|
The
Medes Islands - Illes Medes (Catalan) or Islas Medas (Spanish)
The Medes Islands are situated in the heart of the Costa Brava, and
represent one of the primary marine flora and fauna reserves in the
Western Mediterranean, a privileged natural area for visitors and a much
appreciated scuba-diving destination. The archipelago covers an area of
approximately 56½ acres and is located a mile off the Costa Brava
mainland, opposite L’Estartit beach.
The Medes Islands are a set of seven islets called La Meda Gran , La
Meda Petita , El Medellot (or La Bota ), Les Ferranelles, Els Tascons
Grossos El Carall Bernat, and Els Tascons Petits. They were listed as a
marine reserve in 1983 and since then the area has seen a spectacular
recovery of the rich seabed and of many sea and land species previously
in danger of extinction.
The pleasure of diving and boating around this beautiful seascape is
thus enhanced making this an ideal area to spend a holiday.
|
|
The
islands are uninhabited today but shipwreck remains testify to ancient
Greek ships navigating these seas in classical times. Findings of
lachrymatory phials and human bones suggest that the islands may have
been used as a necropolis.
In the 15th century, a fortress was constructed on the islet of La Meda
Gran , and was inhabited by the knights of St. Sepulchre. In the 16th
century the monks eventually left and the fortress partially colapsed
after numerous pirate attacks. Throughout the 18th century wars the
fortress was used as a prison and later as a military garrison until
1890.
The lighthouse The first lighthouse was built on La Meda Gran in 1866,
during the reign of Isabel II and hada resident lighthouse keeper until
1930. The new automatic lighthouse is now powered by solar energy.
The Medes Isles webcam and brief
background is courtesy of
wheelocknet.net |
|
Medes
isles webcam
Costa
Brava & Catalonia Holiday Rentals