If there is one iconic image of the coastline of the Montgrí massif beyond the famous Medes Islands, it is undoubtedly La Foradada. This striking natural stone tunnel, sitting on the border between the municipalities of L'Escala and Torroella de Montgrí (L'Estartit), is not just a scenic curiosity — it is an open book on the geological history of the Costa Brava.
La Foradada hides secrets that make it unique: it can be sailed through by small boats, it is intimately linked to the formation of the Medes Islands, and it shelters a rich underwater life on its walls. Join us to discover this jewel of our coast.
A tunnel carved by nature
Located at cap Castell, La Foradada is a natural tunnel about 60 metres long that pierces the rock from one side to the other. Sailing from the east, this majestic opening reveals the magnificent Morisca gulf.
Its most attractive feature for sailors is its size. Unlike other smaller caves, La Foradada allows the passage of small and medium boats up to about 10 or 11 metres, depending on beam and height. Sailing through this tunnel by boat is an almost mystical experience: the engine echoing against the stone walls, the sudden shift of light and the dark water beneath the keel create an unforgettable moment of connection with the power of nature.
"This natural tunnel of about 60 metres crosses cap Castell and, when approached from the east, opens the gates to the magnificent gulf of la Morisca, lying between the municipalities of L'Escala and Torroella de Montgrí."
Limestone geology: the secret of the Montgrí caves
To understand how La Foradada was formed, we have to look at the skeleton of the mountain. The Montgrí massif is, geologically speaking, a large island of limestone rock that acts as a natural border between the Alt and Baix Empordà. Limestone has one essential trait: it is soluble in water, especially when slightly acidic from dissolved carbon dioxide.
Over millennia, rainwater has infiltrated the cracks in the rock, slowly dissolving it and creating a spectacular karst landscape. Erosion has formed underground aquifers, sinkholes and, along the coast, has sculpted the cliffs into caves and tunnels. La Foradada is the most visible example of this coastal erosion process.
- A rugged, arid coast: Because limestone is so porous, rainwater is not retained on the surface but drains quickly underground. This makes the cliffs dry, abrupt and almost barren of vegetation at sea level.
- A paradise of caves and openings: The same erosion that dries the surface is responsible for the maze of underwater and land caves that defines the coast of the massif and the Medes Islands.
The Medes Islands, in fact, are the exact geological continuation of the Montgrí massif. Thousands of years ago they were joined to the mainland and share the same porous, cavity-filled limestone.
An oasis of underwater life
The hollowed nature of the limestone has a direct and wonderful impact on the area's biodiversity. Caves, crevices and tunnels such as La Foradada act as perfect refuges for a wide variety of marine species.
The interior of La Foradada, with a maximum depth of 10 to 12 metres, offers a very accessible and beautiful dive. The cave is split in two levels and the incoming light creates spectacular visual effects.
On the cave walls and the surrounding crevices, life thrives. You will easily find:
- Crustaceans: lobsters and crabs hiding in the small cavities of the stone.
- Coralligenous communities and gorgonians: the shaded walls of the caves are the ideal habitat for these filter feeders that fill the seabed with colour.
- Rock fish: groupers, sea breams and other species that find in this rugged terrain the perfect place to hunt and shelter.
This wealth is the same that made the Medes Islands world-famous. The protection of the Natural Reserve has allowed these rocky ecosystems to recover and now display extraordinary biodiversity.
How to visit La Foradada?
La Foradada is completely inaccessible by land. The sheer cliffs of cap Castell offer no path or trail leading to it, and the limestone coast is too vertical and dangerous to approach on foot. The only way to see it, sail through it and enjoy everything it hides is from the sea.
That is why our private charters are the ideal gateway to this natural wonder. Aboard our boats, designed to sail the Montgrí coast, we take you to La Foradada for an experience that goes far beyond a simple visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can you reach La Foradada on foot?
No. La Foradada is completely inaccessible by land. The cliffs of cap Castell offer no path or trail. The only way to visit it is from the sea, by boat.
Which boats can pass through La Foradada?
Boats up to 10–11 metres in length, depending on beam and height.
Where exactly is La Foradada?
At cap Castell, between the municipalities of L'Escala and Torroella de Montgrí (L'Estartit), in the Montgrí massif, Costa Brava.
Why is there so much marine life at La Foradada?
The limestone rock of the Montgrí is very porous and creates a network of caves and crevices that act as a perfect refuge for lobsters, crabs, gorgonians and rock fish.
Discover La Foradada from the sea
The only way to cross this natural tunnel is aboard. Book a private charter from L'Estartit and live the experience.