Sant Martí d’Empúries

Sant Martí d’Empúries is one of our favorite places on the Costa Brava. The small medieval town was once the capital of the county of Empúries and is now lovingly restored over the Mediterranean Sea. Below the village, the beach lures with white sand. Here it was also where, in the 6th century BC, the first Greek settlers went ashore to settle where we find the ruins of Empúries today.
Sant Marí d’Empúries at a glance
- location: district of l’escala On the Costa Brava, on the Gulf of Roses
- story: The medieval town was once the capital of the County Empúries and was originally on a peninsula
- Greeks: Greeks from Phokaia founded their first colony on an island near the coast, more on this at the Ruins of Empúries
- Promenade: The Passeig d’Empúries connects the town with L’Escala and passes the ruins
- beach: Here begins the long beach in the Gulf of Roses

Passeig d’Empúries
The most romantic promenade of the Costa Brava “Passeig d’Empúries” vOrbei at the ruins of Empúries to L’Escala.

Walk through the ruins of De Empúries
The walk through the ruins of De Empúries enchants with indescribable sea views, ancient columns, mosaics, Mediterranean vegetation and lets us trace a little bit of the way of life of its former inhabitants.

The promenade “Passeig d’Empúries” between L’Escala and Sant Martí d’Empúries was redesigned before the summer. Here – where the Olympic fire once landed – you have now created wooden walkways, terraces and stairs – which will lead the walkers even closer to the sea.

Passing the imposing rock tunnel, you now walk between the sandy beaches of Platja del Rec and the Platja del Portitxol over the rocky tip of El Pedrigolet i les Coves. A tiny, rocky bay is hidden underneath the Pedrigolet rock. Crystal clear waters and small rock entrances and caves (Coves) lure you to snorkel here.

From the rock you have the best views of L’Escala, the opposite Cap de Creus and the Golf de Roses. Many beach bars and the terrace of the Hostal Empúries on the Platja del Portitxol provide refreshment in summer. There is also a small beach bar that is open until autumn!
Frequently asked questions about Sant Marti d’Empúries
Where is Sant Marti d’Empúries located?
Sant Martí d’Empúries is located on the Costa Brava on the Gulf of Roses and belongs to L’Escala.
What is special about Sant Martí d’Empúries?
The small town is preserved as a medieval town and was once the capital of the county of Empúries. It is located directly at the Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries.
How to get from Sant Martí d’Empúries to L’Escala?
Walk on the Passeig d’Empúries. The promenade leads past small coves and rock groups and to the ruins of Empúries.
Can you walk from Sant Martí d’Empúries to the ruins?
Yes, the walk along the coast leads past the ruins of Empúries. More on that in our post on the Ruins of Empúries.
Sources for the information in the box and in the questions: Visit L’Escala: Sant Martí d’Empúries. Times, prices and rules change, please check the operator before visiting.
More on this: Also nearby: Ruins of Empúries and l’escala, Picturesque views, culture, history and wine in Sant Martí d’Empúries, The ruins of Empúries, Anno 1500 – Medieval Festival in Castelló d’Empúries.
