Far de la Meda

Far de la Meda is a lighthouse standing on Meda Gran, the largest island of the Medes Islands archipelago, administratively part of the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí on the Costa Brava. It is the only lighthouse in Catalonia built on an island, which alone makes it an unusual destination — one you can only reach by boat from the harbour of L'Estartit.

How do you get there?

There is no road to Far de la Meda — Meda Gran sits a few hundred metres offshore from L'Estartit and forms part of the protected Illes Medes marine reserve. The most straightforward way to see it is on one of the excursion boats leaving L'Estartit harbour: some simply circle the archipelago, while others combine a pass by the lighthouse with snorkelling or diving in the surrounding waters. Because the island lies within a protected natural area, landing on it can be restricted or limited to specific organised trips, so it's worth checking the details in advance if getting close to the lighthouse itself, rather than just viewing it from the water, is the goal.

What will you see?

The lighthouse standing on Meda Gran today is the only building left on the island, and it caps off a history that stretches back much further than its own construction date. As early as the Middle Ages, the Medes Islands served as a lookout point along the coast. Under King Martí l'Humà, at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, a defence tower was raised here, together with a monastery of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem at its base — work began in 1413, but the outpost did not last: by the end of the 15th century, after repeated pirate raids, it had already fallen into ruin. A later military chapter came in the early 19th century, during the French occupation, when a fortification was built on the island and a garrison stationed there.

The lighthouse itself is a much later addition. Its construction was approved in 1862 and awarded to Jacinto Mombriu for 128,000 reals, but work was soon halted due to disputes with the military authorities controlling the island. The lighthouse was finally inaugurated in 1868, during the reign of Queen Isabella II. Today it is the only structure still standing on Meda Gran — the tower, the monastery and the later fortifications have all disappeared.

From the deck of a boat, it's also worth taking in the surroundings: the Illes Medes form one of the most valuable marine reserves on the Costa Brava, prized for their clear water and rich underwater life, which draws divers from across Europe.

When should you visit?

Boat trips to the Illes Medes and past Far de la Meda run mainly during the tourist season, from spring through early autumn, when sea conditions are calmest and underwater visibility is at its best. In summer, expect more traffic both on the water and in L'Estartit harbour, so booking a spot on a boat ahead of time is a sensible move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? The lighthouse is an active navigational aid operated by maritime authorities, so its interior is not open to visitors — sightseeing is limited to viewing it from the outside, usually from a boat.

Can you sail out to the island on your own boat? The Illes Medes are a protected marine reserve, so free navigation and landing are regulated — the safest and most reliable way to visit is on a licensed excursion boat from L'Estartit.

What makes this lighthouse special? It's the only lighthouse in Catalonia built on an island, and its site on Meda Gran carries centuries of history — from a medieval defence tower and a monastery of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, through a French-era garrison, to its present role as a working navigational light.

What else can you do nearby? The Illes Medes are a popular diving and snorkelling spot thanks to their clear water and rich marine life, and many boat trips from L'Estartit pair a pass by the lighthouse with exactly that kind of activity.