Medes Islands, Protected archipelago in Costa Brava, Spain.
Medes Islands is an archipelago along the Costa Brava coast made up of seven limestone outcrops that rise prominently from the water. The group spans roughly 900 meters in length and sits about one kilometer from the beach at L'Estartit.
The Order of the Holy Sepulchre built a fortress here during the 15th century to defend the coastline from attack. The structure later served as a prison and military outpost before being abandoned in the early 1900s.
The islands are a place where divers and visitors come to witness Mediterranean marine life in its natural setting. The waters carry strong meaning for the region as a living laboratory where people can see fish species thriving in their original habitat.
Visitors planning to dive or snorkel here must obtain permits and stick to designated zones for safety and conservation. Conditions are best during calm seas and good visibility, which occurs more often in the warmer months.
Underwater seagrass meadows of Neptune grass cover large areas around the rocks, providing shelter for groupers and other Mediterranean fish. These plant beds are crucial for the survival of many fish species in this protected marine zone.
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