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Empuries

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ruins
—°6
Empuries (Spain)

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The fascinating ruins of Empúries, situated on the beautiful Gulf of Roses on the Catalan Costa Brava, constitute the only archaeological site on the entire Iberian Peninsula where a Greek and a Roman city exist side by side. In the 6th century BC, seafarers from the Asia Minor city of Phocaea founded the trading colony of Emporion (Greek for "Marketplace") here, which developed into a thriving commercial hub between the Mediterranean and the Iberian hinterland. In 218 BC, the Roman general Scipio Africanus landed exactly at this spot, marking the beginning of the centuries-long Roman conquest and domination of the peninsula. The Romans established their own, significantly larger military and civilian city right next to the Greek settlement. Today, visitors can admire the remains of magnificent Roman villas with intact floor mosaics, an extensive Roman forum, as well as the Greek harbor facilities and a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C9912141722242421181310
Rain mm524460716335343758916542

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The excavations of Empúries are an open-air archaeological site that can be visited. The remains of the Greek colony and Roman city lie right by the sea.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays. Opening hours vary by season; current info is on the official website.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, offering great shots of the ruins with sea views. Drones are usually not permitted.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a walk around the site and the museum. Those wanting to delve deeper into history should allow more time.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a trip to L’Escala or the coves of the Costa Brava. The ruins of Roses are also not far away.
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Getting there
Empúries is on the Costa Brava, reachable by car via the AP-7 motorway. Regular buses run from Barcelona to L’Escala.
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Insider tip
Visit the site in the late afternoon when the light is best for photos and crowds are smaller. Bring sun protection as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates
42.13400, 3.12000

Explore nearby

Notable places around

L'EscalaL'Escala1 km · SEExplore →
l'Armenteral'Armentera6 km · NWExplore →
Sant Pere PescadorSant Pere Pescador7 km · NWExplore →
L'EstartitL'Estartit11 km · SEExplore →
EmpuriabravaEmpuriabrava13 km · NExplore →
RosesRoses15 km · NExplore →
FigueresFigueres20 km · NWExplore →
GarbahaareyGarbahaarey20 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Empuries (6)

Museu de l'Anxova i de la Sal🏛 museum

Museum in L'Escala dedicated to the fishing industry and salt preservation.

🕒 Tu-Sa 10:00-13:00, 17:00-20:00; Su 10:00-13:00💶

Casa-museu Clos del Pastor🏛 museum

The former home and museum of the writer Caterina Albert.

Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya🏛 museum

Museum showcasing artifacts from the ancient Greek and Roman city of Empúries.

♿💶

Platja Port d'en Perris🎡 recreation

Small cove near the ruins of Empúries.

Platja de les Barques🎡 recreation

Sandy beach at the foot of the ancient city of Empúries.

Platja de les Muscleres🎡 recreation

A beach near the Empúries ruins known for its clear waters.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which cultures lived in Empúries?
It is the only place on the Iberian Peninsula where the remains of a Greek city (Emporion) and a Roman city (Emporiae) lie side by side.
Where is the archaeological site located?
It is located in the Bay of Roses, near the village of L'Escala on the Costa Brava.
What is the most famous symbol of Empúries?
The statue of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, which was found in the Greek sector.
How long does a visit take?
You should allow at least 2 to 3 hours to see both cities and the museum.
Are there mosaics to see?
Yes, in the Roman sector, there are impressive floor mosaics in the old villas (domus).
Empuries: where is it located?
Empuries is located in Galicia, Spain.
Empuries: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museu de l'Anxova i de la Sal, Casa-museu Clos del Pastor, Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya.
Empuries: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Empuries: why is it worth visiting?
The fascinating ruins of Empúries, situated on the beautiful Gulf of Roses on the Catalan Costa Brava, constitute the only archaeological site on the entire Iberian Peninsula where a Greek and a Roman city exist side by side.
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