Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park

Montgrí, Medes Islands and Lower Ter Natural Park is in Costa Brava, Catalonia. There are 3 main visiting areas: The Montgri Mountains between L'Escala at the north side and L'Estartit and Torroella de Montgrí at the south. In this area main activities are trekking and MTB. The sea is at the east but is mainly cliffs with just 2 o 3 beaches of difficult access by land. There is a path (Camí de Ronda) along the cliffs which is a must see for trekkers. The Medes islands and all the coast of Montgri mountains, a paradise for scuba divers and sailing The wetlands between L'Estartit and the mouth of the Ter river, were walking and birdwatching are main activities. Also sunbathing and beach sports on the long sandy beaches in the area. == Understand == Baix Ter Natural Park straddles the counties of Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà and occupies 8,192.19 hectares. It protects both terrestrial and marine areas (2,037 ha). The natural park includes two partial natural reserves, one marine in the Medes Islands and one terrestrial in the Baix Ter; a comprehensive natural reserve in the emerged area of the Medes Islands due to its high value; a peripheral area of the partial marine natural reserve, and an area of protection for agricultural areas. === Visitor information === Official park website : Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park (in Spanish and Catalan, some guides in English and French) Park website from local council: Parc natural del Montgri Medes Baix Ter , with an English option. Visitor centres: 1 Tourist & Park Office l'Estartit (oficina d'atenció al públic i de gestió del parc), Passeig del Port, s/n (Espigó de Llevant),l'Estartit, ☏ +34 972 75 17 01, pnmmbt@gencat.cat. (updated Nov 2025) 2 Mediterranean Museum and park information point, C/ Ullà, 27-31,Torroella de Montgrí, ☏ +34 972 75 51 80, info@museudelamediterrania.org. (updated Nov 2025) 3 L'Escala Tourist Office, Plaça de les Escoles, 1. L´Escala, ☏ +34972770603, turisme@lescala.cat. (updated Nov 2025) === History === The Medes Islands have been known to scientists studying the coastal seabed for many years, but it was not until the early 1980s that the Institute of Catalan Studies commissioned a collective study on the natural systems of the Medes Islands, which provided a major boost to consolidate the protection work for the conservation of their natural and cultural heritage. At the end of 1969, the Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities launched a project to propose the creation of an underwater park on the islands. It was not until 1992 that the protection of Montgrí, the surface part of the Medes Islands and part of the wetlands of Baix Empordà became effective. In 2001, the meeting of the Barcelona Convention approved including the seabed of the Medes Islands in the initial list of specially protected areas of importance for the Mediterranean (ZEPIM), due to the existence of unique species with high ecological value, both animal and plant. In 2006, the three areas of the PEIN of Montgrí, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter were unified, expanding several areas such as the marine area of Montgrí, the Bol Roig area in l'Escala, the Ter river and the area of the old Radio Liberty facilities in Pals. === Landscape === It is practically impossible to write about the landscape of these spaces without making explicit reference to their Empordà context. The small region of Baix Empordà, Empordanet, which Josep Pla described in his work El meu país, contains as an obligatory reference the Montgrí massif, an imposing image that recalls the figure of a sleeping and lying bishop who seems to want to check the temperature of the Mediterranean waters with the tips of his toes. Pla described the Montgrí castle as the "button of the wheel of Empordà" and the "stone flower of the country" and wrote praises dedicated to the castle in the work De l'Empordanet a Perpinyà: "The people of Empordà, whatever our place of residence, have the Montgrí castle before our eyes all our lives. We only have to open a window or take four steps for it to appear to us. And the curious thing is that the more we look at it, the more we like it. We never tire of looking at it. And when we are outside the country we carry it in our most intimate, personal and silent memory”. This small territory encompasses a good representation of almost all the most precious Mediterranean landscapes from the underwater depths to the coves and from the coves to the peaks perfumed with the scent of thyme and rosemary. The landscape value of this area is mainly characterized by its great heterogeneity, its uniqueness and the set of geological, meteorological and human factors, which have shaped its physical and natural environment with characteristic plant and animal communities. The Montgrí Natural Interest Area configures a unique relief unit dominated by a plateau with small elevations, located between the low plain of the Ter and the Gulf of Roses. The highest peaks are those located in the southwest, mainly Montplà (310 m), Muntanya d'Ullà (307 m) and Montgrí (303 m). The coastal strip extends for