Empuriabrava - Little Catalan Venice
For this getaway, we invite you to cross the Spanish border and take the road to Empuriabrava (allow around 1 hour). This pearl of the Costa Brava, nestling between sea, nature and canals, has plenty of surprises in store.
Awakening in the heart of the marshes
On this beautiful day, we suggest you set off early to enjoy a wake-up call to nature in the Parc des Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, the second most important wetland in Catalonia, located to the south-east of Castelló d'Empúries. To get to this little corner of paradise and discover the wealth of flora and fauna, park in the car park at the El Cortalet visitor centre (€5 a day), then set off on a sumptuous 9.7 km walk (approx. 2 hours 50 minutes).
💡To prepare your day as well as possible
Take the time to listen to the birds, watch the storks and immerse yourself in this peaceful landscape, between marshes and rice fields.
💡If you're planning this excursion on a Saturday and prefer to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, then let yourself be carried towards the seafront. There's a weekly market from 9am to 1pm, where you'll find everything from filling a gourmet basket to light fabrics and even a fresh flower stall. Stroll between the stalls and soak up the Catalan atmosphere.
A lunch between sea and canals
After the effort, the comfort. Head to the wide beach at Empuriabrava for lunch by the sea. This 1.5km stretch of fine sand provides the perfect backdrop for lunch facing the sea, to the sound of the waves. Whether you opt for a picnic with your feet in the sand or the comfort of a restaurant, both promises will have charm.
If you're dreaming of an elegant meal, with your eyes immersed in the reflections of the canals, let yourself be seduced by the Azur restaurant. A plate of Mediterranean flavours with particularly tempting returns. For those who prefer the authenticity of a simple, quick and generous meal, head for Pollo-Pollo. Perfect for a break on the go, with your feet still covered in sand, between two adventures.
Relaxing on the warm sand
There's something for everyone on the beach: siesta lovers can stretch out in the shade of a parasol, the more energetic can go for an invigorating swim, while others can take advantage of the many water-based activities on offer, including inflatables on the sea (€6 for half an hour).
In the afternoon, head for the port of Empuriabrava to discover its famous canals. You can walk along the canals, but it's on the water that the magic really happens. Boats without a licence are available for hire (cost around €50 for a family, €60 in August), and in just a few moments you'll be gliding between flower-filled quays and sun-drenched villas. It's a uniquely charming Catalan Venice, sure to amaze you at every turn.
Castello d'Empuries: the medieval jewel
To round off this magnificent getaway, immerse yourself in the heritage of the historic centre of Castelló d'Empúries, less than 10 minutes away by car. Medieval streets, Gothic architecture and shady squares will give you one last moment of charm and freshness.
💡If you visit the region from 12 to 14 September 2025, don't miss the Terra de Trobadors medieval festival: entertainment, period market, street shows and an immersive atmosphere guaranteed.
Stop off to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria, sometimes known as "the cathedral of the Empordà", open every day until 9pm (€2.5 per person). Its majestic size and Catalan Gothic style are surprising. Inside, silence reigns and the ancient stones whisper of the history of past centuries. Not far away, the Carlina Tower, a defensive vestige of the city dominating the rooftops, offers another glimpse into the past.
To finish on a high note
To round off the day in style, take a seat in the heart of this setting steeped in history. With an ice cream in hand or a drink on the terrace, let the charm of Castelló d'Empúries work its magic one last time in the golden light of late afternoon. Don't miss Gelateria MIRA's traditional ice creams. Tucked away in the narrow streets of Castelló d'Empúries, this address has plenty of surprises in store: unexpected, gourmet flavours, but also an experience you're sure to want to come back for again and again. A simple moment to round off your trip.
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