Spain is a popular diving destination offering Mediterranean diving. Many diving resorts are popular holiday centres in their own right and divers will benefit from the wide range of accommodation and tourist facilities while non - diving partners will find plenty to do. The main diving areas in Spain are the Balearic Islands and the Medas Islands off the Costa Brava. Additionally, the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean offer many opportunities for divers. Spain is also a good jumping off point for diving in Gibraltar.
Possibly the most popular mainland site is the Medas Islands, a group of 7 islets located at the northern end of the Costa Brava, less than a mile off shore from the picturesque and friendly coastal town of Estartit. There are two main islands, Meda Gran and Meda Petita together with numerous large outlying rocks, pinnacles and spectacular caverns caused by erosion. The islands are also the home of a huge marine park reserve and consequently, there is an abundance of sea life including octopus, grouper, scorpion fish, rays, shoals of jacks, sea bream, barracuda and many more species. The currents are gentle and the depths at most sites between 6 and 20 metres. Many dive operators offer day trips from Estartit to the islands. All in all, an excellent dive destination with attractions for divers of all grades and levels of experience. While the remainder of Spain's Mediterranean coast is less well known among divers, it offers a selection of dive sites with reefs, caves, caverns and wrecks. Some dive sites are accessible from the shore while others require boat trips. One of the highlights is the Marine Reserve at La Herradura near Almunecar that boasts a wide selection of marine life.
Dive operators can be found in Estartit, Fuengirola, Marbella, Nerja, Torremolinos and El Morche and other resorts along the Costa Blanca like Calpe and Torrevieja. Most resort towns will have dive operators. Non-diving partners will enjoy the opportunity to sit on the beach or to partake in a wide range of activities on offer in the well-established tourist resorts. Spain is probably still the favourite holday place of British holidaymakers - it is a short flight away and from April through November you can be reasonably sure of warm, sunny weather. Allied to this, the food is both delicious and cheap as is the local wine. Spanish resorts generally have wonderful sandy beaches, a good range of hotels and are very family friendly - you will find your children welcomed even in quite upmarket restaurants.
