River & Lake Escapes: Freshwater Adventures in the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees
If you love the Costa Brava but want to balance beach days with something calmer, greener, and more varied, River & Lake Escapes offer a refreshing way to explore the region. Freshwater adventures in the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees bring together scenic landscapes, active outings, and a different rhythm of travel that complements time by the sea.
For visitors staying in L’Estartit, this inland side of Girona adds depth to any holiday. You can enjoy the coast, discover the natural setting around the Montgrí, Illes Medes and Baix Ter Natural Park, and then set off for rivers, lakes, and mountain scenery that reveal another face of the destination.
At Camping les Medes, the setting already connects visitors with one of the most ecologically valuable areas on the Costa Brava. The campsite welcomes guests in L’Estartit, Girona, Costa Brava, and remains open all year. That makes it a practical base for combining the coastline with inland exploration in different seasons.
Why choose river and lake experiences in Girona?
Freshwater adventures appeal to travelers who want more than one type of landscape in a single trip. While the coast brings open views and marine activities, inland waterways often create a more sheltered, tranquil environment.
Here is why they matter:
- They diversify your holiday with a contrast to beach and boat-based plans.
- They suit different travel styles, from quiet nature outings to active day trips.
- They connect naturally with walking routes, scenic drives, and family-friendly exploration.
- They help you experience Girona beyond the shoreline, adding cultural and environmental variety.
For many travelers, the biggest advantage is simple: rivers and lakes can turn a coastal holiday into a broader nature-focused escape.
Camping les Medes as a base for inland and coastal discovery
A good base makes multi-experience travel easier. Camping les Medes is in L’Estartit, on the Costa Brava, and welcomes guests who want to share and fully enjoy their holiday with family and friends.
The destination combines access to the coast with a strong connection to nature. The area is presented as one of the most beautiful and ecologically valuable towns on the Costa Brava, which makes it especially appealing for travelers who care about landscapes, outdoor activities, and a sense of place.
The campsite also offers several accommodation options:
| Accommodation | Capacity | Size / Details |
|---|---|---|
| BUNGALOW PARK - 4 PERSONEN | 4 | 30,7 + 18 m2 |
| BUNGALOW WINKEL - 4 PERSONEN | 4 | 27 + 5,75 m2 |
| BUNGALOW 2 PERSONEN | 2-3 | 20,4 + 16 m2 |
| STAANPLAATSEN | max. 6 | 70 - 80 m2, 6 o 10 A |
This variety supports different kinds of stays, whether you are planning a short break or a longer outdoor holiday built around day trips.
What kind of freshwater adventures can you add to a Costa Brava stay?
River & Lake Escapes can cover a broad range of experiences. In practical terms, they usually fall into a few easy-to-plan categories.
1. Scenic river outings
Rivers often provide a softer, greener landscape than the coast. They are ideal for:
- Gentle nature walks
- Relaxed photography stops
- Cooler excursions in warmer weather
- Family outings with time outdoors away from busier beach areas
Because rivers shape valleys and natural corridors, they also pair well with slow travel. You do not have to rush them.
2. Lake-focused day trips
Lakes bring a different atmosphere again. They tend to feel open, calm, and visually striking, especially when surrounded by hills or mountain scenery.
A lake excursion can work well for travelers who want:
- A change of scenery from the sea
- A peaceful outdoor setting
- A simple day trip with stops for walking and sightseeing
- A nature-centered break during a longer coastal holiday
3. Mountain water landscapes in the Girona Pyrenees
The Girona Pyrenees introduce elevation, fresh air, and a stronger sense of remoteness. This changes the mood of a holiday in a meaningful way.
Compared with the coast, mountain freshwater settings often feel:
- More dramatic
- More tranquil
- More seasonal in character
- Better suited to full-day exploration
That contrast is exactly what makes them such a strong addition to a Costa Brava itinerary.
Pair freshwater escapes with walking and nature experiences
One of the easiest ways to get more from inland waterways is to combine them with walking. Freshwater landscapes naturally lend themselves to routes where the journey matters as much as the destination.
Camping les Medes already highlights walking among its activity themes, inviting visitors to learn more and get in touch. That makes walking a natural extension of a holiday based at the campsite.
Why walking works so well around rivers and lakes
Walking helps travelers:
- Slow down and notice more of the landscape.
- Access quieter viewpoints that are missed on faster trips.
- Enjoy a flexible activity that suits different ages and energy levels.
