Camping Les Medes History: 40 Years of Memories and Milestones
If you’ve ever wondered how a family campsite grew into a year‑round, award‑winning base on the Costa Brava, this visual journey through Camping Les Medes history is for you. From humble fields near the Montgrí mountains to heated pools, sports zones, and sustainability accolades, here’s how “40 YEARS TOGETHER!” became a living promise of quality, care, and community.
In this guide you’ll discover the key milestones, why they matter, what today’s facilities offer, and practical tips to make the most of your next stay.
Quick answer: What is the history of Camping Les Medes?
Camping Les Medes traces its roots to a campsite first opened in 1968 at Camp de l’Arbre. In 1984, the Pla‑Coll family purchased and renamed it, launching a continuous improvement journey: new pools, expanded plots, upgraded services, a modern sports zone, and internationally recognized quality and environmental certifications. Today, it’s open all year and continues to welcome guests as part of its extended family.
From Fields to Family Legacy (1968–1984)
The story begins at Camp de l’Arbre, where a site known as Granja Bona Festa—owned by Joan Dalmàs—first opened as a campsite in the summer of 1968. Over time, the property fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.
Everything changed in 1984 when the Pla‑Coll family stepped in, bought the business, and renamed it Càmping Les Medes. Their vision set the foundation for the decades of improvements that followed.
Building for the Future (1984–1996)
From day one, the focus was on thoughtful upgrades that improved comfort and capacity while respecting the setting near the Montgrí mountains.
- In September 1984, works began to reopen the following summer: a new restaurant was added, the bar was completely renovated, reception was enlarged, and a bathroom block and a new supermarket were built.
- Three bungalows were added, and the campsite expanded with 100 new plots, each with water, electricity, and drainage.
- By 1987, a new swimming pool was built; in 1989, a second bathroom block followed.
- As bungalows grew in popularity, their number increased to twelve in 1992.
- In September 1996, construction of a heated swimming pool began, with the grand inauguration at Christmas that same year.
These milestones established a rhythm of continuous improvement that still defines Camping Les Medes history today.
Sport, Quality and Sustainability (1999–2018)
From the late 1990s onward, Les Medes paired service upgrades with recognized quality and environmental leadership.
- December 1999: Awarded the Tourist Diploma of the Government of Catalonia and selected for an environmental pilot scheme.
- 2000: Achieved ISO 14001:2004 (environmental management system), becoming a pioneer in Europe for campsites.
- 2003: Certified ISO 9001:2000 (quality management) and obtained the Government of Catalonia’s Environmental Quality Guarantee Emblem.
- 2003: Replaced the old caravan park with a sports zone for tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, and five‑a‑side football.
- Since 2012: Recognized as a EUROTOP campsite (Dutch ANWB Association).
- Since 2013: Recognized as a SUPERPLATZ (German ADAC Association).
- 2016: Listed as the second‑best European campsite in an analysis by CARAVANING magazine, based on SUPERPLATZ sites and user ratings.
- Since 2018: Member of the ECST (European Charter of Sustainable Tourism), a EUROPARC initiative to advance sustainability at the destination level.
Together, these achievements reflect a long‑term philosophy: improving comfort and service while operating in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable way.
Facilities that Reflect the Journey
Today’s on‑site amenities echo the milestones of the past and make stays easy, active, and family‑friendly.
Pools for all seasons
- Indoor heated pool (open from 15/09 to 15/06), approx. 28ºC, 11.5 x 4 m, with lockers. A swimming cap is compulsory in line with regional regulations.
- Outdoor pools (open from 01/05 to 15/09, weather‑dependent): a children’s pool and a deeper pool for adults, with a crane for guests with reduced mobility.
Sports and play
- Sports zone: tennis (quick court, reserve at reception), beach volleyball, basketball, five‑a‑side football; open 8:00–23:00.
- Children’s entertainment (in high season), with water and land activities in the Bona Festa room and the Vessana Mini‑club; some night activities for adults.
- Playground and green rest areas with benches.
Everyday comfort
- Restaurant (01/04–31/10): menu or à la carte (depending on dates); take‑away on request.
- Snack bar‑pizzeria: open all year, with a terrace, indoor space for colder days, a library area, and billiards.
- Shop: open all year, with daily press and freshly baked goods.
- Bike rental: touring and mountain bikes; electric bikes available on demand; secure storage room.
- Wellbeing & services: sauna, massages, laundry, car wash, sanitary facilities with nursery, complete bathrooms for guests with disabilities, W.C. chemists, Wi‑Fi coverage, and an electric vehicle charging point.
