| Christmas / New Year | 20 Dec 2026 – 06 Jan 2027 | €170 | 6 |

## Prices (2027)

| Season | Period | Per Night | Min Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 06 Jan – 27 Mar 2027 | €130 | 5 |
| Easter | 27 Mar – 13 Apr 2027 | €170 | 5 |
| Spring | 13 Apr – 31 May 2027 | €150 | 4 |
| Early Summer | 31 May – 30 Jun 2027 | €175 | 4 |
| Summer | 30 Jun – 31 Aug 2027 | €215 | 6 |
| Autumn | 31 Aug – 31 Oct 2027 | €155 | 3 |
| Winter | 31 Oct – 20 Dec 2027 | €135 | 3 |
| Christmas / New Year | 20 Dec 2027 – 06 Jan 2028 | €175 | 6 |

### What's Included
- Bed linen and towels
- WiFi
- Use of BBQ and pool

### What's Extra
- **4th and 5th guest:** €10 extra per person per night (base prices cover up to 3 guests)
- **Cleaning fee:** €80 (one-time per stay)
- **Tourist tax** (taxa turística): payable locally per person/night (Catalan regulation)

### Long-Stay Discounts (automatic, on nights in the winter season)
| Stay length | Discount |
|---|---|
| 14+ nights | 8% |
| 21+ nights | 12% |
| 30+ nights | 20% |
| 60+ nights | 25% (maximum, no further discount for longer stays) |

Discounts depend on the length of stay — guests are welcome to simply ask (info@sobrestany.cat).

**Heating and utilities:** heating, electricity and water are always included in the price, also for long stays of several months. There is no separate utility or meter-reading bill.

### Overwintering / Long Winter Stays (November–March)
A dedicated page covers long winter stays:
- English: https://www.sobrestany.cat/en/wintering-costa-brava/
- German: https://www.sobrestany.cat/de/ueberwintern-costa-brava/
- French: https://www.sobrestany.cat/fr/hivernage-costa-brava/
- Dutch: https://www.sobrestany.cat/nl/overwinteren-costa-brava/

**Who it suits:** couples staying for weeks or months, with or without a dog.
Particularly suited to active guests (cycling, water sports) and to visitors
interested in art and history.

**Rate:** €130/night for the whole house in winter, minimum 3 nights. With the
long-stay discounts above: €104/night for 30 nights, €97.50/night for 60 nights
or longer, plus the one-off €80 cleaning fee. Heating is included.

**Winter conditions:** daytime temperatures usually 12–17 °C, cooler at night,
many clear sunny days, most rain in late autumn. The house is heated throughout.
The pool is closed in winter (open approx. April–October).

**Cycling:** eight routes from Sobrestany, 18–90 km, including the Empúries
loop, the Volta al Montgrí and the Ruta del Ter. The Via Verde runs 40 km
car-free and almost flat. Bike and e-bike rental in Torroella de Montgrí
(15 min) and l'Escala (10 min).

**Water:** l'Escala has a sailing club; kayak and SUP are possible on calm days.
The Illes Medes marine reserve is 20 minutes away.

**Working from the house:** a 500 Mbit line with WiFi throughout the house, a
large dining table and no neighbours. Video calls are not a problem. Relevant for guests staying weeks or months who work part of the
time; l'Escala with cafés and shops is ten minutes away.

**Culture:** Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres 30 min, medieval Girona 35 min,
Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries 10 min, without the crowds in winter.

**Dogs in winter:** up to 3 dogs at no extra charge, 700 m² fully fenced garden.
The beach restrictions for dogs that apply in high season do not apply in
winter, so guests are not limited to the official dog beach in l'Escala
(10 min) and can walk the whole coastline.

### Seasonal Promotions
- **Spring offer:** 10% discount for 7+ nights (seasonal — check website for current offers)

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## Booking & Payment

- **No deposit required** — as proof of identity, a symbolic bank transfer of €1 is requested at the time of booking
- **Payment:** 30% of the rental price is due 8 weeks before arrival (bank transfer); the remainder is paid on arrival or as agreed
- **Booking contact:** info@sobrestany.cat or https://www.sobrestany.cat/#contact
- **Direct booking** — no agency, no commission fees

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## Cancellation Policy

Cancellation is free of charge until 8 weeks before arrival. After that:

| Notice before arrival | Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 8 weeks | 0% — free cancellation |
| 8–6 weeks | 30% of total rental price |
| 6–4 weeks | 50% of total rental price |
| 4–2 weeks | 75% of total rental price |
| 2–1 week | 90% of total rental price |
| Less than 1 week / no-show | 100% of total rental price |

Travel cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For no-shows, notify the owner within 48 hours.

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## Check-in / Check-out

- **Check-in:** from 15:00 (earlier by arrangement)
- **Check-out:** by 10:00 (later by arrangement)
- For last-minute bookings, a telephone confirmation is valid; written confirmation follows on arrival.