almost 10 km between Cap de la Barra and Cala Montgó, and is the only example in Catalonia of exceptional cliffs of almost 100 m high and of limestone origin. The geomorphology of the coast is very diverse, and gives rise to different features such as capes, coves, bays, islets, arches or caves, which together constitute a landscape of exceptional beauty, which has been shaped above all by the action of the sea. Another particular landscape factor is the existence of a continental dune on the eastern side of the massif, formed mainly by the action of the north winds that have brought large quantities of sand from Alt Empordà over the years. The small archipelago of the Medes, with a surface area of 21.5 ha, is formed by seven islets and some reefs, and constitutes a landscape of great beauty unique in Catalonia, due to the large number of environments and species found there. What determines the exceptional value of the Medes in the Mediterranean is its marine environment, where we find landscapes of undoubted value such as vertical walls with coralligenous communities, posidonia meadows, shallow seabeds dominated by algae and the caves and tunnels excavated over the years by natural phenomena. The islands have a very pronounced asymmetry between the east and west ends. While on the eastern slope we find cliffs cut vertically that penetrate the seabed in the same way up to about 50 m deep, the western has gentler slopes, which facilitate more comfortable accessibility to the island. === Flora and fauna === The Montgrí, Medes Islands and Lower Ter Natural Park, located on the Costa Brava, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity that spans rugged limestone mountains, fertile wetlands, and a rich marine ecosystem. Terrestrial flora is marked by Mediterranean scrubland, xerophilous plants, and rocky endemics thriving despite harsh winds, salinity, and karstic soils of the Montgrí Massif. The Medes Islands feature specialized nitrophilous herbs adapted to the nutrient-rich seabird colonies and support rare, localized plant communities. Fauna within the park is equally diverse. The terrestrial habitats host a wealth of birds, with 189 species recorded, including seabirds, raptors such as peregrine falcons, shags, and colonies of herons and egrets. The Baix Ter wetlands further augment avian diversity, serving as a crucial stopover for migratory species. Marine environments are the park’s crown jewel. Extensive Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds, red coral communities, and rocky reefs provide refuge for over 200 fish species, including groupers, sea breams, wrasses, barracudas, rays, moray eels, and octopus. The marine reserve status has made these waters a global diving destination due to the abundance and size of protected fish populations. Dolphins, especially bottlenose and striped species, are also frequent visitors in these productive waters. Overall, the park’s mosaic of Mediterranean landscapes supports unique and fragile habitats, making it a vital sanctuary for both terrestrial and marine life. === Climate === The climate in Montgrí, Medes Islands and Lower Ter Natural Park is distinctively Mediterranean, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Average temperatures range from around 6–12°C in January, with highs reaching 25–26°C in July and August. Winters offer moderate rainfall, while summer months are notably dry, with minimal precipitation and plenty of sunshine; July and August average less than 20 mm of rain and over 11 hours of sun per day. Humidity remains relatively constant, hovering around 70–75% throughout the year. Coastal winds and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea moderate extreme temperatures, especially in summer, keeping nights comfortably cool compared to inland areas. Spring and autumn are marked by variable weather, with increased chances of rainfall—October being the wettest month, often exceeding 90 mm. These seasonal patterns sustain the park’s marshes, river habitats, and lush vegetation, while also supporting the unique flora of the limestone massif and sand dunes. Overall, the climate offers optimal conditions for diverse outdoor activities year-round and plays a crucial role in the park’s biodiversity, shaping both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. == Get in == === By plane === Barcelona El Prat Airport BCN IATA is around 100 km (62 mi) from the park Girona-Costa Brava Airport GRO IATA is around 50 km (31 mi) from the park Perpignan–Rivesaltes PGF IATA, in France, is around 100 km (62 mi) from the park. === By train === The closest stations are Camallera and Flaçà 25-30 km away, depending on the park area you want to access. It is also possible to go with high-speed train to Girona and then taking a bus from Girona station to l'Escala, or l'Estartit. Girona is around 50 km from the park. === By bus === Sarfa -Moventis has bus service from Barcelona to L'Escala, Torroella de Montgrí and L'Estartit. AMPSA has a bus service from Girona. 