Costa BridgeSpain Relocation Preparation

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.

Suited to: Families · History enthusiasts · Retirees · Second-home owners · Food lovers

Costa
Costa Brava
Province
Girona
Population
~10,000
Airport
Girona–Costa Brava (~50 km)
Train
No train station. Bus to Figueres. Car recommended.

About this place

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.

Explore L'Escala

Healthcare

Health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, how to register, English-speaking doctors

Coming soon

Admin & Documents

Town hall, NIE office, empadronamiento, police station, gestoría recommendations

Coming soon

Housing

Rental market, buying, neighbourhoods, estate agents, typical prices

Coming soon

Cost of Living

Monthly budget, rent, utilities, groceries, eating out, IBI

Coming soon

British Community

Expat groups, social clubs, Facebook groups, where to meet other Brits

Coming soon

Integrating Locally

Spanish classes, markets, fiestas, sports clubs, how locals socialise

Coming soon

Daily Life

Supermarkets, transport, parking, broadband, banks, post office

Coming soon

Things to Do

Beaches, restaurants, hiking, day trips, seasonal events

Coming soon

Schools & Families

State schools, international schools, nurseries, extracurricular

Coming soon

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Last updated: 05/07/2026

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