Exploring the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park from Camp

Looking for the most effortless way to discover the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park? Base yourself inside it. Camping Les Medes sits in the heart of this protected area on the Costa Brava, so you can step from your pitch or bungalow straight into three distinct landscapes: the wild Medes archipelago, the limestone Montgrí massif with its coves and castle, and the tranquil Baix Ter river plain. In this guide, you’ll learn what makes each landscape special and how to explore them easily from camp—on foot, by bike, or by boat.

A Park, Three Landscapes: What Makes It Special?

The Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park is an officially protected mosaic of sea and land habitats that showcase the essence of the Costa Brava. From Camping Les Medes, you can reach all three of its hallmark areas quickly and safely.

The Medes Islands at a glance

• Definition: The Medes Islands are a unique archipelago just one mile off the coast of L’Estartit.
• Size and composition: Seven small islands totalling 23 hectares, considered one of the western Mediterranean’s standout marine reserves.
• The seven islets:
  1. La Meda Gran
  2. La Meda Xica
  3. El Carall Bernat
  4. Els Tascons Grossos
  5. Els Tascons Petits
  6. El Medellot
  7. Les Ferranelles

What to expect: crystal-clear waters, flourishing marine life and dramatic rock formations ideal for snorkelling and diving. Boat routes around the islands offer a calmer way to admire the scenery.

Montgrí: castle panoramas and hidden coves

• Deep history: The Montgrí area has been settled for around 300,000 years, when a colony of Homo erectus established itself thanks to abundant resources.
• The castle: Built between 1294 and 1301 by order of King Jaume II, the fortress—of which the exterior walls and towers were completed—rewards hikers with a 360º panorama: the bay of Roses and Empúries, the Canigó, the Pyrenees, Montseny, the Gavarres, the Baix Ter, and the gulf of L’Estartit and the Medes.
• Secret coves: The rocky Montgrí coastline hides small, exceptionally preserved coves, most accessible only on foot or by following the coast by boat.

The Baix Ter: a gentle, green corridor

• The river: The Ter rises in Ulldeter (Pyrenees), flows for more than 200 km and meets the sea just 2 km from Camping Les Medes.
• Why it matters: It forms a vital ecological corridor linking mountains to coast.
• The plain today: A serene patchwork of cultivated fields, fruit trees, pastures, rice paddies and poplar groves—perfect for easy cycling and walking.

How to Explore the Park from Camping Les Medes

Camping Les Medes is open all year, giving you four seasons of access to the park. The reception team can provide details and help arrange activities during your stay.

• Activities on the doorstep: diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, boat trips, golf, wine tourism, cycling and hiking.
• Bicycle Rental on site: 20 bicycles are available (two are electric). Reservations aren’t taken; once you arrive, the team will help you choose routes.
• Ter Route logistics: If you want to follow the Ter River itinerary, the campsite can transport you and your bicycles to the route’s starting point and forward your luggage to your booked hotels along the way.
• Recover well: After a day outside, the indoor heated pool area includes changing-room lockers. A sauna and professional massage treatments are available year-round for an additional fee.

The Medes Islands: Snorkelling and Diving Highlights

If the Medes Islands are on your bucket list, you’re in the right place. All dives here are done by boat inside the natural park surrounding the Medes, with the on-site Aquàtica diving centre making everything seamless.

• On-site and established: Aquàtica has offered diving since 1996 and has been located inside Camping Les Medes since 2017.
• What you can do: guided snorkelling excursions, diving trips, training courses and introductory dives—so both beginners and certified divers can enjoy the islands.
• Respectful by design: Aquàtica limits the number of divers per boat rotation and always forms two or three small groups, each accompanied by a staff member—so you dive among fish, not crowds.
• Comfort and safety: A spacious prep zone known as the “campa” lets you gear up, shower, rinse and store equipment. An SSI-equipped classroom supports theory sessions with audiovisual materials. Aquàtica also has its own swimming pool for the first in-water practice.
• Boat and transfers: The vessel, Maria Mir, accommodates around 18 divers (authorised for 25), with a wide deck for easy entries. Vans shuttle divers from the campsite to the boat and back.

