L’Escala – sites to visit
Alfolí de la sal
The “Alfol de la salí” was the building where the salt was stored and one of the first significant buildings in the old town of l’Escala. It served as a commercial hub and as a distribution center for all the trade arriving by sea. This recently restored building is one of the more emblematic of l’Escala’s old town
Saint Peter’s Church
The church is located at the heart of the old town of l’Escala. The facade has baroque and renaissance elements. At the end of the 16th century l’Escala established as a town and in 1680 the permit for building a church was issued. In the year 1700 the original church burned down by the causes of a lightning strike. It wasn’t until 1761 until the construction of the new church was finished.
The marine cemetery
The marine cemetery of l’Escala is a neoclassical construction from 1835, declared a cultural asset of national interest. The famous Catalan writer and poet Catarina Albert (better known as Victor Català 1869-1966) is buried here. SInce 1970 the cemetery os not functional anymore, but can be visited as cultural monument.
Casa del pescador (Can Cinto Xuà)
The “fisherman’s house” was built in the 17th century at the heart of the old town of l’Escala. close to the old port. It conserves the original two floor distribution, the kitchen with an 18th century oven and a small alcove bedroom. Old fisherman’s tools and other 18th century objects are on display. The visitor can discover the life in l’Escala in times before tourism.
Fàbrica d’anxoves
The salting industry in l’Escala was established in the 16th century. The first salting factories were established around the village’s beach and the “Perris” port. In 1847 there were no less than 10 established salting factories in l’Escala.
In modern days salted anchovies are still one of l’Escala’s important export product. In the “anchovies factory” visitors can discover the art of salting anchovies and of course try them.
The anchovies and salt museum
The museum is located in a 1913 building that used to be the l’Escala abattoir. The museum holds a permanent exposition of l’Escala’s fishing and salting history since the 16th century and is part of Catalunya’s architectonic heritage. Every year on the third saturday in september, the museum organises the “Festa de la sal” since 1997.
Sports
Caiac
An excursion in kayak takes you to the most beautiful places of the coast of l’Escala, accessible only by sea. Visit some of the great hidden coves of the Bay of Rosas for a swim or snorkel, Cala Montgó and the “Empúries” ruins. No previous experience is required and this activity is suitable for practically all ages.
Scuba diving
L’Escala is located right between two marine nature reserves, the “Cap de Creus” to the north and the “Medes” Islands to the south, with a large variety of marine wildlife. There’s also a large array of archeological remnants, shipwrecks and breathtaking caves. Different scuba centers organise daily trips to many different diving sites along this beautiful part of the Costa Brava coastline
Snorkelling
L’Escala is a perfect snorkelling location. There are more than 15 sites, many with easy access from the beach. Some great spots are the “Platja de la vila”, “ l’Olla”, “El Cargol”, “La Creu” and the “Moll Grec”.
Surf / Paddle Surf / Wind Surf / Kite Surf
L’Escala is a perfect location for nautical sports. Paddle Surf is a fun way to explore the Costa Brava coastline with the whole family and the Bay of Rosas is a perfect spot for Windsurf and Kitesurf lovers.
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Hiking and cycling
Discover the beautiful natural surrounding and the best sites of l’Escala by foot or bicycle. This is a great way to get to know the area in a different way, always in direct contact with nature. There are many routes for all levels of cycling, both road cycling and mountain biking.
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