Montgrí, Medes Islands and Lower Ter Natural Park

Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park stretches across the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí on Catalonia's Costa Brava coast. It's one of the few protected areas in Spain that brings together three completely different landscapes in a single park: a rocky mountain massif, a small Mediterranean archipelago, and the delta and lower course of the Ter river. Within a few kilometres you can move from dry limestone slopes covered in scrubland, across a wide sandy beach, to a fully protected marine reserve underwater.

What will you see in the park?

The heart of the park's inland section is the Montgrí massif — low but steep limestone hills topped by the medieval Montgrí Castle (Castell de Montgrí). It's visible from almost every point in the surrounding area, and the climb up rewards visitors with panoramic views over the Costa Brava coastline, the Medes Islands, and the flat Baix Ter plain below.

The Medes Islands themselves form a small cluster of rocky islets a few kilometres offshore from L'Estartit. The surrounding waters were declared a marine reserve back in the 1990s, and decades of protection have left the seabed exceptionally rich in marine life — schools of fish, gorgonian coral gardens, and underwater caves. The site draws divers from across Europe, while glass-bottom boats let visitors without diving gear watch the underwater world without getting wet.

The park's third section, Baix Ter, covers the land around the mouth of the Ter river — a patchwork of fields, irrigation channels, and wetland meadows that's important for resident and migratory waterbirds.

How to get there and explore?

The park sits right next to Torroella de Montgrí and the neighbouring resort town of L'Estartit, reachable by local roads from Girona (roughly a 30–40 minute drive) or via the AP-7 motorway. L'Estartit is the most practical base — boats to the Medes Islands and diving gear rentals both depart from its harbour.

The inland section is best explored on foot or by bike. A network of trails leads up to the castle ruins as well as along flat, easy paths beside the Ter river, suitable for families with children. It's worth stopping at the tourist office in L'Estartit or at the Espai Medes information centre to learn more about the marine reserve before heading out to the islands.

When to visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best times to come, with temperatures comfortable enough for hiking the dry, rocky massif and diving alike — summer waters are warmer, but the area gets considerably busier with tourists. Plan the castle climb for morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and catch better light for photos.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Medes Islands without diving? Yes. Regular boat trips run out to the islands, including glass-bottom boats that let you observe the reef and fish without entering the water.

How long does the climb to Montgrí Castle take? The trail from the base of the massif to the castle ruins usually takes about 1–1.5 hours one way, depending on fitness and pace.

Is the park suitable for families with children? Yes, especially the riverside section along the Baix Ter, where the paths are flat and easy. The castle climb is more demanding due to the steep ascent.

Is there an entrance fee for the park? The inland part of the park is open and free to access, but boat trips into the Medes Islands marine reserve and diving excursions are paid activities that require booking, especially during the summer season.