The 9 things to do in Empuriabrava

You put your suitcases on the Catalan shores of the Mediterranean? Here are the 10 best things to do to visit Empuriabrava!

At 40 kilometers from the French border, Empuriabrava is one of the most original destinations to visit on the Costa Brava . At the bottom of the Gulf of Rosas, it is the municipality of Castelló d’Empúries that counts it on its territory, in addition to part of the Aiguamolls natural park.

Empuriabrava deserved his nickname Catalan Venice , since with more than thirty kilometers of arranged canals, it is the largest residential marina in Europe. It is therefore in large part to walk there, both by boat and by the water, that the passengers come to visit Empuriabrava. But it would be a shame to stop at that, because this little pearl of Catalonia has a mountain of things to offer. Discover immediately the 10 best things to do in Empuriabrava!

1. Explore Marina

Created almost exclusively for tourism, the Empuriabrava marina has mult activities that can punctuate a solo, family or friends stay. Pêle-mêle, here is a selection of things to do to visit Empuriabrava: you face on a minigolf course, simulate a fall in an air tunnel or go to admire the parachute jump professionals in action at the Empuriabrava airfield. And if these activities have nothing to do with each other, it is normal: the strength of this seaside resort is to propose the diversity necessary for everyone to find their account!

2. Walking by boat on the canals

Renting a boat to discover the city through its canals is an original way to visit Empuriabrava. With or without a permit, renting a small boat or ferry will be an opportunity to discover the different canals and the main centers of the marina. To do this, there is no need for a boat permit or to be a real mussaillon: navigation on the Empuriabrava canals is free!

3. Flâner in the historic center of Castelló d’Empúries

During your few days to visit Empuriabrava, don’t miss out on the historic centre of Castelló: it contains an interesting historical heritage to discover. Whether you’re a feru of history and you’re travelling alone or accompanied, this part of the city will charm you every time. From Empuriabrava you will be there in 20 minutes of pedal strokes and 10 minutes of car.

Visit the Basilica of Sainte-Marie de Castelló

In the heart of the commune of Castelló d’Empúries is the Basilica of Saint Mary. The second largest religious building in the Costa Brava, this Romanesque church dates back to the 10th century. Replaced by a Gothic building whose work began in the 13th century, there are only remains of it today. Within the Basilica, the parish museum called the Musée du Trésor contains admirable pieces of goldsmithery (joaillerie et reliques).

Visit the Carlina Tower

This fortress of the 19th century was built by the Toledo regiment to protect the region from potential attacks from outside. Set proudly by the Muga, Torre Carlina is located southwest of the city, outside the historic centre.

This irregular stone building has three floors, considering the ground floor as one. Despite its modest size, the Tour Carlina is a place full of History and is one of the things to do to visit Empuriabrava as it is anchored in its heritage.

4. Discover the butterfly Park

In this small animal park with the proximity of three natural parks, a greenhouse of 2000 m2 is surrounded by countless species of butterflies ( hence its name), parrots and flying and tropical species. Among other curiosities, you can go to meet the world’s largest butterfly and even a frugivore bat.

An exit for the whole family to visit Empuriabrava! Count about an hour to visit this butterfly park with Amazon jungle airs.

5. Hiking in the Aiguamolls Natural Park

Aiguamolls means "swamp" in Catalan, and this space of more than 5000 hectares bears its name since this protected area with hiking and cycling paths enjoys a very humid climate. It seems to be appreciated by birds, as more than 300 different species have chosen their homes.

Given its size, it is difficult to get to the end of this park, and you will always discover something new even if you put your feet back every year!

6. Preaching on the beaches of Empuriabrava

Who says holidays in Empuriabrava, says passage forced by his seafront! But then, what is the best address to swim and sunbath? To serve you, here is the palm of the beaches to visit in Empuriabrava!

Empuriabrava Beach

With its 1.5 kilometer long, the main beach of Empuriabrava — which bears its name — extends from the mouth of the Muga River to the limits of the city. Dignified with the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava, its sun loungers, fine sand and crystalline water can convince you to spend more time than expected. From the city centre, access is direct, so why do you deprive yourself of it?

Beach of the Rubina

The first bird, the beach of the Rubina can be described as wild. Bordering the Empordá natural park and taking the part to keep a blank side of all constructions. Of course, you will find less bars and restaurants than on the beach of Empuriabrava, but it is a whole new, more authentic experience that will offer you.

