Cala Illa Mateua, Shingle beach and bay in L'Escala, Spain

Cala Illa Mateua is a shingle beach and bay in L'Escala, on the Costa Brava in Spain, set within the Parc Natural del Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter. The narrow strip of pebbles sits between rocky cliffs and opens onto clear water, with a small island visible at one end that gives the cove its name.

On 8 September 1963 the French navy tug Cotentin, known locally as Constantin, sank off this cove. Its wreck lies in shallow water and can be seen by diving. The cove belongs to L'Escala, between the Port and Punta Montgó, in the Planasses area of the Parc Natural del Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter.

The name Cala Illa Mateua refers to the small island visible at one end of the cove. Divers know this spot largely because of the sunken ship Cotentin, which rests on the seafloor and draws underwater explorers to the area.

The beach is at the edge of L'Escala and can be reached on foot, by car, or by bus, with a parking area nearby. There are no sunbeds, umbrellas, or food vendors on site, so it is worth bringing your own supplies, including water shoes if you plan to walk on the pebbles.

On 8 September 1963 the French navy tug Cotentin, known locally as Constantin, sank here. Its wreck lies in shallow water and can be seen by diving. The cove takes its name from the small islet about 20 metres off one end of the beach.