Empuriabrava, the Venice of the Costa Brava

Nothing can match the charm of the real Venice, but that does not mean there are no replicas of Venice in different corners of the planet. Empuriabrava, in Girona, is one of those places. There are evident differences between the two of them, the main one being their history, but while visiting Empuriabrava one cannot help but think of La Sereníssima. This does not only come from the presence of the water canals, which are common in both of these places, but also from their luxurious, vibrant atmosphere.

The Venice of the Costa Brava

Canals of Empuriabrava

Canals of Empuriabrava. | Shutterstock

Empuriabrava is one of the largest residential marinas in Europe and in the world. Because of this title it is difficult to get an idea of what this “Venice of the Costa Brava” is really like. But once you learn of its 25 kilometres of canals and more than five thousand moorings, you get an idea of why it is called so. In fact, it is very distinctive towards other tourist areas on the Spanish coast.

Instead of skyscrapers, whitewashed residences rise up overlooking some canals that work as communication channels. The traffic noise is that of the movements of boats of different sizes, and during the high season, the crowds of visitors barely fit in. Despite the fact that it is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Girona, Empuriabrava is one of those few places on the Mediterranean coast where you can peacefully walk and avoid crowds.

It is popular not only for its Venetian essence, but also for the privileged place where it was built. It is located in the Gulf of Roses, next to the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park and only a step away from some of the most popular towns of the Costa Brava, like Cadaqués or Figueres.

Story of a project that was left unfinished

Canals of Empuriabrava

Canals of Empuriabrava. | Shutterstock

Despite everything, the history of Empuriabrava does not differ much from that of other tourist centres that were built between the 60s and 70s. The area it occupies today was a swampy area dedicated to the cultivation of rice and corn. A land in the hands, for the most part, of large landowners. It was one of them, the Marquis of Sant Morí, who took the first step to urbanize the area in the mid-1960s.

The idea was not to follow the model that had already been strongly implemented in other areas of the Mediterranean coast. The Empuriabrava project did not seek to attract mass tourism, but something much more exclusive. In order to achieve this, the construction of one of the largest and highest-level residential marinas in Europe was considered.

Its construction faced many ups and downs; in fact, it was never finished. The crisis and the pressure from the environmental movement paralyzed the planned expansion of the project. But at that point, almost twenty years after the work had begun, Empuriabrava had already become one of Girona’s reference points for tourism.

A place to enjoy from land, sea and air

Beach of Empuriabrava

Beach of Empuriabrava. | Shutterstock

Empuriabrava is one of those places one can enjoy in a thousand different ways. Taking a boat trip across the water canals seems inevitable, and it is a great way to enjoy the unique charm of this place. But moving away from the canals, the Gulf of Roses is an ideal place for water sports such as sailing, kitesurfing or windsurfing.

However, it is not by being in the water, but by having a bird’s eye view, that Empuriabrava’s aquatic network is best appreciated. And it is very easy to achieve it, as long as you are not afraid of heights and you are willing to enjoy the adventure and feel the adrenaline rush. Small planes take off from a nearby airfield and allow you to parachute and admire the shape of the Bay of Roses and the marina. To add on, this is one of the largest skydiving centres in the world.

More relaxing activities are also available for the less adventurous. The beaches in this area are simply magnificent. Fine sand beaches and waves not too strong. La Rubina is a family beach that also has an area for pets. The other beach is Les Comes, a wild beauty of almost four kilometres within the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park. It is quiet, but it does not have facilities and cannot be accessed by car.

These are not the only activities one can enjoy in Empuriabrava. For instance, a golf course is a good alternative too. Karting circuits, a butterfly garden, as well as a variety of restaurants, bars and pubs add on to the leisure options Empuriabrava has to offer.

What to see near Empuriabrava

Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park

The Costa Brava is dotted with wonderful corners that are sometimes unfairly unknown. For example, the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, the second largest wetland in Catalonia. This park occupies the area that did not succumb to the expansion of Empuriabrava that had been planned in the mid-70s. The Generalitat granted protection to the area that was still virgin and today it is a perfect space for bird watching, for hiking along one of its routes or for pedalling for a while in a beautiful natural environment.

Castle of Empúries

Church of Santa Maria Basilica of the castle of Empúries

Church of Santa Maria Basilica of the castle of Empúries. | Shutterstock

Administratively, Empuriabrava belongs to the municipality of castle of Empúries, which in itself is worth a visit. It is one of those municipalities that has managed to preserve a very attractive medieval atmosphere. Here it is essential to visit the Basilica of Santa María, the most important religious building in Girona, after the cathedral of the provincial capital. And one must also take a relaxed walk through the Jewish quarter, the Lonja del Mar, the old prison, the public laundry or El Portal de la Gallarda, among many other corners of enormous interest.

Ruins de Empúries

These ruins constitute one of the most unique and outstanding archaeological sites in Spain, as it was a Greek colony and later a Roman city. The fact that one can contemplate remains of both civilizations and learn about the history of one of the most fascinating places on the Spanish coast is well worth a visit. And nothing beats taking a walk to the old Greek port and then arriving to the charming town of Sant Martí d’Empúries.


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