Other important info: if you travel with your four-legged companion, this is the only beach in the city where you can make it gambader.

Beach of Can Comes

The last of this selection to visit Empuriabrava is a secret jewel. Less easy access than the other two, the beach of Can Comes is not crowded. Offering intimate contact with nature, however, the effort is largely worth it.

You will not find any construction around this beach of 4 kilometers long. Of course, this is not the best option if you are travelling with children at a low age, but it is a detour to make in Empuriabrava if you are in the middle of a duo getaway or if you are a nature lover and large spaces.

7. Participate in the medieval Tierra festival of Trovadores

The Terra de Trobadors festival of Castelló d’Empúries is one of the first medieval events in Catalonia. Every year in September, it is a real dive in the medieval era that the city offers.

Handicrafted markets, knights, street shows, medieval gastronomy: an interactive historical reconstruction of first choice! This popular event is immanquable if you choose to visit Empuriabrava during the school year.

8. Tasting local specialties

It would be a sacrilege to leave Catalonia without having tasted its delights: so you know what you have to do in Empuriabrava!

Viennoiseries and other sweets

You advocate French bakery as the best in the world? We will not contradict you on their quality, but wait to taste those who come from Catalonia to make you an enlightened opinion, because your palace may fall under the charm.

♪ shells , kinds of whipped whipples, can take different forms and are garnished sometimes with pastry cream, sometimes with Catalan cream, or even with candied fruits and sugar. ♪ bunyetes , that you can find in Empuriabrava, are the Catalan version of the pillows, which you surely know if you are a South child.

Thus, the tradition of preparing bunyetes the good taste of orange blossom during the holy week has crossed the centuries and is still alive... For our greatest happiness! Other sugarries to be tested absolutely: xurros ( churros in Castilian) of course, to soak in hot chocolate or to savour natures and crispy, or xuixos . It is likely that you have never met this term. Viennoiseries from Girona , xuixos are stuffed with cream and eat at breakfast as they taste.

Gastronomy

The fabulous crema catalana (literally) Catalan cream ) is also a must of any stay in this region of Spain. Similar to our burned cream, it comes to sublimate every meal with a touch of greed.

L’ escalivada , verb escalivar meaning "roasting in braise", is a recipe of Mediterranean grilled vegetables. It is usually consumed by tapa or in. Other speciality to be tested: Picolat bowls , catalane meatballs served with white beans. To make us salt in advance! What are your favorite Catalan dishes?

9. Make a boat ride

If you like to boat, you will be served in Empuriabrava! Indeed, as we have seen earlier, the 30 kilometers of its marina have nice and pleasant rides. But its geographical location by the Mediterranean will also allow you to explore the surroundings by the sea. Here is a selection of mini cruises to be made in Empuriabrava. Do not hesitate to send us your suggestions!

Visit the Cap de Creus Natural Park

This circuit will make you navigate through the Canyelles Petites circus, then the bay of Montjoi, finally through the Cap Norfeu. It is the wildest and preserved of these two routes by boat.

Sant Marti d’Empúries / El Rec Beach

Starting from Empuriabrava, this boat ride will take you south to explore the surroundings of Sant Martí d’Empúries, and the beautiful beach of El Rec at Escala.

How to get to Empuriabrava?

The municipality of Castelló d’Empúries does not have a railway station. This means that to go to Empuriabrava, the best thing is to rent a vehicle from a nearby airport.

The Girona, serving part of the Costa Brava, is less than an hour’s drive. Another solution can be to bet on the airport Perpignan , an hour too.

To find the best option by taking into account your starting point, do not hesitate to use the services of a Compare flights . And if you are already on the road, in the middle of the road trip on the Costa Brava, then the question is no longer: a stop is required!

Where to stay in Empuriabrava?

To visit Empuriabrava, you can choose to stay on the marina or the historic centre. By renting accommodation in the marina in particular thanks to the platform Airbnb , the seaside atmosphere will not leave you : if this is what you are looking for, then we strongly advise you to choose a rental in the residential space bordering the canals.

If your thing is to take the distance from the tourist hustle, then the best would be to find your happiness in the center of Castelló d’Empúries. Whatever your choice, you will be able to find the accommodation that will best fit your budget and expectations using a Compare hotels .

So, is your program of things to do to visit Empuriabrava now clearer?