This town has a truly particular story… Unlike other nearby medieval villages, Empuriabrava was established relatively recently, just a few decades ago. Do you feel like discovering more about this distinctive town? Keep reading to find out why this coastal town in Costa Brava is known as the “Catalan Venice”.
When and how was Empuriabrava created?
Before becoming the built-up area with canals that we know today, this area was composed of Ampurdanese marshes, very suitable land for rice cultivation. It was in the mid-1960s when urban development proposals began to emerge. And in 1967, the first canals and houses started to be built.
Empuriabrava today
Empuriabrava is currently home to 8,001 residents (according to INE figures from 2019). And it’s estimated that during the summer months, the population increases to around 75,000 inhabitants. Located in the Golf de Roses and surrounded by the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, it’s considered the largest residential marina in Europe.
What to do in Empuriabrava?
Stroll along the canals
Empuriabrava boasts approximately 23 km of canals, earning it the nickname “Catalan Venice”. So, one of the things you can do is take a walk around these canals.
Boat ride through the canals
Do you want to take it a step further and explore Empuriabrava from those canals? In that case you can also rent a boat and navigate the town from the water, uncovering its architecture.
Ruins of Empúries
If you’re passionate about ancient history, you’ll be pleased to know that very close to Empuriabrava are the Ruins of Empúries, one of the most important archaeological sites in Catalonia. The Greeks established themselves here in the early 6th century BC, and later, the Romans initiated the Romanization of the peninsula (2nd century BC) from this site. Not only for the strategic reasons provided by the Golf de Roses but also due to the undeniable beauty of this location.
Want to discover more day trips? Head to the Day trips section of the website.
