{{filter.label}}
Vacation in Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava, often called the "Venice of the Costa Brava," is a fascinating and unique destination.
Description and History
Empuriabrava is a modern, luxury tourist development located in the Bay of Roses in Catalonia, Spain. It is famous for its extensive network of 23 kilometers of navigable canals, making it the largest residential marina in Europe. The town was built on swampland during the 1960s and 1970s, designed so that residential homes could have direct access to the water with private docks. While it lacks the centuries of history found in its medieval neighbors, it has become a cosmopolitan hub, with its population swelling significantly in the summer months.
Historical Context: While Empuriabrava itself is modern, the surrounding area is steeped in history. The nearby town of Castelló d'Empúries, just a few minutes away, was the capital of the County of Empúries in the Middle Ages and features the majestic Gothic church of Santa Maria, sometimes called the "Cathedral of the Empordà."
Nature and Natural Parks
Empuriabrava's design balances its modern development with its stunning natural surroundings.
Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park: This protected wetland area borders the town and is a must-visit for nature lovers. It is the second-largest wetland in Catalonia, covering over 4,000 hectares.
Activities: The park is perfect for birdwatching, as it is home to over 300 species of birds, including flamingos and storks. It also offers numerous hiking and cycling routes with panoramic views of the coast.
Beaches: The nearby La Rubina beach is a wilder stretch of sand bordered by the natural park, appealing to those seeking a more secluded beach experience.
Cap de Creus Natural Park: A short drive away, this is Catalonia's first maritime-terrestrial park, offering dramatic coastal scenery and a rugged landscape ideal for hiking.
Typical Foods (Gastronomy of the Costa Brava)
The cuisine in and around Empuriabrava is part of the broader, rich Catalan gastronomy of the Costa Brava region, which masterfully blends ingredients from the sea (mar) and the mountains (muntanya).
Category Typical Dishes & Specialties Description
Sea & Land Mar i Muntanya (Sea and Mountain) A signature Catalan surf and turf dish that typically combines seafood (like prawns, cuttlefish, or lobster) with meat (like chicken, rabbit, or pork) in a rich sauce.
Rice & Pasta Arròs a la Cassola (Casserole Rice) A popular, moist, and soupy rice dish, often cooked in an earthenware pot (cassola) with meat, seafood, and vegetables. Often preferred over the more famous paella, which is Valencian.
Arròs Negre (Black Rice) A rice dish similar to paella, but cooked with squid or cuttlefish ink, giving it a characteristic black color, and served with seafood.
Fideuà A dish similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice.
Seafood Suquet de Peix (Fish Stew) A hearty fisherman's stew made with the catch of the day (e.g., monkfish, hake) cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, and onions in a flavorful broth.
Esqueixada A refreshing salad made from shredded salt cod (bacallà), tomatoes, onions, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect for hot summer days.
Staples Pa amb Tomàquet (Bread with Tomato) Simple yet essential—bread rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled with olive oil, and salted. It is a symbol of Catalan identity.
Desserts Crema Catalana A famous dessert similar to crème brûlée, with a thin layer of caramelized sugar on top.
Brunyols de l'Empordà A type of fritter or doughnut, often flavored with anise and eaten around Lent and Easter.
Local Products Gambes de Palamós Highly prized red prawns from the nearby town of Palamós, often simply grilled with olive oil.
DO Empordà Wines The region has its own Denomination of Origin for wines, including excellent reds, whites, and rosés.
Activities (Summer and Winter)
Empuriabrava is renowned for catering to both relaxation and extreme sports, offering a wide range of things to do year-round.
Season Activities & Highlights Details
Summer Boating & Canals Renting a boat (licence-free options are available) to explore the 23km canal network is the signature activity. Boat tours are also available.
Water Sports A mecca for water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, water skiing, and jet skiing.
Beaches Relaxing on the main beach with modern facilities, or visiting the wilder La Rubina beach.
Nightlife The marina area is the center of a vibrant, cosmopolitan nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and live music.
