A day in the wild – the Medes islands
As part of your stay in Lloret de Mar, why not discover one of the most beautiful underwater nature reserves in the Mediterranean? Leave the tourist centres behind and recharge your batteries in a stunning natural environment!
By boat or underwater: the Medes Islands will take your breath away.
The Medes Islands, the best nature reserve in the western Mediterranean.
The Medes Islands (“illes Medes” in Catalan, “Islas Medes” in Castilian) are off the coast of the resort of L’Estartit. Who would have thought that only a stone’s throw from this very touristy town on the Costa Brava, there is a hidden nature reserve? But yes, there is…
These seven small reefs were classed as a nature reserve in 1983 and now cover 23 hectares. Today they form one of the largest underwater flora and fauna reserves of the Mediterranean. This underwater paradise is only 10 minutes away by boat.
Not only do the islands form a beautiful natural landscape, they are also rich in history. As they occupy a strategic position in the Mediterranean they have been the subject of disputes. When we say disputes, we mean battles… This is why even now you can see the remnants of fortifications. These were built during the Renaissance with the purpose of protecting the Costa Brava from pirate attacks. Over time, as a result of the wars that shook the history of Spain, the islands changed hands several times between the English, French and Spanish. Today, they are unoccupied.
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Explore the underwater depths of the Medes Islands.
Above all, the Medes Islands are the perfect place for diving on the Costa Brava. If you are keen on new experiences the islands are an unmissable part of your holiday! Underwater you will discover a timeless marine universe made up of caves and tunnels but also shipwrecks. Observe a very varied flora as well as 600 different types of animals.
Diving fans are well served by one of the 12 diving centres in L’Estartit that offer various types of excursions depending on what you are looking for and the level you have reached. You can hire diving equipment, make your first dive or just go on an excursion. You are bound to find what you are looking for!
Would you like to visit the Medes Islands without getting wet? You can! From L’Estarit there are various boat trips to the islands. They have glass bottoms so you can observe the rich underwater wildlife without having to dive.
Directions from Lloret de Mar to the Medes Islands
By car: the drive from Lloret de Mar takes one hour. Follow signs for Vidreres followed by Palamos and Torroella de Montgri. From Torroella, follow the signs for L’Estartit.
At L’Estartit, choose from one of the boat trips that are advertised.