Why go
The Aiguamolls offers a marshland and wildfowl focus near the Gulf of Roses. Cap de Creus combines land and sea around a rugged peninsula, while the Medes Islands draw attention offshore from L’Estartit. These contrasts help you select the habitat you want to understand rather than simply the nearest park name.
The full story
Environmental protection forms part of the Costa Brava’s response to tourism development. The coastal towns’ Carta de Tossa in 1998 recognised the importance of protecting habitats alongside welcoming visitors. The surviving natural areas reveal how much the coastline changes within a relatively small region. Aiguamolls de l’Empordà preserves marshlands around the Gulf of Roses, including areas on either side of the Muga. Its wetland character is distinct from the cliffs and rocky bays of Cap de Creus, whose protected area includes both terrestrial and marine environments. Off L’Estartit, the Medes Islands provide a marine counterpart, with fish and aquatic vegetation central to their significance. Inland landscapes add further contrasts: the Albera combines Mediterranean and mountain influences, while Montseny’s changing altitude supports contrasting forests, including oak, pine and beech. Keep an inland forest excursion separate from expectations of a coastal reserve visit.