- Link water, scenery, and local atmosphere in a single outing.
For travelers who want a more complete nature holiday, combining walking with freshwater exploration is one of the simplest and most rewarding choices.
Add marine contrast with Aquàtica in L’Estartit
A strong itinerary often mixes inland and coastal experiences instead of choosing just one. That is where Aquàtica adds another dimension to a stay.
Since 1996, Aquàtica has offered calm, good service, and professionalism for diving trips in l’Estartit and the Montgrí, Illes Medes and Baix Ter Natural Park, as well as diving courses. Since 2017, this center has been located on the campsite.
This creates an appealing contrast:
- Freshwater escapes inland for varied landscapes and a slower pace
- Marine experiences in L’Estartit for underwater discovery and coastal adventure
For active travelers, that combination can make a holiday feel far richer than a standard beach break.
A destination with a strong outdoor identity
Camping les Medes is not only well placed geographically. It also has a long-standing profile linked to quality tourism and sustainability.
The campsite states that:
- Since 2012, it has been a EUROTOP campsite according to the Dutch tourist association ANWB.
- Since 2013, it has been a SUPERPLATZ according to the German tourist association ADAC.
- In 2016, German magazine CARAVANING carried out a study of all SUPERPLATZ campsites and their user ratings across different social media, and Camping les Medes was ranked as the second best campsite in Europe.
- Since 2018, it has been part of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) together with other local businesses and institutions, with the aim of making the destination a model of sustainability.
These points reinforce the appeal of using the campsite as a base for travelers who value outdoor experiences, quality stays, and a destination shaped by nature.
Practical tips for planning River & Lake Escapes
If you want to make the most of freshwater adventures in the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees, a little planning goes a long way.
Choose a balanced itinerary
Do not fill every day with the same type of activity. A better approach is to mix:
- Coastal time in L’Estartit
- Walking or nature-focused inland outings
- Optional diving or marine activities
- Relaxed time at your accommodation
This creates variety without making the holiday feel rushed.
Match the outing to your travel style
Different travelers want different things from inland water landscapes.
- Families may prefer easy day trips and short walks.
- Couples may enjoy scenic, slower-paced excursions.
- Active travelers may combine freshwater outings with hiking and diving.
- Long-stay guests can spread these experiences across several days.
Use your accommodation as your planning hub
Staying in one place while taking varied excursions is often more comfortable than changing locations. Camping les Medes supports that model well because it combines accommodation choice with access to both coastal and nature-based experiences.
Quick answers: freshwater holidays in Costa Brava and Girona
What are River & Lake Escapes in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees?
They are inland nature experiences centered on rivers, lakes, and mountain water landscapes, added to a coastal holiday for more variety and outdoor exploration.
Why combine freshwater adventures with a Costa Brava stay?
Because they add contrast, quieter scenery, walking opportunities, and a broader experience of Girona beyond the beach.
Where can you stay for both coast and nature?
Camping les Medes in L’Estartit, Girona, Costa Brava is a practical base for combining coastal activities with inland day trips.
What other activities can complement freshwater escapes?
Walking and diving are natural complements. Aquàtica, located on the campsite since 2017, offers diving trips and diving courses in l’Estartit and the Montgrí, Illes Medes and Baix Ter Natural Park.
Related ideas for your stay
If you are planning a broader outdoor holiday, these topics pair naturally with River & Lake Escapes:
- The history and identity of Camping les Medes
- Walking activities for nature-focused exploration
- Aquàtica and diving in l’Estartit
- Accommodation options such as bungalows and pitch stays
Exploring these related themes can help you shape a stay that feels personal, balanced, and rooted in the destination.
Conclusion: discover a broader side of Girona
The coast may be what first brings many travelers to this part of Catalonia, but River & Lake Escapes: Freshwater Adventures in the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees show why it is worth looking inland too. Rivers, lakes, mountain scenery, walking routes, and quiet nature experiences can transform a simple seaside holiday into something more complete.
With its location in L’Estartit, its year-round opening, its accommodation options, and its connection to both nature and marine activities, Camping les Medes is well suited to travelers who want to combine the best of the Costa Brava with the wider landscapes of Girona.
Plan your stay at Camping les Medes, explore the accommodation that suits you best, and add freshwater adventures, walking, and coastal discovery to your next holiday. For questions or trip planning, visit https://www.campinglesmedes.com/nl/contact/ or call +34 972 75 18 05.