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.
The cove sits along a stretch of coast that fishermen from L'Escala have used for centuries, as the town built much of its identity around the sea and small-scale fishing. Over time, the area shifted from a working fishing ground to a destination for those seeking nature, while the protected park status has kept large development away.
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.
Although dogs are not allowed on the beach to protect local wildlife, boats can anchor just offshore, making it a stop for sailors passing along this coast. The protected park that covers this cove also extends to the Illes Medes, a group of small islands that together form one of the most visited marine areas in the western Mediterranean.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