1 l'Escala bus station (Estació d'autobusos de l'Escala), Plaça de les Escoles, l'Escala, sarfa@sarfa.es. (updated Nov 2025) 2 Torroella de Montgrí bus station (Estació d'Autobusos de Torroella de Montgrí), Carretera de l'Estartit, 46. (updated Nov 2025) === By car === Roads around the park The GI-632 from L'Escala until C-31 . The GI-641 from L'Estartit until C-31 in Torroella de Montgri. From Barcelona Take exit 5 of the AP-7 to Orriols (20 km from l'Escala) and then take the GI-623 road, which leads directly to l'Escala. Take AP-7 , the C-66 and the GI-642 , GI-643 and GI-641 until L'Estartit. === By boat === 3 Port of Estartit, Passeig Marítim s/n, ☏ +34 972 751 402, info@cnestartit.com. 643 moorings for boats from 2 to 45 m, 78,000 m2 (840,000 ft²) of facilities, with travelift, parking, fuel station, mini-market, professional staff, 24 hours surveillance, selective waste collection. Canal VHF 9 - 24/7. From €30. (updated Sep 2023) 4 Port de l'Escala (Club Nàutic L’Escala), ☏ +34972 77 00 16, club@nauticescala.com. Entrance: 80 m. Depth: from 1.5 to 5 m. Vessel length: up to 22 m. VHF Channel: 9. Water and electricity at the mooring. Access to the Club’s bathrooms and showers. Docking service 24/7. 24 hr-supply at the Petrol Station. Broadband WIFI service.Mooring assistance. Waiting dock.Infirmary / Cardio protected space. Laundry. Selective waste collection. from €15/day. (updated Nov 2025) == Fees and permits == It's free to enter. Marine area: Responsible diving is required Sailing and anchoring should be done according the fragility of the environment. Some fishing is allowed but requires a permit Mainland area Climbing should be done only in authorised area. Wild camping is prohibited to protect conservation efforts; overnight stays are only allowed in designated shelters. Fires are only allowed in specifically marked areas to prevent forest fires. Litter must be disposed of in designated containers; leaving any waste in the park is strictly forbidden. Motor vehicles are restricted to marked roads and tracks; off-road driving across grasslands or forests is not allowed. Disturbing wildlife, picking plants, or damaging trees is not permitted; many species are protected, and observation is encouraged instead of interaction. Domestic animals must be always under control and on a leash. Spring and river water sources must not be polluted—detergents and soaps are banned for environmental reasons. Park infrastructure, pastures, and local property should not be damaged or disturbed. == Get around == === Parking === 5 Parking L'Estartit beach, Passeig Marítim, L'Estartit. free. (updated Nov 2025) 6 Parking L'Estartit port. paid.. (updated Nov 2025) 7 Parking Sobrestany, Camí a Sobrestany. (updated Nov 2025) 8 Parking del Carrer de la Punta Milà, Carrer de la Punta Milà. access to cala Montgó (updated Nov 2025) 9 Parking Ter Vell. Access to Ter Vell wetlands and to the beach. (updated Nov 2025) 10 Gola del Ter Parking, Carretera a la Gola del Ter. free. (updated Nov 2025) == See == === Main attractions === 1 Medes Islands. Are formed by two main islands, five islets and several minor islets. Geologically the Mediterranean islands are a continuation of the Montgrí massíf. The archipelago is, in fact, one of the most important areas of natural interest in the Mediterranean and is a large reserve of marine fauna and flora. The only construction in the archipelago is on the main island, the Meda Gran, and is the Meda lighthouse, which is uninhabited. There are vestiges that seem to think that they have served as a necropolis. (updated Nov 2025) Boat visit to the Medes islands 1 L'Estació Nàutica de l'Estartit - Illes Medes, Carrer de la Platja, 10, L'Estartit, ☏ +34 972 750 699. Boat trips to medes island, including glass bottom boats. Also other activities. from €25. (updated Nov 2025) === Natural places === 2 Cala Montgó beach. Although most of the coast is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, the beach is made of fine-grained sand. The waters are clear and calm, as it is sheltered from the tramuntana storms that are so common in the Empordà. It is administratively located in the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí, although it is closer to the center of l'Escala. From the l'Escala promenade, where a market is set up on Sunday mornings, it can be accessed on foot along a coastal path. It can also be accessed by car, 1 km from the l'Escala marina. As you go down the access road, you will find several campsites. The coastal path, which is called GR 92, passes through this beach, which runs along the Catalan coast from Portbou, on the French border, to Ulldecona, just past the Ebro Delta. (updated Nov 2025) 3 Punta Ventosa. It's a cape and a viewpoint, along Cami de ronda. (updated Nov 2025) 4 Cala Ferriol beach (follow Cami de ronda). It is the second largest cove after Cala Montgó, of those in the Montgrí massif. It can be reached on foot from L'Estartit and takes an hour and a half. It is a cove sheltered from storms thanks to the islets of Cala Ferriol that protect the entrance and that faces east. There is a stream, which flows into the sea. It is a beach without services. With a length of 30 meters and a width of 150 meters, it is made up of pebbles. (updated Nov 2025) 5 Cap Castell viewpoint and "la Foradada" water tunnel. Is a cape of the Montgrí Massif. It is between Cala Ferriol and Golf de la Morisca