The Medes Islands, cliffs and beaches
Coastline
Islands, cliffs and beaches
The coast within the Natural Park has a highly diverse geomorphology. Capes, cliffs, coves, bays, islets, arches and caves make up a landscape of exceptional beauty. The Medes Islands, a one-time spiritual, military and pirate refuge, are today a top-tier protected area with an exceptional seabed.
Cliffs, beaches and dune systems, all extremely well conserved
From Cala Montgó to Cap de la Barra, an imposing 10 km of rocky shoreline rise to cliffs reaching almost 100 m high that hide beautiful coves below. This stretch is considered Catalonia's best example of high rocky, calcareous coast. From L'Estartit to Pals, the coastal landscape changes completely, with 6 km of natural beaches that make up one of the most extensive and well-preserved dune systems in the country, the breeding ground for fascinating yet highly vulnerable species, such as the Kentish plover.
An unique archipelago in Catalonia, populated by seagulls
The small archipelago of the Medes, 21.5 hectares in size, consists of seven islets and a number of reefs. The cliffs, riddled with caves and underwater tunnels, plunge into the sea up to some 50 meters deep. This unique landscape in Catalonia stands out for its numerous environments and species. On land, the old lighthouse of 1868 (now renovated and modernised) coexists with silver gulls, herons, the European shag, the peregrine falcon and the common swift.
A seabed of exceptional ecological value
The archipelago is one of the best marine flora and fauna reserves in the western Mediterranean. The Posidonia meadows are among the best preserved on the Catalan coast. Starting at 15 meters deep are coral reefs, violescent sea-whips and red coral, which are very sensitive to human impact. This seabed is inhabited by fish such as the dusky grouper, the eagle ray, croakers, sea breams and gilt heads, and predators such as the Mediterranean barracuda and bluefin tuna. From time to time, bottlenose dolphins can be spotted, attracted by the abundance of food.
Cliffs, beaches and dune systems, all extremely well conserved
From Cala Montgó to Cap de la Barra, an imposing 10 km of rocky shoreline rise to cliffs reaching almost 100 m high that hide beautiful coves below. This stretch is considered Catalonia's best example of high rocky, calcareous coast. From L'Estartit to Pals, the coastal landscape changes completely, with 6 km of natural beaches that make up one of the most extensive and well-preserved dune systems in the country, the breeding ground for fascinating yet highly vulnerable species, such as the Kentish plover.
An unique archipelago in Catalonia, populated by seagulls
The small archipelago of the Medes, 21.5 hectares in size, consists of seven islets and a number of reefs. The cliffs, riddled with caves and underwater tunnels, plunge into the sea up to some 50 meters deep. This unique landscape in Catalonia stands out for its numerous environments and species. On land, the old lighthouse of 1868 (now renovated and modernised) coexists with silver gulls, herons, the European shag, the peregrine falcon and the common swift.
A seabed of exceptional ecological value
The archipelago is one of the best marine flora and fauna reserves in the western Mediterranean. The Posidonia meadows are among the best preserved on the Catalan coast. Starting at 15 meters deep are coral reefs, violescent sea-whips and red coral, which are very sensitive to human impact. This seabed is inhabited by fish such as the dusky grouper, the eagle ray, croakers, sea breams and gilt heads, and predators such as the Mediterranean barracuda and bluefin tuna. From time to time, bottlenose dolphins can be spotted, attracted by the abundance of food.
The Natural Park, a jewel of the Costa Brava, stands as a strategic enclave between imposing mountains, golden beaches and the tranquility of the Ter River. Its unique location offers an exceptional experience, merging the diversity of landscapes in a picturesque and memorable setting.
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