Name and Location

Far de la Meda is a minor coastal lighthouse situated on Meda Gran, the largest islet of the Medes Islands (Illes Medes) archipelago off the coast of L’Estartit, Torroella de Montgrí, in the comarca of Baix Empordà, province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It marks the entrance to the Estartit channel and assists vessels navigating between the Gulf of Roses and the northern Costa Brava.

2. Construction and History

The exact date of construction for Far de la Meda is not recorded in publicly available sources. However, it is likely that the lighthouse was built in the late 19th or early 20th century as part of Spain’s modern lighthouse network. The architect or designer responsible for the structure is unknown.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a utilitarian design and is constructed using materials believed to be masonry or concrete, with a metal lantern room. The tower form is small, cylindrical, or slightly tapered, rising from the rocky islet surface. The lantern features a glazed exterior and an external gallery (railing).

4. Light and Navigation

Technical specifications for Far de la Meda, such as exact tower height, focal height, light range, and characteristic, are not currently documented in publicly accessible sources. Any such details should be confirmed via official nautical publications or the managing port authority before navigational use.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is fully automated and unmanned. Visitors cannot access the interior of the tower, but can enjoy views from boat-based tours departing L’Estartit or from coastal viewpoints at the L’Estartit waterfront and the Montgrí–Medes–Ter Natural Park lookout points.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Illes Medes form a designated marine and terrestrial natural reserve (Reserva Natural de les Illes Medes i del Baix Ter) declared in 1983. The surrounding environment features small rocky islets rising to about 80 meters, an important marine biodiversity hotspot, and scuba-diving destination.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local stories persist about smugglers and pirates operating in the area during the 16th–18th centuries. While no specific shipwrecks are tied to Far de la Meda, the rocky reefs around the islets were notorious hazards. The lighthouse has also been associated with solitary keepers’ life on the islets prior to automation.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority for Far de la Meda is assumed to be Puertos del Estado – Autoridad Portuaria de Barcelona, as with most Catalan lighthouses. Automation status: fully automated and unmanned. Power source: likely solar panels with battery backup (standard for remote Mediterranean lights). Navigational status: active aid to navigation.

9. Further Information

For further reading and references, please see the following sources: Catalan Wikipedia: “ca:Far de la Meda”; Wikidata entry Q28710741; OpenStreetMap (way/158958748); Puertos del Estado (www.puertos.es) – general lighthouse listings; Generalitat de Catalunya – natural reserve regulations.