Pro tip: For a deeper primer on the islands before you go, read our blog article “All the secrets of the Medes Islands.”

Montgrí: Hike to the Castle, Seek Out the Coves

The Montgrí massif rises behind L’Estartit, its pale limestone paths and scrubland offering wide-open views with each switchback.

• Castle hike: Make the steady climb to the castle (1294–1301, ordered by King Jaume II) and enjoy its signature 360º view—Roses, Empúries, Canigó, the Pyrenees and more.
• Coves culture: Because many Montgrí coves are only reachable on foot or by boat, they remain in exceptional condition. Boat trips in the area are an easy option if you prefer to arrive by sea.
• Family-friendly pacing: Choose shorter out-and-back paths if you’re hiking with children; the terrain is rocky but rewarding.

Safety and comfort tips (generic but useful):

• Wear sturdy footwear and carry water; shade can be limited on exposed limestone.
• In coves, enter and exit slowly to protect both yourself and fragile shore habitats.

The Baix Ter: Easy Cycling Through a Living Mosaic

The lower Ter plain is tailor-made for gentle exploration.

• Why cyclists love it: Mostly flat terrain and a changing tapestry of fields, poplar groves and rice paddies make rides scenic without being strenuous.
• From camp to countryside: Pick up a standard or electric bike from the campsite (no advance reservations; staff will help you with routes once you arrive).
• Go further with support: For multi-stage trips along the Ter River, Camping Les Medes can take you and your bicycles to the start point and forward your luggage to your hotels.
• After your ride: The indoor heated pool has lockers for your belongings, and you can book a sauna or massage session (available year-round for an extra fee).

Quick Answers for Fast Planning

• What is the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park?

  • It’s a protected coastal and inland reserve on the Costa Brava that includes the Montgrí massif, the Medes archipelago and the Baix Ter river plain.

• Where is Camping Les Medes?

  • Inside the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park in L’Estartit.

• How far are the Medes Islands from shore?

  • About one mile off L’Estartit.

• Can beginners explore the Medes Islands?

  • Yes. Aquàtica runs introductory dives and guided snorkelling, alongside trips for certified divers.

• Are boat trips available to see coves and coastline?

  • Yes. Boat trips are one of the area’s popular activities.

• Can the campsite help with cycling the Ter River route?

  • Yes. The team can transport you and your bikes to the start and forward your luggage to your hotels along the itinerary.

• Is Camping Les Medes open year-round?

  • Yes.

Practical Takeaways and Tips

• Start at camp: Because you’re staying inside the park, you can plan half-day and full-day outings with minimal travel time.
• Match the landscape to your day:
  • Short morning: stroll or cycle the Baix Ter plain.
  • Active half-day: hike up to Montgrí Castle for the 360º view.
  • Full adventure: snorkel or dive the Medes Islands with Aquàtica.
• Use campsite services to simplify logistics:
  • Bike rental on site (20 bikes; two electric; no reservations).
  • Reception assistance to arrange activities and share route ideas.
  • Ter Route support with bike transfers and luggage forwarding.
  • Indoor heated pool with lockers; sauna and massages year-round (extra fee).
• Respect the park:
  • Stay on marked trails, take your litter with you, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • In the water, follow briefings and practise good buoyancy—Aquàtica emphasises respectful, low-impact diving.

Conclusion: Your Easiest Gateway to the Park

Staying at Camping Les Medes puts the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park on your doorstep. In one long weekend you can hike to a medieval castle for a sweeping 360º view, drift above protected seagrass meadows on a guided snorkel, and pedal through a serene river plain—then unwind back at camp.

Ready to explore? Make your reservation, speak with our reception team to plan routes and activities, and join Aquàtica for a respectful, small‑group experience of the Medes Islands. Your adventure starts the moment you arrive.