L’escala offers different ways to explore the coast and its history: sandy beaches and dunes sit alongside walking routes, fishing heritage and the history of salt. Two route descriptions provide different kinds of guidance. The Camí de Ronda pel poble is a linear route from Cala Montgó to Sant Martí d’Empúries. The Litoral Route is 14.80 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and takes about two hours by bicycle; at the same time, it includes sections that cannot be cycled. When planning, you can therefore consider whether named endpoints or a route with a stated distance and approximate duration are more important to you.

Coastal Routes and Landscapes

The Litoral Route follows the coast of l’Escala, linking built-up areas with unspoilt landscapes. Along the way, it passes sandy beaches, coves, the old town and newer neighbourhoods such as Riells and Punta Montgó. Its moderate difficulty rating and approximate cycling time can help you plan your time. Keep in mind, though, that some sections cannot be cycled: the estimate of about two hours comes with this qualification.

The Camí de Ronda pel poble, by contrast, stands out for its clear direction and historical traces. This linear route runs from Cala Montgó to Sant Martí d’Empúries and includes a section of the GR-92. Several bunkers from the area’s former military use can still be seen among the pine trees. These bunkers are among the specific landscape features that distinguish this route, in addition to its connection between the two endpoints.

Rec del Molí is a sandy beach with fine sand and dunes; its landscape also includes rocky areas and a rich underwater fauna. This place offers a different view of the coast from the route descriptions: here, the focus is on the beach, dunes and underwater diversity. Together, these coastal features offer different perspectives on L’escala, with the beach and walking routes having distinct focuses.

Fishing, Salt and History

The Museu de l’Anxova i la Sal (MASLE) is housed in l’Escala’s former abattoir, a building dating from 1913. The Alfolí de la Sal offers a different historical perspective: it was built in 1697 as a large salt store for l’Escala. The two dates mark distinct building histories—a former abattoir that now houses the museum, and a building constructed as a salt store.

The Centre d’interpretació del peix (MARAM) is an interactive interpretation centre about the daily lives of fishermen. Its topics include boats, traditional fishing methods and fish auctions. Its scope ranges from working practices and fishing to boats and the sale of fish. For groups, visits outside the regular opening hours are possible by prior reservation. If you are planning a group visit, take the reservation requirement into account and check the visiting options before your trip.

Another cultural facet is the original sculpture of Asclepius: the Empúries Archaeology Museum preserves the work, which was discovered at the site. This individual work of art differs in subject from the fishing and salt themes that feature at the other cultural sites mentioned.

Anchovies and Culinary Tradition

The local cuisine also draws on one of l’Escala’s defining themes. Anchovies from l’Escala are traditionally served at all the municipality’s bars and restaurants with pa amb tomata or as creative tapas. The anchovy features both in local food culture and in the names of the Museu de l’Anxova i la Sal and the Ruta marinera + tastet d’anxoves.

This guided boat trip combines the history of l’Escala and its defence against pirates with an anchovy tasting. It therefore offers a different focus from the routes on land and the interactive topics at MARAM. Check the tour dates and reservation information before planning to take part. Individual venues may change; if you are planning around a particular dish, it is worth checking the chosen venue’s current offering.

Discover more destinations: Les Corts, Aiguaviva, Cantallops, Ultramort, Porqueres, Flaçà, Queralbs, Sant Jaume De Llierca.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.