practically halfway between l'Escala and l'Estartit. Its shape is curious, in plan it slightly resembles the head of a seahorse. Its maximum height is on the isthmus that connects it to the mainland (76.1 m) and descends to the curve that turns south/southeast that rises at its end to 51.3 m. The paths that lead to it come from Alt de la Pedrosa or from the forest track between l'Escala and l'Estartit before passing the summit of Puig Torró. The isthmus/summit coincides with the presence of a cave that today crosses it from north to south at sea level, Roca Foradada or simply la Foradada. A tumular necropolis of cinerary urns similar to others found in Aquitaine or Lleida, generally dated between the 7th or 6th centuries BC, was excavated at this point. (updated Nov 2025) 6 Cala Pedrosa beach. is one of the coves and natural refuges of the Montgrí massif located in Torroella de Montgrí, about 9 km from the center of L'Estartit. It is 12 m long and 51 m wide, formed by pebbles. The cove lives up to its name, it is full of stones of all sizes and shapes and is surrounded by pine trees and rocks. It can be reached on foot from L'Estartit through the forest track that leads to L'Escala. Once you find the signposted detour, the path leads to a path that goes into a stream of blocks, pebbles and fine gravel. It is a beach without services and shallow. The submerged part of the cove forms a corridor about 100 m long and just over 50 m wide facing east that is protected from the onslaught of the waves by the island of La Pedrosa. (updated Nov 2025) 7 Les Salines cape (Punta de les Salines) (follow Cami de Ronda). is a cape on the coast of the Montgrí Massif to the south of the Golfet del Falaguer and to the north of Cala Calella. It is Y-shaped with one arm pointing south and the other to the east with two peaks (11.6 and 8.9 m above sea level respectively). It is the easternmost point of the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí. (updated Nov 2025) 8 Cap de la Barra viewpoint (from the end of carrer del cap de la barra in L'Estartit, take the Cami de Ronda, after 150 m there the path to the viewpoint.). On the cliffs of Cap de la Barra, at an altitude of approximately 85 m, there is a viewpoint with a beautiful view of the Medes Islands, with views of Meda Gran and Medallot, as well as the El Molinet rock. You can see the port of L'Estartit and the castle of Montgrí. The path is rugged and can be dangerous when there is a lot of wind. (updated Nov 2025) 9 Rocamaura mountain and Viewpoint. It is a 225.4-m mountain that dominates the town of L'Estartit. At the top there is a geodesic vertex (and is crowned by radio communication antennas. According to historical references between 1708 and the 12th century, at the top there would have been the castle of Rocamaura, property of the Counts of Empúries, but there are no remains left. (updated Nov 2025) 10 Àntic Estany de Bellcaire. It is a lagoon, which was drained towards the middle of the 18th century to use the land for agriculture. This practice was quite common throughout Spain. However, it is a space halfway between the wetlands of the Alt Empordà plain (the wetlands linked to the mouths of the Muga and Fluvià rivers) and the wetlands of the Baix Empordà plain (linked to the mouths of the Ter and Daró rivers). Despite the almost total drying of the lake, it presents several botanical and faunal peculiarities that make it a very exceptional space from an ecological and conservationist point of view. (updated Nov 2025) 11 Roc Ferran viewpoint (follow the trail starting in Sobrestany, there is a parking space). Impressive views over the continental dune, the Montgrí and La Muntanya Gran. (updated Nov 2025) Old ter wetlands (Llacunes de Ter Vell). The Ter Vell is, as its name suggests, an old mouth of the Ter. The area covers about 32 hectares. It is a wetland formed by a set of wetlands and freshwater lagoons fed by the surplus irrigation of the adjacent agricultural plain and by precipitation waters. In the beach area there are also secondary mobile dunes (white dunes) and stabilized dunes. The area is an important wintering point for birds. It has a visit itinerary and two observatories. (updated Nov 2025) 12 Bassa del Fra Ramon wetlands. It originates in an old riverbed of the Ter and is located between the current mouth and the Ter Vell. Around the lagoon there is an interesting display of brackish vegetation. It has an itinerary for the visit and different information signs. The area is used by water birds. (updated Nov 2025) 13 Mouth of the Ter river (Gola del Ter). The river used to flow into three places on the coast. In addition to the one at La Gola, there was one between l'Escala and Sant Martí d'Empúries and the other near l'Estartit, in what is now called Ter Vell; between this and the current mouth there are a series of coastal lagoons. The northernmost course was cut off around 1302, near Canet de la Tallada, by works carried out by the Count of Empúries Ponç Hug IV, which were the result of a lawsuit with King Jaume el Just, Lord of Torroella. However, floods in 1311 broke the banks and the river re-routed its branch in a northeasterly direction. Despite this, the king, in agreement