Areas
L'Escala
A working fishing village with sandy beaches, Greek and Roman ruins at Empúries, and a quieter, more authentic Costa Brava character than the big resorts.
L'Escala is a town of two halves: the old fishing port with its narrow streets and anchovy curing houses, and the newer Riells area with a long sandy beach and modern apartment blocks. It sits between the Gulf of Roses and the open sea, and its greatest treasure is the archaeological site of Empúries — Greek and Roman ruins that rank among the most important in Spain.
For British relocation planners, L'Escala offers authenticity. It is less touristy than Lloret, less expensive than Begur, and has a genuine year-round community based on fishing and agriculture as well as tourism. The Riells beach is one of the best sandy stretches on the Costa Brava — a rarity on a coast known for rocky coves.
The town is quiet in winter. The population drops significantly after October and many restaurants and shops close until Easter. This is not a place for those seeking year-round bustle. But for buyers who value calm, history and a strong sense of place, L'Escala is compelling.
Who this town suits
Sandy beach (Riells), safe swimming, archaeological site for education. But limited winter activities.
Walkable older town, mild climate, good seafood, peaceful environment. Healthcare requires travel.
Quiet out of season. Good for focused work. Limited networking or coworking.
Strong summer rental market, especially Riells apartments. Authentic character holds appeal.
Steady demand but not the high yields of Lloret or Platja d'Aro. HUT licence required.
Empúries ruins, Greek and Roman archaeology, anchovy heritage.
Geography and access
- • Coastal town in northern Girona province, Costa Brava, between Roses and Sant Martí d'Empúries.
- • No railway. Bus to Figueres. Girona airport ~50 km; Barcelona ~140 km.
- • Road access via GI-623. AP-7 motorway reached via Figueres.
Local services
Healthcare
Primary care centre (CAP) in town. Hospital de Figueres (~25 km) or Hospital Josep Trueta in Girona (~50 km).
Schools
Public primary/secondary (Catalan/Spanish). No international school nearby.
Shopping
Local shops, supermarkets, weekly market, port-side fish sales.
Admin
Padrón at L'Escala town hall. Extranjería in Girona.
British community
Very small. The foreign population is predominantly French and Dutch, with a smaller German contingent. British nationals are rarely encountered. English is spoken in some tourist-facing businesses in summer; very limited in winter.
Property and rental signal
Local admin notes
Important notes and caveats
- • Population: ~10,600 (citypopulation.de 2025 estimate). Swells to ~20,000+ in summer.
- • British nationals: negligible (2021 census).
- • Empúries archaeological site is a major protected area — building restrictions apply nearby.
- • Very quiet in winter — many businesses close October–Easter.
- • **Costa Brava research is based on desk research and official sources, not lived experience.** Costa Bridge has deeper on-the-ground knowledge of Terres de l'Ebre and Costa Dorada. Treat Brava guidance as informed but not field-tested.
Nearby towns you may also like
[[Roses]]
~20 km north
Larger town, bay beaches, more services, Cap de Creus access.
[[Pals]]
~25 km south
Medieval inland village, premium property, golf nearby.
[[Figueres]]
~25 km inland
Dalí museum, AVE/TGV station, larger services.
Last updated: 2026-07-05