If you don’t know L’Escala yet, let us introduce it to you. It is a town located on the coast of the province of Girona, right in the heart of the Costa Brava!
And because of its location, we could tell you it has everything: history, spectacular beaches, gastronomy with its own identity, and plans for all tastes. Basically, it’s a perfect place to spend your holidays and… who knows, maybe you’ll fall so much in love that you’ll want to stay here for good.
The history of L’Escala told in a minute
The history of L’Escala is linked to Empúries, a city founded in the 6th century BC. It managed to become an important commercial and cultural center and, with the arrival of the Romans, it expanded and gained even more relevance. That’s why near L’Escala —within its municipal area— you’ll see archaeological sites and remains everywhere.
Centuries later —around the 16th century— L’Escala begins to appear in texts described as a fishing port and grows rapidly until it becomes the impressive town we know today.
The best places to see in L’Escala
The coastline wouldn’t be the same without L’Escala. If you want to know what to see on the Costa Brava, L’Escala and all the plans it offers are undoubtedly one of its highlights.
The Anchovy and Salt Museum
If there is one thing that defines L’Escala worldwide, it’s the anchovy. It has a powerful industry that has allowed it to become a gastronomic reference and, during your stay, you can visit one of its factories to see the traditional production process of this highly coveted fish.
And you can also get to know the Anchovy and Salt Museum. It’s free and very illustrative of how the fish and salting industry works in this area.
The ruins of Empúries: the forum and the amphitheater
This is, without a doubt, the cultural highlight of things to do in L’Escala. The Greeks arrived in Empúries in the 5th century BC, and from their stay here, houses, an amphitheater, sanctuaries, mosaics, and the imposing sculpture of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, are preserved.
To visit the site you need to get a ticket, which can be for a self-guided visit, a guided tour, or even with a show included—there are even dramatized ones!
The Montgrí Natural Park
L’Escala is lucky to be flanked by one of the best-preserved natural spaces on the Costa Brava: the Montgrí Natural Park. Here you’ll be able to go hiking, cycling, and also discover caves and rock formations typical of the area.
In short, it’s a space that connects the beach with the mountains in a way that few areas of the Catalan coast can boast.
The L’Escala promenade
One of the great pleasures of things to do in L’Escala is simply walking. And the promenade has a lot to offer.
If you start at Port d’en Perris beach and follow the coastline south, you’ll discover one by one the elements that make this stretch of coast so special: the ruins of the L’Escala Tower, the Monument to the Orquestra Catalana, the Roca del Frare, the Little Prince sculpture, and finally the port, where you’ll come across the L-6 bunkers of la Clota, a testimony of the Civil War.
The L’Escala weekly market
Every Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM the market is held in Plaza del Universo and Paseo del Mar, where you’ll be able to buy textiles, shoes, household items, fruits, and vegetables.
And hold on, because in Plaza Víctor Català on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, a small market of local fruit and vegetables is also organized. Zero kilometers!
The Montgó Tower
The Montgó Tower is a defensive construction against piracy built in 1598 by order of Philip II to protect the fishermen of L’Escala. It is located at the summit of Montgó mountain and is one of those classic things to do in L’Escala: learn its history and, while you’re at it, fill your camera roll with photos.
You can get there by car —there is parking at the top— or walk up from Montgó beach, which takes about 30 minutes.
Most beautiful beaches and coves in L’Escala
If you’re looking for the most authentic and varied coves on the Costa Brava, L’Escala is the perfect destination to start because here you’ll find several sandy areas that are very different from each other.
Riells Beach
Platja de Riells is the most family-friendly of all; it borders the promenade —which we mentioned before— which is full of restaurants and bars. It has shallow waters and fine, dark sand, which is very pleasant.
Rec del Molí Beach
A U-shaped beach surrounded by pine trees that you can reach via a charming path connecting it to the pedestrian promenade. And while you’re here, whether to spend the afternoon, the day, or the morning, you have to visit the Les Coves natural viewpoint, another must in L’Escala.
Cala Montgó
Surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean pines, that’s Cala Montgó. It has turquoise blue waters, enjoys Blue Flag status, and is located near the Montgrí Natural Park.
Cala de Pedrigolet
And this is a choice for things to do in L’Escala that only works if you’re looking for a beach with a small space —about 6 meters wide by 15 meters long— and a terrain composed mainly of pebbles.
Cala de la Creu
A small sandy area just a step away from the town that has plenty of rocks and vegetation. It’s also surrounded by some fishing boats and huts, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Where to eat in L’Escala
Gastronomy is another compelling reason to know what to do in L’Escala, as you eat very well here. As a good coastal town, the stars are the fish stews and rice dishes. Oh, and also the famous anchovy, which you’ll find in many restaurants in versions that go far beyond the classic fillet in oil.
Loumari Tapas Selectas, a creative proposal with top-quality local products; La Mod, for more contemporary cuisine; El Gotim, if you’re looking for a more traditional menu, and if you want to eat with the sea in front of you, L’Espigó is the perfect option.
Time to visit L’Escala?
After everything we’ve told you about what to do in L’Escala, the answer should be: I’m going to visit it, and the sooner the better. But first of all, it’s time to book accommodation. Take a look at our catalog; you’ll find houses, apartments, villas, and studios —with or without a pool— in L’Escala and its surroundings so you can shape your holidays exactly as you want.