with the affected towns, saw the benefit of the Ter's floodplains for agriculture. The Ter remained for several centuries with two mouths, the Ter Vell and the Gola, leaving a deltaic island in between. In order to exploit this island for agriculture, the northern arm was cut in the 18th century. (updated Nov 2025) 14 Pont del Rec del Moli. is an irrigation canal that captures the waters of the Rec del Molí and the Daró river, runs through the plain of the lower Ter and Daró and flows into the stretch of the Daró Vell already entered the municipal area of Fontanilles. From this point the waters form a network of canals that converge in the rec del Molí de Pals. There are two historical documents that highlight the great importance of the rec de Gualta. In the Histoire militaire de Louis Le Grand all the battles that took place under the reign of King Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, are narrated. There is the story of the Battle of Verges, a confrontation that took place between the French army, between Verges and Torroella de Montgrí, on the left bank of the Ter and the Spanish army positioned on the right of the Ter between Verges and Gualta. Here a very deep canal is mentioned that is certainly the rec de Gualta and this suggests that the rec del molí already existed in the 17th century. The bridge crosses the irrigation canal in a place where birds can be observed. (updated Nov 2025) === Historic buildings === 15 Montgrí Castle. It is a fortress built between 1294 and 1302. The origin of the construction is found in the rivalry between King James II the Just and the Counts of Empúries. It was started to be built in 1294 by Bernat de Llabià, governor of Torroella, as a control point for a possible confrontation between James the Just and Ponç V, Count of Empúries. The date of the beginning of the works is evident from the letter from James II to his procurator Bernat de Llevià, a resident of Torroella, in which the king entrusted him with the administration and direction of the works of the castle. The construction was financed by the royal income of Torroella and a tax on the oxen of Ullà and Albons. Three years later, Bernat de Llevià received custody of the castle. The works were interrupted in 1301 without ever being finished, due to the consolidation of the power of the County of Barcelona against the County of Empúries. The loss of importance of the Emporia Count's house made the completion of the work unnecessary, although the exact date of interruption is known. The last news we have about the castle dates from 1413, and relates it to the Llevià family. By the 20th century, abandonment had led the building to a worrying state of degradation. The Generalitat, the Provincial Council and the City Council commissioned a consolidation project. The castles of Bellcaire and Montgrí are witnesses to the monarchy's fierce struggle against feudal power. The struggle ended with the incorporation of the county of Empúries into the crown after causing the ruin of the region and the diversion of the Ter river from the northern plain of Montgrí to the southern plain in the first half of the 14th century. This diversion caused the formation of the continental dunes of Torroella. (updated Nov 2025) 16 Santa Caterina hermitage (Ermita de Santa Caterina). It is a hermitage of moderate dimensions in the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí. The hermitage is hidden inside the Santa Caterina valley. The written record that has survived before the 17th century is scarce and most of the information preserved at the beginning of the 21st century is due to the compilation made by the notary Sàbat in the last third of the 17th century from municipal parchments. It is worth noting the significant decrease in this record that the various occupations suffered by the Castilian and French troops of the town hall, the University of Torroella, produced. The arrival of monks from Montserrat was due to the schism in the West that caused several monks to leave due to theological discrepancies. Arriving in Torroella, lands under the protection of the King of Aragon, then John the Hunter, a king with a special predilection for the Empordà, they were welcomed. The first works were paid for by the pious and well-off inhabitants of Torroella. A new altar was erected in the first third of the 15th century. However, in 1893 the temple was in a state of ruin and Pere Coll, a resident of Torroella and philanthropist, paid for some remodeling work that was completed in 1915. (updated Nov 2025) 17 Torre Moratxa. It is an old watchtower of Torroella de Montgrí declared a cultural asset of national interest on the top of the Torre Moratxa hill. The remains of a tower, of a room partly excavated in the rock. The tower is about 4 meters high and inside it preserves a dome in the lower part. The permanent is of roughly hewn stones. This tower, dated towards the end of the medieval period, seems to have been built after the other remaining walls, which could correspond to the old Rocamaura castle. (updated Nov 2025) 18 Castle of Albons (Castell d'Albons). The first documentary reference is from 980, when the lloc d'Alburne was established in the comtat d'Empúries. At the beginning of the 13th century, the Destorrent family held the feu of the elders of Torroella de Montgrí, and in 1269, the direct domain passed to the hands of Dalmau VI of Rocabertí, vescomte de Rocabertí, which in 1271 exchanged Albons and Torroella for other castles with infant Pere. In 1311, King Jaume II will come under the direct feudal dominion of Albons to the Count of Empúries Ponç V, who will begin the fortification of the town. The king, who was guarding his Montgrí castle, was going to prohibit the continuation of the works on both the Albons and Bellcaire castles. will become an internship for different men fins Joan de Vilallonga i Girona (1944). (updated Nov 2025) Fortified Farmer houses are an essential part of the Emporda County landscape. 