Located at the southern end of the Gulf of Roses, L’Escala is a historic fishing port on Spain’s Costa Brava. It’s home to Greco-Roman ruins that served as a gateway for the civilisations to expand across the Iberian Peninsula and hosts an annual festival that celebrates its anchovies.
Things to do in l'Escala
Passing through L’Escala is the GR92, a long-distance walking trail connecting Portbou to Pont de l’Olivar in Catalonia. Hugging the coastline is Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter Natural Park, which protects the limestone formations of the Montgri massif, the wetlands of the River Ter and the ecologically significant seabed surrounding the Illes Medes.
North-west of L’Escala’s town centre are the ancient ruins of Empúries, which were originally founded by Greek colonists in 575 BC. The settlement was later occupied by the Romans before being abandoned in the Early Middle Ages. Interpretive panels dotted throughout the site help to bring its history to life while objects uncovered during excavations are showcased at the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia at Empúries.
One of L’Escala’s most iconic buildings is the Alfolí de la Sal, a 17th-century warehouse once used to store salt for the preservation of fish. Recently restored, it now serves as a cultural heritage museum, with its permanent exhibition titled “L’Escala and the Sea of Empuries”. There are also displays dedicated to the writing of Caterina Albert, who was better known by her male pen name, Victor Catala.
Getting around l'Escala
L’Escala is around 40 minutes’ drive from Girona and Girona–Costa Brava Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to L’Escala and the town centre is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the area.