The North coast of Spain – for the traveller used to the arid landscape of Andalucía – is a complete surprise. One small part of this green and varied Costa Brava coastline in Catalunya holds a delightful secret. Take a glass bottomed boat out from the resort of L´Estartit and discover underwater sea life and a little known paradise…the islands known as Les Medes.
Come on…dive in!
Flying in
Got your wet-suit and diving mask packed up? Then grab a flight to Girona Airport and take a hire car or a shuttle to the resort of L´Estartit, just 45 mins away or less than 2 hours from Barcelona.
You´re also only an hour or so from France, that´s the beauty of the North coast of Spain, whatever province you choose, the ease of getting there by train or car, boat or plane - the choice is yours!
The coastline and the Islas Medes
Las Islas Bonitas
Las Islas Medes, 7 different rocky islands, just 1 mile off the coast of L´Estartit and accessible by the locally chartered glass bottomed boats. They are individually known as:
- Tascó Gras
- Tascó Petit
- Ferrenelles
- Meda Gran
- Meda Petita
- Medallot
- Carall Bernat
View of the Islands offshore
Treasure Islands!
Inhabited until 1934, the Islands have seen much history, and were the chosen base for Pirates for years as they provided the perfect base for raids…as they were also the perfect base for lookouts – all those shipwrecks! From the middle ages through to the 19th century they were of extreme strategic importance.
Look down! - glass bottomed boat
A good Charter
Not a boat this time, but the the Carta de Tossa. What is it? It was made in 1998, after much lobbying by the environmentalists. It was then signed by all of the coastal towns of the Costa Brava to bestow environmental protection to the area but also importantly to work alongside Tourism and Culture.
So rather than closing off areas which require protection, to allow monitored visits, and to perpetually care for these areas and thus ensure their longevity. Which is of course just exactly how it should work, and a new awareness of the natural landscape and it´s latter day treasure emerged.
A first for Spain
So the 1st Maritime Nature Reserve was born in the Medes Islands. A first for Spain.
Today you can follow the seagulls – las Gaviotas – out by glass bottomed boat and see for yourself the exquisite Flora and Fauna of this area. Watch the sea life, brightly coloured fish and various species of protected corals through the visible bottom of the boat and if you want more, dive into one of the many Dive Schools on the coast for a full or a half day exploring the underworld…
Another world beneath the sea
PADI
The diving schools in the area offer official PADI courses – internationally recognized, and offer you the chance to try something different on holiday. Dives are available from 10 or 15 metres deep for beginners right through to 50 metres for the more experienced diver.
Warm, clear and pleasant waters combined with fish that swim right up to you - this protected area is really an experience in itself…
A couple of Dive Schools that will be happy to offer you advice are:
La Sirena Tel: +34 972 750954
Calypso Tel: +34 972 751488
Les Illes Tel: +34 972 751239
All of these are located in L´Estartit but there are heaps more, all along this lovely coastline in such areas as Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Cadaqués etc. Worth noting is La Sirena is also Handicap Diver Accessible.
Remember the underwater camera!
Back on Terra Firma
L´Estartit itself is ideal for a family holiday, and the 4km stretch of golden sand makes for pleasant days sunbathing and playing with the kids – a proper bucket and spade holiday!
In addition to the wonderful diving, if you´re feeling more active then enjoy pastimes such as:
- Water ski-ing
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Horse riding
If that´s not enough, there are no less than 10 championship Golf courses around the area, what more could you ask for?
L´Estartit is built around the lovely marina, strewn with yachts and bobbing boats. The jet set mingle with the colourful fishing fleets – which bring in a daily bounty of fresh seafood. If you´re self catering, get down there early and choose from the wonderful choice…
if you would rather someone else did the cooking, then why not enjoy one of the many local fish dishes sitting in an outside restaurant, the sun and the Roca Maura Mountain at your back, surrounded by the local shops, bars and restaurants. Not a bad way to pass a few hours! Wander around the little shops after lunch, local crafts, such as pottery and leather goods, the weekly markets are also good for some bargain buys!
Little floured and fried anchovies - yum!
Further afield
Stay in L´Estartit, choose from one of these lovely holiday rentals in the area. Explore the town, try the activities, enjoy new experiences. venture further, even a short 3km stroll will take you to the inland villages of Torre Vella and Torre Gran. Back to Girona 45 minutes drive away and remember it´s not just for the airport! Read a little more about Girona here.
If you want more wildlife then take a trip to Aiguamolls de L´Emporda and the wildfowl reserve there. Take advantage of the 7 hides and tower provided to see if you can spot all of the 327 different species there. The hides are all connected by a track which is again wheelchair accessible. Given National Park status back in the 1980´s after another campaign to save the area of marshland from development – they sure are good at people power up here!
So, pack that wet-suit, waterproof camera and binoculars as well as the bikini for an unforgettable holiday discovering L´Estartit and it´s astonishing Islands, one thing is guaranteed, you´ll be back!
You won´t have to wander far to discover Catalan Charm – it´s in bucket-loads on the Costa Brava!
Flickr credits for this post go to: mahatsorri/SantiMB ./ksmichel/Txanny/David Domingo/Travelling Runes