19 Torre Martina (access by Cami vell between Torroella and l'Estartit). The Martina tower, which used to be called the Mirona tower (it took its name from the owners, the Mir family), is attached to a large farmhouse. It is a cylindrical, tall and narrow tower with a single-pitched roof. (updated Nov 2025) 20 Ferrana Tower (Torre Ferrana). It is a fortified farmhouse to the east of the village of Sobrestany, north of Montgrí and accompanying a previously built farmhouse. The tower has a square plan - following the typology typical of the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was built - and is separate from the house. It is made of stone and has well-carved ashlars at the corners. On each of the four facades there is a battlement and loopholes for firearms. It is very similar to the Begura Tower. (updated Nov 2025) 21 Torre Begura. The defence tower was built in 1561 by Caterina Bagura, born in Ullà, her maiden name was Caterina Padrola and when she married Antoni Bagur in 1516, she took her husband's surname, feminized Bagura, which gave the farmhouse its name. The tower, with a square base, was built to defend against attacks by Ottoman and Barbary pirates. (updated Nov 2025) 22 Mas Ral. Mas Ral is a fortified farmhouse in the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí. In the area between Torroella de Montgrí and L'Estartit there is a group of fortified farmhouses intended for surveillance and defense against possible attacks from the sea. The Mas Ral tower was probably built in the 16th-17th centuries, when Ottoman and Barbary pirates ravaged the peninsular coasts. (updated Nov 2025) === Prehistoric places === 23 Cau del Duc (the most accessible option comes from the Santa Caterina or Creu passes, following the "flat rocks"). There is a large opening on the south face that is visible from the town of Torroella de Montgrí, a few meters below the summit. The ceiling is several meters high and the floor slopes slightly outwards. It is a rocky shelter that was occupied by hominids during the Paleolithic. Inside the cave was found the Pic del Montgrí. (updated Nov 2025) 24 Cau del Duc d'Ullà. It is located on the southern slope of the Ullà mountain in the Montgrí massif. Smaller in size than the Cau del Duc del Montgrí, this cave has an inward inclination, forming a basin that allowed the accumulation and fixation of sediment levels of prehistoric interest in a calcareous breccia type material. (updated Nov 2025) === Religious places === 25 Santa Maria del Palau ruins. The archaeological complex of Santa Maria del Palau is a medieval building consisting of a small Roman temple in ruins and vestiges of a small town and the complex had its origins in Roman times (second century BC). of the important road of Empúries, an old Roman road that created the massís of Montgrí and connected Empúries with Girona. It is also believed that this population is going to maintain the Lower Middle Ages, but that it was abandoned when the Scale began to be inhabited. The church is a troba engraved in the Rationes decimarum of the years 1279 and 1280 with the llatí name of Sancte Marie de Palacio. In two gazetteers of the diocese of Girona from the darreries of the 14th century it is stated that it was a capella, with an attached priest, of the parish of Sant Joan de Bellcaire. (updated Nov 2025) === Cities around the park === There are 4 main Villages around the park: L'Escala, Torroella de Montgrí , L'Estartit and Pals 26 Ullà. It belonged to the counts of Empúries and later passed to the bishopric of Girona. In its streets it preserves old Gothic and Renaissance buildings from its medieval past. The church of Santa Maria is neoclassical on another previous Romanesque building from 1362, with the dedication of Sant Andreu, of which a small part of the apse is preserved. Inside you can venerate the polychrome carving of the Virgin of the Pit, Romanesque from the old monastery of Santa Maria d'Ullà. Near Ullà is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina (Torroella de Montgrí), which was begun in 1392. (updated Nov 2025) 27 Bellcaire d'Empordà. Bellcaire d'Empordà is mentioned in a document from the year 881 under the name: Bedenga. Later it belonged to the county of Empúries and was the usual residence of the counts from the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century. Like most of the towns on the Empordà plain, Bellcaire is perched on top of