In the heart of the Costa Brava, just over a nautical mile from the coast of L'Estartit, a small archipelago emerges that constitutes one of Europe's greatest natural treasures. The Medes Islands are not simply an iconic landscape: they are the most important marine flora and fauna reserve in the western Mediterranean, a sanctuary where underwater life bursts into a spectacle of shapes and colors that leaves you speechless.
Its true magic, however, cannot be captured from a distance. It is discovered from the water, in an intimate and personalized experience, far from the tourist crowds. Aboard a private charter, this paradise reveals itself in all its splendor, offering an authentic connection with nature that endures in your memory long after returning to port.
From Pirate Refuge to Biodiversity Sanctuary
The history of the Medas is as fascinating as their seabed. During the Middle Ages, their strategic position and numerous caves made them the perfect refuge for pirates and corsairs who ravaged the Empordà coast.
They later acquired a military function, with a permanent garrison until the 19th century, and their lighthouse, built in 1866, has guided generations of sailors. The milestone that changed their destiny forever came in 1983, with their protection by the Parliament of Catalonia, culminating in the declaration as a Marine Reserve in 1990. This visionary decision transformed an ecosystem suffering from overfishing into a worldwide example of environmental recovery.
"The Medes Islands demonstrate that when humans stop putting pressure on an ecosystem, nature has an extraordinary capacity for recovery. Today, their waters harbor a density of underwater life comparable to that of a tropical reef."
The Explosion of Underwater Life
Diving into the Medas, even snorkeling from the surface, is like stepping into a live nature documentary. The clarity of their waters and the abundance of marine life concentrated here are overwhelming for any visitor.
The Gentle Giants: Groupers
If there is an emperor of the Medas, it is the grouper (Epinephelus marginatus). Thanks to decades of protection, they have grown to impressive sizes and have lost their fear of humans. Swimming alongside specimens weighing over 20 kilos is an unforgettable encounter.
The Forest of Colors: Gorgonians and Coral
The underwater walls are carpeted by a vibrant forest of red gorgonians (Paramuricea clavata) that sway with the currents. In the shadier areas, the prized red coral (Corallium rubrum) is a bioindicator of the exceptional quality of these waters.
The Lung of the Mediterranean: Posidonia
The sandy bottom between the islands and the coast is covered by extensive meadows of Posidonia oceanica, a marine plant that oxygenates the water and acts as a "nursery" for hundreds of species.
Special Visitors: Bottlenose Dolphins
The populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from northern Catalonia make regular appearances around the Medas, attracted by the abundant food the reserve offers.
Sailing the Medas: Exclusivity and Respect
Access to the natural park is strictly regulated to guarantee its conservation. The most important regulation for recreational navigation is the total ban on free anchoring. Mooring to the eco-buoys installed around the islets is mandatory.
Essential Reserve Regulations
Free anchoring, fishing, and walking on the islets are prohibited. The maximum navigation speed within the reserve is 3 knots. Mooring is exclusively on the park's eco-buoys, at an approximate cost of €8 to €12 per half-day depending on the boat's length. Swimming and snorkeling are permitted in designated areas.
Aboard a private charter with Bràvola, these regulations become an advantage. Our expert skipper handles all permits and selects the best mooring spots.
Beyond Snorkeling: The Montgrí Coast
The Bràvola experience doesn't end at the Medas. Their proximity to the coast of the Montgrí Massif allows combining the reserve visit with a tour along a wild coastline full of limestone cliffs. Discovering coves inaccessible on foot such as Cala Pedrosa or Cala Ferriol from the water is a privilege only sailors can enjoy.
The highlight of this route is the impressive Roca Foradada, a limestone formation that the sea has perforated to create a natural arch of spectacular dimensions.
The Best Time to Visit the Medas
The Medas can be visited all year round, but each season offers a different experience.
| Season | Water Temperature | Visibility | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | 16–20 °C | Very high | Snorkeling, fewer crowds, blooming flora |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | 24–27 °C | High | Families, swimming, peak marine activity |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 20–24 °C | Excellent | Diving, very active fauna, mild weather |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | 13–16 °C | Crystal clear | Advanced diving, solitary and magical landscape |
More Than an Excursion, a Legacy
Visiting the Medes Islands is a privilege that carries a responsibility. It means understanding the fragility of our sea and the importance of protecting it.
At Bràvola, we don't simply offer a boat ride. We offer a gateway to the soul of the Costa Brava, a conscious, exclusive, and memorable experience that will connect you forever with the most precious jewel of our coastline.
Organize Your Private Expedition to the Medes Islands
Dive into the jewel of the Costa Brava. Our expert skipper will accompany you on an unforgettable snorkeling and sailing experience, with everything you need on board.