Camping Illa Mateua in the Spanish l’Escala: snorkeling and breathtaking views

After a summer holiday in which we had to flee from the bad weather in Slovenia, we wanted only one thing this year: sun! We had set our sights on Spain for a few months, but it took until June before we actually started looking for a campsite. A bit late and many were already full. But suddenly there was camping Illa Mateua in l’Escala, which still had space

Named after an island

Our summer holiday lasted three weeks this year. Camping Illa Mateua was our third destination, after we had already spent one night at camping de Chênefleur in the Belgian Ardennes and two nights at both camping La Sténiole near Gérardmer and camping Porte de Provence in Mirmande.

Terrace camping

Illa Mateua cannot be compared to any of these three campsites. l’Escala is a tourist town on the Costa Brava. The campsite, with terraces, is named after an island in the sea. The front of the campsite is on a free busy street that divides the campsite in two. We were on the part that borders the sea.

Next to the sanitary building

The arrival at camping Illa Mateua was warm. And the lady at reception had good news for us: we had a wonderfully beautiful spot. She pointed it out on the map: by the sanitary building. This is a spot where I actually never want to be because of the crowds and the fact that everyone is doing all kinds of sanitary things very close to me.

Toilet smells

Of course we went to have a look first and what did we see: the spot looked quite nice. The men in my family were delighted with the spot, which looked out onto the large sanitary building on one side and bordered the chemical toilet building on the other. They only saw advantages and found the terracotta-coloured ‘chemical toilet’ wall very cosy. We decided to take the spot, although I immediately regretted it when someone – while we were still setting up – emptied his toilet and the smell slowly drifted towards us.

Very busy

In the days that followed, a spot next to the sanitary building also turned out to be very handy, especially at night. However, I will not choose it next time because of the hustle and bustle from early in the morning until late at night. In order to create some privacy, I hung all the beach towels on the line before going to bed, which formed a nice barrier between our tent and the sanitary facilities.

Rent a refrigerator

Incidentally, on the day of arrival there was still a refrigerator from the previous campers. We had rented a refrigerator before at a Spanish campsite, but this time I had not done so in advance. But it was a good idea! Fortunately, it was arranged via an app to the rental company: they picked up the old one and the next morning we got a clean refrigerator with freezer compartment.

Nice campsite

Our time at Illa Mateua campsite was great, partly because the worst holiday rush was already over. There are Dutch and many Spanish people on the campsite. Our neighbours, for example, came from Girona and used their caravan with awning as an outdoor house at the weekend.

Swimming pool with a view

Our sons were really looking forward to the football cage. They were very disappointed when it turned out that it was not lit in the evening. The campsite also has a small playground, which our boys have now outgrown. The swimming pool at Illa Mateua is beautiful. It is located at the back of the campsite and from the lawn – where you lie on towels – you have a spectacular view of the sea. Also nice: there is a pool bar. We found the lifeguard a bit strict. Throwing a ball over to someone was only allowed when it was quiet in the pool. There is also a swimming pool on the other part of the campsite, but we did not swim there.

Bread and groceries

On the other side of the campsite there is a shop where you can buy bread in the morning. A 2-minute walk away you will also find a large supermarket and a bakery with a huge range. The campsite has a restaurant, but the management of it was taken over this year and the campsite had withdrawn its hands. We did not eat there. We preferred to do that at the pizzeria a little further on, where you can eat and take away delicious pizzas.

Beach and sea

If you walk out of the street along the campsite, you will come to Cala Montgo. This is a bay with a small beach, which can be quite busy in high season. There are all kinds of restaurants around the bay. The view is also beautiful here and the water is clear. From the campsite you can reach the beach in a few minutes. Recommended: take a morning dip when it is still quiet on the beach. We did that while the boys were still asleep and it was wonderful!

Snorkeling and rock jumping

At the back of the campsite there is another rocky beach. To get there, you walk out of the gate at the swimming pool. You need a pass for the gate, which you can borrow for a deposit. The beach is officially closed due to the danger of falling rocks, although everyone ignored that ban. We had a great time snorkeling here. The high rock is attractive to children, who like to climb it and then dive off it. Fortunately, ours did not do this – after a strict ban from this concerned mother.

Sant Pere Pescador

Because of previous holidays at camping l’Amfora we knew the beach of Sant Pere Pescador, about twenty minutes drive from the camping. We have found few beaches in Europe that can match this deep wide beach, where you have a view of kite surfers and the town of Rosas. That is why we went there twice this holiday.
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Tourist l'Escala

‘Escala is a tourist town with many restaurants and shops. Be sure to visit the old village, where you can wander through the streets. From the Illa Mateua campsite, a tourist train goes all the way to the old town. We did that once. The second time we walked from the campsite, which is 5 kilometers there and 5 kilometers back. The walk goes largely along the coast and is very beautiful. Don’t forget to say hello to the statue of le Petit Prince.

Surroundings of l’Escala

In the surroundings of l’Escala you will find many places that are worth visiting, such as Dalí’s Figueres, but also Empuriabrava, the historic village of Castelló d’Empuries, the old Pals and the city of Girona. Barcelona is 141 kilometers away.

Conclusion camping Illa Mateua

Camping Illa Mateua is a nice campsite in a beautiful area. Are you looking for peace and quiet? Then skip this campsite. Certainly our spot, near the sanitary building and close to the street where containers were emptied in the morning, was noisy. But at the same time it is very cozy. On an evening when it was still too hot to go to sleep, we went for a walk. To the beach and to the ice cream parlor, which is also a few minutes from the campsite. Illa Mateua reminded us a bit of camping Enmar in Pineda de Mar, where we stayed in 2019.

We had a great time at Illa Mateua and enjoyed our peace and quiet even more when we stayed a few days at a quiet river in France afterwards.