L'Escala, in Girona, has reopened access to Illa Mateua beach on Saturday 13 June 2026, after four years of closure. The reopening follows reinforcement work on the cliff face after a landslide in 2022, according to the local council.
The project included consolidating the cliff and improving the access stairs, so the beach can once again be reached by the public free of charge. The council said it moved ahead after the Department of Coasts first drafted a retaining mesh project, then changed its criteria and declined direct intervention.
The council later folded the work into a wider improvement and signage plan for the Punta Montgó area. That process needed approval from several higher administrations and the natural park authorities, which extended the timetable.
The works included removing invasive flora, upgrading signage for routes and areas, and improving access to both the Punta Montgó bunkers and Illa Mateua beach. Officials also said a containment mesh was installed to help prevent future landslides.
The project was carried out under the Tourist Sustainability Plans in Destinations programme. It is financed by the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, PRTR, with European NextGenerationEU funds.
The reopening is expected to improve safe access for residents and visitors to one of L'Escala's coastal spots. For more local coverage, see our news page.
