The Seabed prettiest Costa Brava: The Illes Medes

The small archipelago of the Medes (21.5 ha ), composed of seven islets and a reef, located about a mile short of the Empordà coast Montgrí massif, which is part of the geologically-is an area of ​​extraordinary biological and ecological value for the variety of species and environments. Of great scientific interest, is set in a beautiful landscape, unique in Catalonia.

The vegetation and terrestrial wildlife are especially worthy of study, but what determines the exceptional value of the Medes in the Mediterranean is its marine environment. The proximity of the coast and the mouth of the river Ter provide organic matter, and the influence of north winds and currents favor the entry of water from the bottom at the same time enrich it with organic inputs including the Rhone. In addition, this marine area is characterized by different depths in the background and a different composition, sandy or rocky and karst formation with large cavities and tunnels, emphasizing the wide variety of environments and species found in them ( 1345 marine taxa identified in plant and animal groups studied).

In this area there are many water activities, among which the diving and sailing, as well as boat tours, some of which offer the possibility to visualize the ocean floor with a floor and bottom of the boat with transparent windows.

Currently the Medes Islands is the largest marine national park in Catalonia and one of the most important of the Mediterranean. In L'Estartit, the main port from where you can get to the Illes Medes, rent apartments in the Costa Brava to enjoy your holiday in a unique area.

L'Estartit

Currently considered a suburb of L'Estartit 3571 inhabitants (year 2009) and is currently in the area of ​​the population that generates 60% of the resources of the people through tourism. It is just over a kilometer of the Medes Islands archipelago so dive tourism is a source of tourism income and very important for most of the year.

In the back of the peak population is the birthplace of the Roca Maura Montgrí Massif and runs up to 8 km inland, the region separating the solid in the Alt Empordà and Baix Emporda. In the area of ​​Estartit can make walking tours that start with a large rise from just 5 minutes from downtown.

It is a town situated in an ideal environment with a large sandy beach with good access and a large free parking area on the beach, the water is shallow making it an ideal environment for children. On its south is the mouth of the river ter of the population is separated by a zone of aiguamolls

The Montgrí

The massif of Montgrí calcareous nature, has a total area protected by the PEIN of 3768.10 ha. Besides its natural beauty, highlighted by the rich cultural and historical heritage preserved example of which are Montgrí Castle (which can go up in 3 hours camindando), prehistoric caves and the shrine of Santa Caterina.

It is a mountainous area that has good signage for hiking and excursions in bicicleta.Asimismo, visitors can carry out interesting activities: guided tours and themed tours, reconstruction activities, bird watching, reforestation, labor camps, reconstruction of cottages,.

This is a very deforested region, occupied mainly by pine trees which reach the sea, and holm oak thickets. Among the areas of vegetation is predominantly rocky areas interspersed are crags, caves and cliffs. The pine, which is the dominant tree, coexists with Kermes oak, gorse, jaguarzo white, black jaguarzo and rosemary. In the maritime area, the beaches are rocky environments very steep but beautiful, like Cala Cala Pedrosa or Ferriola.

In regard to wildlife included the presence of a large number of birds of prey such as eagle, peregrine falcon, the harrier hawk, the kestrel, short-toed eagle, sparrow hawks and goshawks. Other birds are the typical characteristics of rock environments, such as the blue rock thrush or sparrow.

You can rent an apartment on the Costa Brava near the characteristic mass of the Empordà.