Empuriabrava 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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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#
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Empuriabrava Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 16 mm.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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.
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).
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 best reached from Girona or Barcelona: combine train to Figueres with a short taxi or local bus, or use a private transfer for direct access. Once there, walking, bikes and boats are ideal for short-distance travel.
- Airport transfer / private shuttle (€50-150 (depending on origin and group size)) - In high season many visitors pre-book private transfers from Girona or Barcelona to Empuriabrava. These are door-to-door and convenient for groups with luggage, though pricier than public options.
- Regional train + taxi (€5-25 combined) - Take a train to Figueres (from Girona or Barcelona) and then a short taxi or local bus ride to Empuriabrava. Trains are comfortable and reliable; confirm timetable for the connecting leg.
- Intercity / regional bus (€3-20) - Buses link Empuriabrava with Figueres, Girona and Barcelona-useful for budget travelers and those without cars. Service frequency increases in summer; check timetables for seasonal adjustments.
- Car rental / self-drive (€30+/day) - Driving lets you explore the Costa Brava coast and nearby medieval towns at your own pace; parking in Empuriabrava is generally available though busier in summer. Watch for tourist-season congestion on coastal roads.
- Bicycle / boat taxi (€0-30 (rental)) - Empuriabrava’s canals make boat rentals and water taxis a unique local option for short trips; bicycles are popular for local exploration in fair weather. Availability is seasonal.
- Walking - The town and marina area are compact and best explored on foot-walking canalside promenades and beaches is the main local pleasure.
Where to Eat in Empuriabrava#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Empuriabrava’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
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.
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.