a small hill from which the plain is dominated, which, to the north, had been occupied by the Bellcaire lake. This lake, like many others in the area, was drained in the mid-18th century in order to use the land for farming. The town is crossed by the Rec del Molí which is used for irrigation but which, in the past, was used to provide hydraulic energy to the various mills in the area and, in particular, the Bellcaire one. (updated Nov 2025) 28 Sobrestany. The first references to Sobrestany date from the 16th century, coinciding with the drying up of the Bellcaire Lake. In fact, the etymology presumes its location and indicates this elevated position above the lake. Its population probably increased in the 18th century with the concessions that the University of Torroella, the civil government body of the time, granted to cultivate and pasture the Montgrí massif. Therefore, the village would have always been linked to agricultural activities. (updated Nov 2025) == Do == === Hiking === Long range The GR92 crosses the park, in this zone runs the same way than E-12 (See Long distance walking in Europe ). Local hikes === Mountain biking === Pirinexus and EV8 (eurovelo 8) follow the same route from Sant Feliu de Guixols until the French border, running along the west side of the park, from Torroella de Montgrí until L'Escala. The Ter route (Ruta del ter) runs along the south part of the park. Several MTB routes crosses the Montgri mountain area. === Road cycling === There are many road cycle routes around the park, but not inside. === Scuba diving === The beach is quite nice, but the big attraction here is the excellent scuba diving around the Illes Medes, composed of two uninhabited islands and numerous rocks 1–2 km offshore. The area has been protected by Natural Park status and is home to many different species of flora and fauna, both above and below the waterline. The diving here is noted for the rich fish and coral life around the islands. Groupers, various rays, barracuda and tuna all hunt here. The visibility can be excellent, and the islands have rich gardens of gorgonia and red corals. Be aware that this stretch of coast is windy, and the crossing to the islands can be rough. Be sure to take seasickness medication if you are susceptible, and expect some "interesting" exits onto a pitching lift or ladder. Operators choose the particular site to dive depending on which side of the islands is most sheltered at any given time, so don't expect to be able to choose a particular site off a menu in advance. Dive infrastructure in l'Estartit is excellent, and there are a wealth of companies offering boat diving (guided or unguided), fills, kit hire, sales and training. Boats tend to be hard boats and some also have diver lifts to make getting out a breeze. As is the case elsewhere in Europe, diving here is pretty much exclusively done with steel 12L or 15L tanks, with full body wetsuits. Operators are unsurprisingly concentrated around the marina, so if you are here to dive, consider accommodation in that area as boats often leave quite early in the morning and it just saves time and effort to be nearby. There are many underwater itineraries: Medes Islands: Carall Bernat Cova de la Reina Dofí Nord Dofí Sud Embarcador del francès Ferranelles La Vaca Pedra de Déu Pota de Llop Salpatxot - Guix Sant Istiu Tascó gros Tascó petit Montgrí Coast: Arcs del Dui Baix de Cols Cala Calella Cala Ferriol Cala Pedrosa Cala Viuda Còrrec Llarg Negre del Falaguer Port del Rei Puig de la Sardina Punta del Bau Punta Mila Punta Salines Reggio Messina Salt del Pastor Trencabraços Autorised snorkel and diving centers 2 Calypso Diving, Carrer de la Cala Pedrosa 1, L'Estartit, ☏ +34 609 302 201, toll-free: +34 972 751 488, info@calypsodivingestartit.com. Long-running dive centre with multi-lingual guides and instructors (PADI). British run so very good English and popular with Brits. One hard boat with O2 and first aid, zodiac and RIB, deck shower and WC, but no lift. Ute to take kit to the marina, lockers to leave kit at the shop with rinsing tanks. About 10 min walk to the marina. (updated Nov 2025) 3 El rei del mar, Avinguda de Grècia, 5, L'Estartit, ☏ +34 972 75 13 92, info@elreidelmar.com. (updated Nov 2025) 4 Aquàtica Illes Medes, Paratge Camp de l´Arbre s/n, L´ Estartit, ☏ +34 972 750 656, info@aquatica.cat. The dive center is located in the campsite "Les Medes" and offers all the services. classroom equipped with all the teaching elements of SSI for theory sessions, TV, DVD and internet connection. Pool for the first practices with the team during your diving course. 