Medes Islands: a natural paradise off the Costa Brava
The Medes Islands, an archipelago located off L’Estartit on the Costa Brava, consist of 7 islets that have been uninhabited since 1934. Since 2010, they have formed a Protected National Natural Park, whose mission is to protect and restore the environment and the Mediterranean ecosystem.
The protected jewel of the Western Mediterranean
Only one nautical mile (about 1.85 km) from the coast of L’Estartit, the Medes Islands archipelago is one of the most beautiful marine reserves in Catalonia. This natural sanctuary is framed by an ambitious conservation policy that has borne fruit for several decades.
An archipelago protected since 1990
The Medes Islands archipelago covers 21.5 hectares of land area, consisting of seven islets and rocks that emerge from the waters of the Mediterranean. Uninhabited for several decades, these islands have only one construction: the Meda Gran lighthouse, built in 1868, which continues to watch over sailors. The protection of this territory began in the 1980s with the ban on fishing, a measure put in place to allow the regeneration of the seabed. In 1990, the area was officially classified as a protected marine reserve. This recognition was strengthened in 2010 with the creation of the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Protected National Natural Park.
Exceptional marine biodiversity
Conservation efforts have allowed a spectacular recovery of the richness of the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Today, the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park is home to 38 different natural habitats, 17 of which are of community interest and 4 are classified as priority for species conservation. The park’s protected waters have seen the return of emblematic species such as rays, red coral and Posidonia, essential for the balance of the Mediterranean ecosystem. This biological rebirth now makes the archipelago one of the best marine reserves in the Western Mediterranean: it attracts thousands of nature and diving enthusiasts from the Costa Brava every year.
A paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts
The Medes Islands are often described as a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. The clarity of the waters allows for underwater life observation up to nearly 30 meters. Diving conditions are ideal, with generally calm waters and sites suitable for all levels. The underwater landscapes are as varied as they are exceptional: explorers are generally attracted by the caves (Cova del Llobos Marí, Cova de la Vaca), the rocks (El Carall Bernat) and shipwrecks (Vaixell del Burro).
Accessible in only 10 to 15 minutes by boat from L’Estartit, the Medes Islands are the perfect spot for divers. The town is home to many diving centers, where it is possible to start, improve or participate in guided explorations. The best period for diving extends from May to October, when water temperatures oscillate between 18 and 24°C, to fully enjoy the experience.
In addition to diving, other activities are possible off the Medes Islands for nature lovers. Snorkeling allows for marine life observation without heavy equipment, kayaking allows for coastal exploration, and at low tide, it is possible to walk to the main island, Meda Gran, for a hike between land and sea. To discover the Medes Islands during your next vacation, do not hesitate to contact our real estate agency in Empuriabrava.
Boat excursions from L’Estartit
L’Estartit is a good starting point to set out and discover the Medes Islands. Near the Montgrí massif, this seaside resort in Catalonia allows you to enjoy a remarkable natural setting.
Glass-bottom boat excursions
Several local companies organize sea trips on board boats equipped with transparent glass bottoms: you can admire the seabed without needing to dive. During the crossing, you will sail along the Montgrí coast before reaching the archipelago. Guides generally comment on the route to let you discover the underwater flora and fauna and other curiosities visible from the boat. Since the Medes Islands have no port, no developed beaches, nor any construction other than the Meda Gran lighthouse, humans can only contemplate this natural sanctuary from the sea.
Espai Medes
Before boarding, visit Espai Medes, the exhibition center led by Toni Roviras. This marine interpretation center of the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park offers a pedagogical approach to the seabed through interactive devices. You will discover the history of the archipelago, the species that inhabit its waters, as well as the protection measures put in place to preserve the natural park. By visiting Espais Medes, you will be ready to go out for field observation.
Responsible tourism as opposed to mass tourism
This way of discovering the Medes Islands is a way to promote a more respectful tourism that preserves the environment rather than exploiting it. Unlike other saturated tourist destinations, L’Estartit and its archipelago manage to maintain a balance between tourism and heritage preservation. Protected for the conservation of underwater flora and fauna since 1990, and declared a Protected National Natural Park in 2010, the Medes Islands now attract a clientele looking for destinations where nature remains sovereign. For those considering buying a house on the Costa Brava or looking for an apartment for sale in Empuriabrava to invest in a second home on the Costa Brava, do not hesitate to consult our offers.