AquaBrava Water Park A major attraction for families, featuring slides, wave pools, and leisure areas.
Year-Round Skydiving & Air Sports Home to one of the largest skydiving centers in Europe, Skydive Empuriabrava. Options include tandem jumps with incredible views of the coast, or using the iFLY wind tunnel for an indoor freefall experience.
Cycling & Hiking Numerous scenic bike trails and routes, especially through the flat terrain of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park.
Day Trips Visit the medieval town of Castelló d'Empúries, the home of Salvador Dalí in Figueres (Dalí Theatre-Museum), the charming seaside town of Cadaqués, or the city of Girona.
Winter Gastronomy Enjoy the heartier side of Catalan cuisine. The winter and spring months are the traditional season for Calçots (a type of spring onion, typically grilled and served with Romesco sauce).
Festive Atmosphere Enjoy the local Christmas markets and the traditional "Three Kings" celebration in January.
Festivals and Celebrations
Empuriabrava and its region host a vibrant calendar of events rooted in Catalan tradition.
Nit de Sant Joan (June 23rd): The fiery celebration of the summer solstice with bonfires, communal dinners, and fireworks along the beach.
Empuriabrava Boat Show (Spring): A major event showcasing the latest models of yachts, sailboats, and motorboats, reflecting the town's nautical focus.
Bravas Fest (May): A fun local festival focused on competing to create the most creative version of the beloved Spanish tapa, patatas bravas.
Regattas and Nautical Challenges (Spring/Summer): Sailing races and water sports festivals held in the Gulf of Roses, capitalizing on the large marina.
Traditional Catalan Celebrations: You can often find performances of Sardanes (the traditional Catalan circle dance) in the local squares, especially in the warmer months.
Nearby Major Festivals:
Cap Roig Festival (July/August): An acclaimed music festival with international and local artists, held in the beautiful botanical gardens of Cap Roig.
Besalú Medieval Fair (September): A major event in the nearby town of Besalú, transforming it into a medieval market with costumed participants and traditional crafts
Description and History
Empuriabrava is a modern, luxury tourist development located in the Bay of Roses in Catalonia, Spain. It is famous for its extensive network of 23 kilometers of navigable canals, making it the largest residential marina in Europe. The town was built on swampland during the 1960s and 1970s, designed so that residential homes could have direct access to the water with private docks. While it lacks the centuries of history found in its medieval neighbors, it has become a cosmopolitan hub, with its population swelling significantly in the summer months.
Historical Context: While Empuriabrava itself is modern, the surrounding area is steeped in history. The nearby town of Castelló d'Empúries, just a few minutes away, was the capital of the County of Empúries in the Middle Ages and features the majestic Gothic church of Santa Maria, sometimes called the "Cathedral of the Empordà."
Nature and Natural Parks
Empuriabrava's design balances its modern development with its stunning natural surroundings.
Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park: This protected wetland area borders the town and is a must-visit for nature lovers. It is the second-largest wetland in Catalonia, covering over 4,000 hectares.
Activities: The park is perfect for birdwatching, as it is home to over 300 species of birds, including flamingos and storks. It also offers numerous hiking and cycling routes with panoramic views of the coast.
Beaches: The nearby La Rubina beach is a wilder stretch of sand bordered by the natural park, appealing to those seeking a more secluded beach experience.
Cap de Creus Natural Park: A short drive away, this is Catalonia's first maritime-terrestrial park, offering dramatic coastal scenery and a rugged landscape ideal for hiking.
Typical Foods (Gastronomy of the Costa Brava)
The cuisine in and around Empuriabrava is part of the broader, rich Catalan gastronomy of the Costa Brava region, which masterfully blends ingredients from the sea (mar) and the mountains (muntanya).
Category Typical Dishes & Specialties Description
Sea & Land Mar i Muntanya (Sea and Mountain) A signature Catalan surf and turf dish that typically combines seafood (like prawns, cuttlefish, or lobster) with meat (like chicken, rabbit, or pork) in a rich sauce.