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## Location & Distances

Mas Santa Caterina is in Sobrestany, a hamlet of Torroella de Montgrí in the Baix Empordà, set at the foot of the Montgrí Massif between the Empordà plain and the Costa Brava coast.

| Destination | Distance |
|---|---|
| Montgrí Natural Park | 1 min (immediate access from property) |
| Torroella de Montgrí (market, bike rental) | ~15 min |
| L'Escala (beaches, restaurants, vet, anchovies) | ~10 min |
| Dog beach – Platja del Rec del Molí, L'Escala | ~10 min |
| Dog beaches – l'Estartit | ~15 min |
| Dog beaches – Bay of Roses (Empuriabrava–Roses) | ~30 min |
| Ruins of Empúries (Greek & Roman archaeology) | ~10 min |
| Estartit / Illes Medes marine reserve | ~20 min |
| Figueres / Dalí Theatre-Museum | ~30 min |
| Girona Airport (GRO) | ~40 min |
| Girona (medieval city, cathedral) | ~35 min |
| Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) | ~105 min |

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## Dog-Friendly Details

This is the property's signature feature. Mas Santa Caterina is genuinely set up for dogs — not just tolerant of them.

| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fenced garden | Fully enclosed, 1.8 m high secure fence |
| Dog fee | €0 — dogs stay free |
| Max dogs | 3 |
| Dog meadow | Large lawn around the pool inside the fenced garden — private off-lead dog meadow at the house |
| Dog beach (nearest) | Platja del Rec del Molí, L'Escala — 10 min drive (official year-round dog beach) |
| More dog beaches | Official dog beaches in l'Estartit (~15 min); Bay of Roses between Empuriabrava and Roses — long, sparsely built, dogs tolerated at many stretches |
| Hiking with dogs | Montgrí Massif trails start at the property gate; theoretical lead rule in the park is not enforced in practice — locals walk dogs off-lead |
| Dog walks nearby | Ter riverside path from Torroella de Montgrí (15 min, flat, shade); Fluvià from L'Armentera towards the sea (~20 min, flat, shade, water for dogs); Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park from El Cortalet (~30 min, dogs on lead only); Camí de Ronda Calella-Llafranc (~35 min, best autumn to spring). The Gola del Ter beach and La Pletera are protected areas where dogs are not allowed |
| Dog health tips | Pine processionary caterpillars mainly January-April; grass awns May-August; leishmaniasis (sand flies) roughly May-October - repellent collar or spot-on recommended. EU entry: pet passport, microchip, valid rabies vaccination |
| Dog-friendly restaurants | L'Horta (Bellcaire d'Empordà) — garden terrace; Ca la Nati (Albons) — dogs allowed on terrace AND indoors; many other terraces welcome dogs |
| Vet | l'Escala — ~10 min |
| Cool floors | Traditional Catalan tile ground floor — comfortable for dogs in summer heat |
| Outdoor shower | Outdoor rinse-off area — handy after the beach |
| Dog equipment | Dog blanket, food bowl and water bowl provided |

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## Activities & Surroundings

### Nature & Sport
- **Hiking** — Montgrí Massif trails begin at the property; routes from 1–4 hours through garrigue, rocky ridges, and past medieval watchtowers; panoramic views to the coast and Pyrenees; dogs can run free — the theoretical lead rule in the park is not enforced in practice
- **Cycling** — flat Empordà plain ideal for families; bike rental in Torroella de Montgrí (15 min); scenic Ter river path; e-bikes available for longer loops to Ullastret or L'Escala
- **Kayak & SUP** — L'Escala harbour, 15 min; rentals available; calm bay suitable for beginners and children from age 6
- **Beaches** — wide sandy beaches near L'Escala and sheltered coves towards Estartit, 10–20 min; lifeguards and water-sport rental in summer

### Food & Culture
- **Anchovies of L'Escala** — local specialty, salt-cured for centuries; salaó workshop tastings in the old town
- **Weekly markets** — Torroella de Montgrí: Monday morning; L'Escala: Sunday morning (Plaça de l'Univers / Passeig del Mar, no fixed opening time); summer evening craft markets along the promenade
- **DO Empordà wines** — bodegas near Garrigoles and Ullastret offer tastings; excellent whites, rosés, and reds
- **Restaurants** — dog-friendly options include L'Horta (Bellcaire d'Empordà, garden terrace) and Ca la Nati (Albons, dogs allowed on terrace and indoors); many other terraces in Torroella and L'Escala welcome dogs; Empordà cuisine: seafood rice, wild mushrooms, artisanal cheese

### Day Trips
- **Ruins of Empúries** (~10 min) — Greek and Roman city ruins on a beautiful bay; one of Spain's most remarkable archaeological sites
- **Illes Medes & Estartit** (~20 min) — protected marine reserve; snorkelling, diving, glass-bottom boat trips
- **Figueres & Dalí Theatre-Museum** (~30 min) — most visited museum in Spain; unmissable surrealist experience
- **Girona** (~35 min) — medieval walled city, Jewish quarter, cathedral, excellent restaurants; walk the famous walls
- **Cap de Creus** (~50 min) — easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula; wild, protected natural park with dramatic coves
- **The Pyrenees** (1.5–2 h) — Núria, Ripoll, or the Garrotxa volcanic zone; spectacular contrast to the coastal landscape

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**What amenities does the Barn have?**
The Barn sleeps 5, has 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped open kitchen, WiFi, BBQ, electric vehicle charging station, private pool, and a fully fenced garden — available year-round.

