Apartments in l'Escala -- Budget Accommodation
L'Escala is set on the ancient site of Empuries on the Costa Brava. To one side, it is flanked by the glorious Gulf of Roses, and to the other it's edged by Cala Montgo. As well as boasting impressive ancient ruins that hark back to millennia ago, l'Escala is the perfect place to explore the art and foodie culture of this region, with plenty of delicious restaurants, quirky art galleries, and artisan shops to discover. But most of all, l'Escala is known for its pristine beaches on the Mediterranean Sea, where thousands of tourists flock every year to soak up the Spanish sun and tuck into anchovies -- the areas delicacy. When people aren't kicking back on the beach, they are usually enjoying one of the many festivals that take place here every year, from elaborate parades to religious celebrations and everything in between. For the ultimate l'Escala experience, check into one of our l'Escala apartments. We have numerous spacious holiday rentals dotted around, giving you easy access to the beaches, art, culture, and food.
Beaches, Markets, and Ancient Ruins - Things to do in l'Escala
From ancient ruins to incredibly beautiful beaches, l'Escala has everything you could want from a sunny destination. Our apartments in l'Escala give you the chance to explore all of this and more from a comfortable and affordable base.
- Hiking -- Hiking is one of the most popular activities in l'Escala, thanks to its stunning surrounding scenery with a crisscross of hiking routes. There are trails that flank the coastline, as well as inland routes that take in tiny towns and villages along the way. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
- Beaches -- l'Escala has some of the best beaches in the Costa Brava, with plenty of hidden coves, rugged backdrops, and sprawling sands perfect for kicking back and relaxing on.
- Aiguamolls de l'Emporda National Park -- These expansive marshes are a beautiful nature spot if you're looking to catch a glimpse of some wildlife. There are hundreds of bird species that call this area home, and the views are absolutely incredible.
- Empuries -- Nearby Empuries was once an ancient settlement in Greek times, and today boasts a collection of ruins that hark back thousands of years. Crumbling walls surround a picturesque town that leads out to the breath-taking blue waters of the Mediterranean.
- Sunday Market -- Get amongst the local buzz at the Sunday market that takes place in l'Escala every week. Here, you can browse stalls piled high with handmade goods, local produce, and other knickknacks.
- Punta Montgo -- This raised bay offers stunning views over the surrounding region, with picturesque houses dotted down the hillside and calm waters.
The Best Beaches in l'Escala
L'Escala is best know for its collection of jaw-dropping beaches, each of which has its own personality and set of incredible offerings. All along this stretch of coastline, you'll find hidden coves tucked away behind rugged cliffs, and open sands that seem to sprawl on forever.
Cala Montgo is set to one side of l'Escala. It's a fine, sandy beach that's sheltered from the harsh winds thanks to its bay-like shape. The water is particularly blue here, whilst the surrounding hills are lush and green, offering a paradise retreat close to the town centre.
Cala illa Mateua is a rugged cove with a rocky beach. As well as unusual rock formations and a backdrop of sheer cliffs, this beach is perfect for snorkeling or diving thanks to its collection of cool marine creatures.
Then there's Riells Beach, a town beach that's peppered with palm trees and sunbeds. The sand here is fine and the water is shallow, making it the ideal hotspot for families with small children. You can get to this beach from the main promenade in l'Escala, and there are plenty of refreshments points along its length.
Port d'en Perris is another popular beach in l'Escala, known for its coarse-grain sand and rocky scenery. The water here is particularly clear and calm, making it the perfect place to take a dip and cool off.
For something a little more hidden, there's always Creu Cove, one of the many cosy coves that stud l'Escala's coast. Here, you can revel in the peace and quiet and wander amongst the cute collection of fishermen huts.
L'Escala Accommodation
Thanks to its eclectic selection of activities and landscapes, l'Escala accommodation has a bit of everything. Alongside the beaches there are luxury resort hotels that jut skywards with their own pools, as well as studio blocks with balconies that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. In the town, there are smaller boutique hotels that offer a more traditional look into life on the Costa Brava, as well as charming guesthouses run by locals. Elsewhere, there are a couple of hostels for budget travellers to enjoy, and there are numerous cheap apartments for travellers looking to make their own itinerary and explore the region at their own pace. Whatever accommodation option you decide on, you'll easily be able to discover the secrets of l'Escala and get to know everything it has to offer, from its ancient ruins, to the high-end shopping and new-age restaurants.
Landing in l'Escala -- Getting to Town From the Airport
The two closest airports to l'Escala are Barcelona and Girona. From Barcelona, the easiest way to get to the town is by taking the Costa Brava Sarfa bus, which travels the length of the Costa Brava coast. To get it, you have to grab the train from the airport to Barcelona's central Sants station and then take the metro to the Nord Bus Station. From there you can get the Costa Brava bus.
From Girona, you can take the train from the centre of Girona to Flassa, where you can then take a taxi or bus to l'Escala.
Alternatively, you can hire a car from either airport, which allows you to find l'Escala at your own pace and explore some of the hidden spots of the Costa Brava along the way. It's a good idea to have a car during your stay, so you can explore the ancient ruins and other attractions that are set in l'Escala's surrounding scenery.