At‑a‑Glance Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Granja Bona Festa opens as a campsite at Camp de l’Arbre |
| 1984 | Pla‑Coll family buys and renames it Càmping Les Medes; major upgrades begin |
| 1984 | Restaurant added; bar renovated; reception enlarged; bathroom block and new supermarket built |
| 1984 | Three bungalows built; +100 plots with water, electricity, drainage |
| 1987 | New swimming pool built |
| 1989 | Second bathroom block built |
| 1992 | Bungalows increased to twelve |
| 1996 | Heated swimming pool constructed (inaugurated at Christmas) |
| 1999 | Tourist Diploma (Government of Catalonia); environmental pilot scheme participation |
| 2000 | ISO 14001:2004 environmental management certification |
| 2003 | ISO 9001:2000 certification; Environmental Quality Guarantee Emblem |
| 2003 | Old caravan park replaced by sports zone (tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, five‑a‑side) |
| 2012 | EUROTOP campsite (ANWB) |
| 2013 | SUPERPLATZ (ADAC) |
| 2016 | Ranked second‑best European campsite in CARAVANING analysis |
| 2018 | ECST (European Charter of Sustainable Tourism) membership |
The Perfect Base for the Costa Brava Today
- Open all year: plan relaxing off‑season escapes or summer adventures.
- Close to the sea: the campsite is just 800 m from the beach and sea.
- Near town: only 2 km from L’Estartit.
- Gateway to the Medes Islands: a renowned hub for diving with varied marine life and spectacular light in rock tunnels. If you’re curious about routes and levels, explore content on the secrets of the Medes Islands and local dive experiences.
Practical takeaways for your next stay
Make the most of everything that’s grown from four decades of improvements.
Seasonal essentials
- Indoor pool: open 15/09–15/06; remember your swimming cap.
- Outdoor pools: open 01/05–15/09 (weather permitting).
- Children’s entertainment: activities for all ages from 4 years in July and August; mid and low seasons feature activities for adults.
Connectivity and comforts
- Wi‑Fi: available at extra cost; one device at a time. It’s free in high season for all bungalows.
- Bungalows include: kitchen utensils, TV, air conditioning and heating, bed linen, towels, bedspreads, blankets, and kitchen towels.
Plots, power, and water
- Electrical connection: CEE three‑phase plugs.
- Water connection: Gardena 1/2″ or 3/4″ connector (or similar).
- Shade: plots have shade coverage, depending on tree size.
Pets, barbecues, and bookings
- Pets: allowed on camping plots until 05/07 and again after 22/08; not allowed in bungalows.
- Barbecues: only portable, and only on non‑windy days.
- Tennis: reserve the quick court at reception; other courts are open access.
- Bike rental: touring, mountain, and on‑demand electric bikes; secure storage available.
Accessibility and wellbeing
- The large outdoor pool includes a crane for guests with reduced mobility.
- Complete bathrooms for the physically disabled and a nursery area in sanitary facilities.
Why these milestones matter
- Guest experience: Each upgrade—from added plots with full services to the heated pool—reduces friction and increases comfort for families, couples, and solo travelers.
- Sustainability: ISO 14001, the Environmental Quality Guarantee Emblem, and ECST participation signal responsible operations that align with protected natural surroundings.
- Quality assurance: ISO 9001 and long‑standing recognitions (EUROTOP, SUPERPLATZ) reflect consistent quality management and high guest satisfaction.
Conclusion: Be part of the next chapter
“40 YEARS TOGETHER!” is more than an anniversary—it’s an invitation. The evolution of Camping Les Medes history shows what care, consistency, and community can build. Whether you come for the pools and sports, the proximity to the Medes Islands, or the calm of a year‑round coastal base, we look forward to welcoming you.
Ready to plan your stay? Make your reservation—we open all year. For questions or bookings, contact +34 972 75 18 05 or info@campinglesmedes.com.
Related topics to explore
- Activities and entertainment in high season
- Facilities and services on site
- FAQs on pools, Wi‑Fi, and equipment
- Diving and nature around the Medes Islands
For accommodation details, see:
- Pitches: https://www.campinglesmedes.com/en/alojamientos/pitches/
- Bungalow Park – 4 persons: https://www.campinglesmedes.com/en/alojamientos/bungalow-park-4-persons/
- Bungalow 2 persons: https://www.campinglesmedes.com/en/alojamientos/bungalow-2-persons/