Medes Islands

The Medes Islands are a small archipelago off the Costa Brava coast of Catalonia near the town of L’Estartit, province of Girona, Spain. The group consists of several rocky islets that form one of the region’s most important coastal marine habitats.

The islets are notable for clear waters and rich marine biodiversity, which led to formal protection and the creation of a marine reserve. The islands are a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with dive operators running frequent trips from L’Estartit to established underwater sites.

The largest islet, Meda Gran, and the smaller Meda Petita are the principal above-water features; many of the other rocks are home to seabird colonies. Access to the islands themselves is restricted in places to protect habitats, so most visitors explore the area via boat or by diving around the islets.

The archipelago lies just off the coast near L’Estartit, typically reached by short boat rides from that town on the Costa Brava.

• Marine protection: Many of the islets are part of a marine reserve established to protect underwater habitats, so landing and fishing are restricted in much of the area.
• Access from L'Estartit: Regular boat trips and dive operators run from the nearby town of L'Estartit to established dive sites around the islands; visibility and marine life make the area popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

What to See #

• Meda Gran: The largest islet, Meda Gran, is the archipelago's main rock and focal point for underwater biodiversity; boat tours commonly anchor off its shores for dives.
• Meda Petita and smaller islets: Meda Petita and the smaller rocky outcrops form the remainder of the group and provide habitat for seabirds and coastal marine life; landing is limited on many islets to protect the reserve.