About L'Escala.

L'Escala is essentially a small fishing village, situated between Figueres and Girona at about 50Kms from the French border.

L'Escala is easily reached on the N-II or the A-7 motorway if coming by car. If flying, then we have 3 Airports: Gerona (the closest) at just 30mins drive, Perpignan at 1hr drive and Barcelona at 1:30mins drive.

Sports.

Cycling, parasailing, karting, windsurfing, quad, horse riding, diving, sailing, kayak, jet ski ... sport activities are abundant here in L'Escala due to the marvellous climate.

There are 5 superb Golf Courses within easy reach of L'Escala.

Beaches.

Its beaches are rated as some of the best and cleanest; Riells beach is shallow and therefore ideal for young children whilst Empúries beach consists of some 11Kms, of fine sandy beach which runs past the famous Green / Roman ruins (a 'must' to visit) and where the 1992 Olympic Torch arrived in Spain.

Culture.

The town of La Escala has been carefull to preserve the natural beauty of the Coast and whilst expanding tastfully the urban area. Of equal importance is the fact that local customs and culture have been kept alive and are passed on generation, for example 'Nuestra Sra. del Carmen', which is celebrated 16th July, the patron of Fishermen. Fiestas and celebrations in these traditions are enjoyed by the local people and tourist alike.

The village fete (2nd to 6th September) is another example, with dancing in the streets to the 'Sardana' (traditional dance music).

Food.

Equally, La Escala is famous for it's anchovies which are exported all over the world and there is a tasting festival every October.


We are renowned as a gastronomic centre where you will find full menus for just £ 5 up to full 5 star restaurants. The quality and variety of the ingredients are determining factors in the gastronomy of L' Escala, enjoying and experimenting with our cuisine is a fundamental part of your stay here. L' Escala, being a fishing village, means you will find enormous variety of fish and seafood.

Another gastronomic pleasure are the 'tapas' ( in bars). Whether at mid-day or in the evening, you will be unable to resist trying the many delicacies such as cheeses and hams, tiny earthenware dishes of sizzling 'aperitivos' of seafood, fish, meats. It's the chance to dip into so many tastes, as well as the visual spread of tapas that make them universally appealing. And then, of course, there are our wines, superb, especially from the regions of Penedes and Rioja.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most nutritionally healthy in the world.

History.

For many visitors, the ruins of Empúries is a 'must' to visit. The site is less than two kilometres from L'Escala and can be reached by foot comfortably along the beach promenade.

The historical name of Empúries comes from the Greek term "Emporion" which means market place or commercial centre. In the 5th Century B.C., the Greeks arrived at Emporion (next to St. Martí d’Empúries). Emporion rapidly became one of history's most important commercial ports on the Mediterranean.

During the second Punic War, in the 3rd Century B.C., Emporion became a Roman possession, called Emporiae. This was the beginning of the romanisation of the Iberian Peninsula ( Spain).

Examples of Greek and Roman construction, their art and their culture can be seen by visiting the ruins and the museum here in Empúries, L'Escala. The archeological excavations began in the year 1908 and are still continuing today.