**Is the garden completely fenced?**
Yes. The private garden is fully enclosed with a 1.8 m high secure fence. Dogs and children can roam freely without supervision.

**Are dogs allowed?**
Yes. Up to 3 dogs are warmly welcome at no extra charge. Please mention your dogs when making the inquiry.

**Is there a dog beach nearby?**
Yes. The official dog beach Platja del Rec del Molí in L'Escala is just a 10-minute drive — dogs are welcome all year long.

**Where is the nearest veterinarian?**
The nearest veterinary clinic is in l'Escala, approximately 10 minutes by car.

**What is the minimum stay?**
Minimum stay depends on season: 3 nights (Winter), 4 nights (Spring/Early Summer), 6 nights (Summer/Christmas), 5 nights (Easter 2027). For shorter stays to fill gaps, please enquire directly.

**How far is Mas Santa Caterina from l'Escala?**
Approximately 10 minutes by car. The property is in Sobrestany, municipality of Torroella de Montgrí.

**What are the nightly rates?**
From €120/night (Winter) to €195/night (Summer). Long-stay discounts apply from 14 nights. Cleaning fee €80 per stay.

**Is there an EV charger?**
Yes, there is an electric vehicle charging station on the property.

**Is there a BBQ?**
Yes, a BBQ is available for guests.

**Can I hike directly from the property?**
Yes. Hiking trails into the Montgrí Massif begin right outside the gate. Dogs can run free — the theoretical lead requirement in the natural park is not enforced in practice; locals walk their dogs off-lead.

**Is there a dog meadow or off-lead area?**
Yes. The fully fenced garden with the large lawn around the pool serves as a private dog meadow — dogs move freely and safely without a lead, right at the house.

**What is the deposit?**
No deposit is required — as proof of identity, a symbolic bank transfer of €1 is requested at the time of booking. Cancellation is free until 8 weeks before arrival; 8 weeks before arrival, 30% of the rental price becomes due. The remainder is paid on arrival or as agreed.

**Can I book for a long winter stay?**
Yes. The Barn is available year-round and is well suited to long winter stays with heating included. Significant long-stay discounts apply: 20% off for 30+ nights, 25% for 60+ nights (the maximum). Heating, electricity and water are included.

**Are there discounts for long stays?**
Yes, on nights in the winter season: 8% for 14+ nights, 12% for 21+ nights, 20% for 30+ nights, 25% for 60+ nights (maximum).

**Who is the house right for as a place to spend the winter on the Costa Brava?**
Anyone with time in winter, whether on a sabbatical, working remotely, on parental leave or retired: this is one of its main winter uses. Long stays have a fixed price with heating, electricity and water included: a 30-night winter month comes to €104 per night, €3,120 in total, plus the one-off €80 clean. The whole house is heated and has two bedrooms, so it suits two to four people rather than a large family. L'Escala, ten minutes away, has shops, restaurants and the Centre Mèdic Riells for general medicine and emergency care; a German-speaking doctor's practice is in Empuriabrava, about 30 minutes away. English is spoken at the Centre Mèdic, L'Escala also has pharmacies, and the nearest hospitals are the Hospital de Palamós and the Josep Trueta university hospital in Girona, each about 35 km (40 minutes) away. The weekly market in Torroella de Montgrí is a quarter of an hour away and Girona airport 40 minutes. Three things to plan for: the setting is rural, so a car is necessary, the pool is closed in winter, and the bedrooms are upstairs, so the house is not step-free.

**When is the pool available?**
The pool is open from approximately early April to late October. In the shoulder seasons the water can be cooler, but the Costa Brava sun warms it up quickly. There is no active heating.

**Is bed linen and towels included?**
Yes, bed linen and towels are included in the rental price. Please bring your own beach towels.

**How do I book?**
Contact us at info@sobrestany.cat or use the inquiry form at https://www.sobrestany.cat/#contact — direct booking, no agency.

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## Languages
The website and owner communicate in: English, German (Deutsch), Spanish (Español), Catalan (Català), French (Français), Dutch (Nederlands).

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## Legal
- **Owner:** Oliver Strunk, Barri de Sobrestany 6, 17141 Torroella de Montgrí
- **Applicable law:** Spanish / Catalan law; jurisdiction: owner's place of residence
- Pets permitted only with prior written approval specifying breed and number
- Maximum occupancy strictly enforced
- Smoking not permitted indoors
- Tents and caravans not permitted on the property

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*Last updated: July 2026. For current availability and pricing, visit https://www.sobrestany.cat or email info@sobrestany.cat*