20 complete equipment Mares Diving Center of all sizes renewed every 2 years. Space to sweeten the equipment and save them for stays of several days. from €37. (updated Nov 2025) 5 Diving Center La Sirena, Passeig Marítim, 2, Local 2 , L´ Estartit, ☏ +34 972 750 954, divinglasirenagrup@gmail.com. (updated Nov 2025) 6 Hotel Les Illes & Diving, C/ Illes nº 55, L'Estartit, ☏ +34 972 75 12 39, info@hotellesilles.com. (updated Nov 2025) 7 Unisub, C/ Platja, 8 , L'Estartit, ☏ +34 972 75 17 68, info@unisub.es. (updated Oct 2025) Costa Brava Divers, Passeig Marítim, 7,L'Estartit, ☏ +34 972 75 20 34, info@costabravadivers.com. (updated Nov 2025) 8 Xaloc diving centre, Eivissa, 1 , L'Estartit, ☏ +34 972 752 071. (updated Nov 2025) 9 Oceansub - Estartit, C/ les Salines, 23, ☏ +34 607 436 077, gemma@oceansub-estartit.com. (updated Nov 2025) 10 Medaqua, Passeig Marítim, 13, L'Estartit, ☏ +34 972 752 043, info@medaqua.com. (updated Nov 2025) === Climbing === There are 5 climbing areas in the park, with free and regulated zones, mainly due to bird breeding. Muntanya d'Ullà area Cal saliner dret (free) Cal saliner esquerra (free) Cresta del Duc d'Ullà (regulated) Montgrí i Montpla area La Pedrera(free) Cau del Duc(free), under the Montgri castle Le cabres (free), under the Montgri castle Mon pla (free) Moolt pla (free) Mómpla (free) L'Estartit (on the city) Canyigo (free) Torre Moratxa (free) Torre Moratxa tradicional (free), under the Moratxa Tower. Rocamaura i Trona (free) Mirador (regulated) Vies Llargues left (free) Vies Llargues right (regulated) Cliffs over the sea Cala calella (free) Negre i port del falaguer (regulated) Cap d'Olterra (free) Raco del Rosinyol i cala Pedra (regulated) Punta ventosa (free) === Birdwatching === The Old ter (Ter Vell) wetlands is an old mouth of the Ter. The area covers about 32 hectares. It is a wetland formed by a set of wetlands and freshwater lagoons The area is an important wintering point for birds. It has a visit itinerary and two observatories. 11 Ter Vell bird hide (access from Avinguda de les Flors, then follow a boardwalk). (updated Nov 2025) 12 Fra Ramon wetlands viewpoint. (updated Nov 2025) 13 La Pletera wetlands bird hide. (updated Nov 2025) === Kayak === 14 kayaking costa brava (headquarters), Carrer d'Enric Serra 42, L'Escala, ☏ +34 972 77 3806. shop and reservations central (updated Feb 2026) 15 kayaking costa brava cala Montgó, cala Montgó, ☏ +34 620 477 558. (updated Feb 2026) Medaqua, Passeig Marítim, 13 17258 L'Estartit, ☏ +34 972 752 043, info@medaqua.com. from €20. (updated Feb 2026) === Boat excursions === Nautilus, Passeig Marítim, 23., ☏ +34 972 751 489. Mar-Nov M-F 9:00-13:00,15:00-18:30, SaSu:9:00-13:00. They have glass-bottom boats and also classic sailing boats. visits to Medes islands and Nearby caves €25, kids €17 (depending on route). (updated Feb 2026) Barca Nuria, Passeig Marítim, 26 17258 - L'Estartit (Girona) (Ticket office: End of the promenade / Levante breakwater -), ☏ +34 972 665 902. The Núria is a classic fishing boat, 9 meters long, adapted to transport passengers. It has capacity for about twenty people and has windows in the hull to see the seabed. from €24. (updated Feb 2026) == Buy == Anchovies (called anxoves in Catalan) are the most typical product. The history of l'Escala is closely related to the fishing, preparation and selling of this fish. There are several shops, specially in the old town, which are focused on this product. 1 Anxoves de l'Escala SA, Pol. Industrial Els Recs, Carrer Boters s/n, L´Escala, ☏ +34 972 770 146, info@anxovesdelescala.es. (updated Nov 2025) There are olive trees around the Natural Park, since ancient times, when the Phoenicians and Greeks arrived on this coast. In the case of olive trees, the local varieties are argudell, corivell and verda, although arbequina was introduced at the end of the 20th century. Part of the oil production is registered with the Oli de l'Empordà Protected Designation of Origin, which ensures a high quality product. 2 Olis Pedrigolet, Carrer Estudis, 12, Ullà, ☏ +34 605 930 126, info@pedrigolet.cat. (updated Nov 2025) Rice is the most important crop in the Natural Park, both for its extent and for the culinary prestige it has achieved. In addition, the rice paddies play an important role for the fauna as the flooded fields (from November to February) make it an ideal habitat for birds, insects and the unique flora. 3 Arròs l’Estany de Pals, carretera de Pals a Torroella, km 343, Pals, ☏ +34 972 636 635, info@arrosestanydepals.cat. (updated Nov 2025) == Eat, drink, and sleep == There are restaurants, bars, and hotels in L'Escala, Torroella de Montgrí and L'Estartit. === Camping === 1 Càmping Delfin Verde. (updated Nov 2025) 2 Càmping El Molino, ☏ +34 972 750 629, info@campingelmolino.es. (updated Nov 2025) 3 Càmping Les Medes, La caminassa, L’Estartit, ☏ +34 972 75 18 05, info@campinglesmedes.com. (updated Nov 2025) 4 Càmping La Sirena, C/La platera S/N, L’Estartit, ☏ + 34 97 275 1542, info@camping-lasirena.com. (updated Nov 2025) 5 Càmping L'Empordà, L’Estartit, ☏ +34 972 750 649, info@campingemporda.com. (updated Nov 2025) 6 Camping Rifort, L’Estartit. (updated Nov 2025) 7 Càmping Estartit, L’Estartit. (updated Nov 2025) 8 Càmping Castell Montgrí, ☏ +34 972 751 630. (updated Nov 2025) 9 Camping Ter. (updated Nov 2025) 10 Illa Mateua Camping Resort, l'Escala, ☏ +34 972 77 02 00. (updated Nov 2025) 11 Càmping Cala Montgó, l'Escala, ☏ +34 972770866. (updated Nov 2025) 12 Càmping Punta Milà, l'Escala, ☏ +34 638 652 712. (updated Nov 2025) 13 Camping Riells de l'Escala, ☏ +34 972 77 00 27, info@campingriells.com. (updated Nov 2025) == Stay safe == == Connect == == Go next == Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park L'Escala L'Estartit Torroella de Montgrí Paratge Natural d'Interès Nacional de l'Albera Costa Brava