Empuriabrava facts for kids
Empuriabrava (Spanish: Ampuriabrava) is a special town in Catalonia, Spain. It's part of the Castelló d'Empúries area, located on the beautiful Costa Brava. This town is famous for being the largest residential marina in Europe!
Empuriabrava is right on the Gulf of Roses. It is also surrounded by the amazing Natural Park of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà. Imagine a town with about 24 kilometers of waterways where you can sail right up to your home!
This unique town was built on what used to be a swamp. Planning for Empuriabrava started in 1964 and it was finished in 1975. Today, it has over 40 kilometers of canals. In the summer, its population can grow to around 80,000 people!
Close by, you can find the ancient Greco-Roman city of Sant Martí d'Empúries. Empuriabrava also has its own aerodrome (a small airport) just north of the town. This aerodrome is a popular spot for air sports, especially skydiving. People of all skill levels can enjoy jumping out of planes here!
Getting to Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava is easy to reach, whether you are coming from nearby cities or other countries. Here's how you can get there:
By Road
If you are driving from Europe, you can cross the French border using the AP-7 motorway or the N-II state road. Take exit number 3 from the motorway. Then, follow the C-260 state road towards Figueres. Look for the Figueres-Roses exit and head towards Roses.
Coming from Barcelona or Girona, you can also use the AP-7 motorway or the N-II state road. Take exit number 4 from the motorway. Then, follow the C-260 state road towards France. Again, take the Figueres-Roses exit and go towards Roses.
If you are traveling from the Pyrenees, use the N-260 state road towards Figueres. After Navata, turn right onto the C-26 road towards Castelló d'Empúries. Then, take the N-II state road towards France. Finally, take the Figueres-Roses exit on the C-260 road and head towards Roses.
By Bus
Buses are a great way to get to Empuriabrava.
- You can catch a bus from Barcelona that goes directly to Castelló d'Empúries and then to Empuriabrava.
- There are also buses from Girona that follow the same route.
- During the summer, a special bus runs from Girona Airport directly to Empuriabrava.
- If you arrive at Barcelona Airport, you can take a bus to Figueres. From the Figueres bus station, you can then take another bus to Castelló d'Empúries and Empuriabrava.
By Train
The closest train station is in Figueres, about 15 kilometers away. This station is served by RENFE trains. From there, you can take a bus to Castelló d'Empúries and Empuriabrava.
High-speed trains like AVE and TGV arrive at the Figueres-Vilafant railway station. From this station, you can take a bus back to the main bus station in Figueres. From there, regular buses will take you to Castelló d'Empúries and Empuriabrava.
By Air
- The nearest airport is Girona-Costa Brava Airport. It's a key airport for airlines like Ryanair. In the summer, a bus service connects the airport directly to Empuriabrava.
- The larger international airport, Barcelona-El Prat, is about 160 kilometers south. It takes about two hours to drive there.
- Don't forget Empuriabrava's own aerodrome, Skydive Empuriabrava. It's perfect for those who love air sports!
By Boat
Empuriabrava is a marina, so you can arrive by boat too!
- The Port of Empuriabrava is located at 42° 14′ Latitude N and 3° 08′ Length E.
- You can contact the port on VHF Channel 9-16.
- The port has 5,000 moorings, which are places to tie up boats. It can welcome boats up to 26 meters long.