Rice & Pasta Arròs a la Cassola (Casserole Rice) A popular, moist, and soupy rice dish, often cooked in an earthenware pot (cassola) with meat, seafood, and vegetables. Often preferred over the more famous paella, which is Valencian.
Arròs Negre (Black Rice) A rice dish similar to paella, but cooked with squid or cuttlefish ink, giving it a characteristic black color, and served with seafood.
Fideuà A dish similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice.
Seafood Suquet de Peix (Fish Stew) A hearty fisherman's stew made with the catch of the day (e.g., monkfish, hake) cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, and onions in a flavorful broth.
Esqueixada A refreshing salad made from shredded salt cod (bacallà), tomatoes, onions, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect for hot summer days.
Staples Pa amb Tomàquet (Bread with Tomato) Simple yet essential—bread rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled with olive oil, and salted. It is a symbol of Catalan identity.
Desserts Crema Catalana A famous dessert similar to crème brûlée, with a thin layer of caramelized sugar on top.
Brunyols de l'Empordà A type of fritter or doughnut, often flavored with anise and eaten around Lent and Easter.
Local Products Gambes de Palamós Highly prized red prawns from the nearby town of Palamós, often simply grilled with olive oil.
DO Empordà Wines The region has its own Denomination of Origin for wines, including excellent reds, whites, and rosés.
Activities (Summer and Winter)
Empuriabrava is renowned for catering to both relaxation and extreme sports, offering a wide range of things to do year-round.
Season Activities & Highlights Details
Summer Boating & Canals Renting a boat (licence-free options are available) to explore the 23km canal network is the signature activity. Boat tours are also available.
Water Sports A mecca for water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, water skiing, and jet skiing.
Beaches Relaxing on the main beach with modern facilities, or visiting the wilder La Rubina beach.
Nightlife The marina area is the center of a vibrant, cosmopolitan nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and live music.
AquaBrava Water Park A major attraction for families, featuring slides, wave pools, and leisure areas.
Year-Round Skydiving & Air Sports Home to one of the largest skydiving centers in Europe, Skydive Empuriabrava. Options include tandem jumps with incredible views of the coast, or using the iFLY wind tunnel for an indoor freefall experience.
Cycling & Hiking Numerous scenic bike trails and routes, especially through the flat terrain of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park.
Day Trips Visit the medieval town of Castelló d'Empúries, the home of Salvador Dalí in Figueres (Dalí Theatre-Museum), the charming seaside town of Cadaqués, or the city of Girona.
Winter Gastronomy Enjoy the heartier side of Catalan cuisine. The winter and spring months are the traditional season for Calçots (a type of spring onion, typically grilled and served with Romesco sauce).
Festive Atmosphere Enjoy the local Christmas markets and the traditional "Three Kings" celebration in January.
Festivals and Celebrations
Empuriabrava and its region host a vibrant calendar of events rooted in Catalan tradition.
Nit de Sant Joan (June 23rd): The fiery celebration of the summer solstice with bonfires, communal dinners, and fireworks along the beach.
Empuriabrava Boat Show (Spring): A major event showcasing the latest models of yachts, sailboats, and motorboats, reflecting the town's nautical focus.
Bravas Fest (May): A fun local festival focused on competing to create the most creative version of the beloved Spanish tapa, patatas bravas.
Regattas and Nautical Challenges (Spring/Summer): Sailing races and water sports festivals held in the Gulf of Roses, capitalizing on the large marina.
Traditional Catalan Celebrations: You can often find performances of Sardanes (the traditional Catalan circle dance) in the local squares, especially in the warmer months.
Nearby Major Festivals:
Cap Roig Festival (July/August): An acclaimed music festival with international and local artists, held in the beautiful botanical gardens of Cap Roig.
Besalú Medieval Fair (September): A major event in the nearby town of Besalú, transforming it into a medieval market with costumed participants and traditional crafts
Click to show the map