Empuriabrava Travel Guide

City Coastal town in Catalonia, Spain

Laid out along a long inlet of the Costa Brava, Empuriabrava is known for its residential canals, boat rentals and a small airport popular with skydivers. Beach bars, cycling routes and easy access to coastal villages attract most visitors.

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Costs
Moderate Spanish coastal prices
$85-$150 daily in high season; many vacation rentals and seaside dining options.
Safety
Generally safe, tourist-aware
Generally safe; standard beach-area petty theft precautions apply at peak season.
Best Time
May-September (beach season)
May-September for beaches, boating and warm Mediterranean weather.
Local Time
1:33 AM
GMT+2
Weather
Overcast 64°F
Overcast
Population
8,000
Infrastructure & Convenience
Excellent marina facilities, tourist services and shops; car useful for exploring the Costa Brava.
Popularity
Very popular with boating enthusiasts, families and skydivers, busiest in summer.
Known For
residential marina and canals, beaches, boating and yachting, skydiving, watersports, nightlife, cycling, Costa Brava proximity, waterfront villas
Empuriabrava is often called the 'Venice of Spain' and is one of Europe's largest residential marinas with extensive navigable canals.

Why Visit Empuriabrava? #

Empuriabrava is known for its vast residential marina and extensive canals, making it a magnet for boating and watersports. The town also draws skydivers to its coastal drop zones and nature lovers to the nearby Aiguamolls de l’Empordà wetlands. Combine canal-side cafés and beach promenades with fresh seafood and paella for a decisively marine Costa Brava experience.

Best Things to Do in Empuriabrava

All Attractions ›

Empuriabrava Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Marina Empuriabrava - Extensive canal network with moorings, waterfront cafés, and boat hire for self-guided exploration.
  • Skydive Empuriabrava - Busy skydiving centre offering tandem jumps with coastal and Pyrenees views in freefall.
  • Platja d'Empuriabrava - Wide sandy beach with promenades, water-sport rentals, and family-friendly facilities along the shore.
Hidden Gems
  • Castelló d'Empúries old town - Medieval streets and a Gothic basilica offering quieter squares away from the seafront.
  • Canal cycling routes - Cycle along quiet canals to discover salt pans, small coves, and coastal scenery.
  • Local seafood restaurants - Family-run eateries serving freshly caught fish and regional Catalan dishes near the marina.
Day Trips
  • Aiguamolls de l'Empordà - Wetland reserve with easy cycling trails and excellent birdwatching close to the coast.
  • Figueres - Home of the Dalí Theatre-Museum showcasing Salvador Dalí's surrealist works and exhibitions.

Best Time to Visit Empuriabrava #

Empuriabrava is at its best from late spring through summer for beaches and boating. Winters are mild but wetter; spring offers great weather with far fewer tourists.

Summer
June - August · 20 - 31°C (68 - 88°F)
Hot, sunny Mediterranean summers ideal for beaches, boating and nightlife - busy but unbeatable for long days on the water.
Winter
December - February · 5 - 15°C (41 - 59°F)
Mild, wetter winters with quieter resorts and cheaper rates - good for walks, museums and off-season calm.
Spring
March - May · 10 - 22°C (50 - 72°F)
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and blooming coastlines - one of the best times for active days without peak-season prices.

Best Time to Visit Empuriabrava #

Climate

Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (526 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
13.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
14.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

88 Excellent

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 25°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
15.1h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 16 mm.

92 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 28°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Very High
14.8h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

90 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 28°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
13.7h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 25°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 77 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

How to Get to Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava on the Costa Brava is accessible from Girona or Barcelona airports. Many visitors use Girona for shorter transfers; trains to Figueres plus a short taxi/bus complete the trip to Empuriabrava.

By Air

Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): Girona is one of the closest airports to Empuriabrava and handles both scheduled and seasonal international flights. From Girona to Empuriabrava the drive is about 40-60 minutes by car; taxis and car hire are common options.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): Barcelona is the larger international hub; from Barcelona to Empuriabrava the drive is roughly 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Long-distance buses and private transfers operate between Barcelona and the Costa Brava (see train & bus card).

By Train & Bus

Train: Rail services run along the Girona-Barcelona corridor; the closest mainline station for Empuriabrava is Figueres or Flaçà depending on route. From Figueres you need a short taxi or local bus to reach Empuriabrava.

Bus: Regional buses connect Empuriabrava with Figueres, Girona and Barcelona; local seasonal bus services provide links for tourists, and private airport transfers are common in high season. Journey times vary by route and stops.

How to Get Around Empuriabrava #

Empuriabrava is highly walkable within its canal-lined neighbourhoods; bicycles are very common and boat travel is a practical and scenic option for short trips. For trips farther afield, regional buses connect Empuriabrava with Figueres, Roses and Girona, and driving is straightforward on local roads. Taxis are available but limited outside high season; if you plan evening travel, arrange transport ahead of time during quieter months.

Where to Eat in Empuriabrava #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Empuriabrava's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Spanish
Regional
Mediterranean
Pizza
Burger
Chicken
Italian
International
Tapas
Seafood
Steak House
Asian
Kebab
Chinese
Barbecue
Kip
Cafe
Fish
Grill
French

Nightlife in Empuriabrava #

Nightlife is seasonal and livelier in summer, with beach bars, casual clubs and a handful of pubs along the waterfront. Outside peak season options shrink to a few restaurants and bars.

Shopping in Empuriabrava #

Shopping in Empuriabrava focuses on tourist services, nautical suppliers, small boutiques and supermarkets catering to residents and holidaymakers. The marina area has several specialised shops for boating and leisure equipment.

Nearby Cities #