Just 10 minutes from Rosas lies one of the Costa Brava's most unique destinations. With over 30 kilometres of navigable canals and 5,000 moorings, Empuriabrava is the largest residential marina in Europe, rightly nicknamed The Venice of the Costa Brava. Between boat trips on the water, fine sandy beaches as far as the eye can see and the adrenaline rush of Europe's most mythical parachute jump, Empuriabrava deserves one, or even several days during your stay in Roses. Here is our complete guide to making the most of this unique destination.
Empuriabrava, Europe's largest residential marina
Empuriabrava is a holiday resort built from scratch in the 1960s on the former marshlands of the Muga delta, near Castelló d’Empúries. The Catalan developers' idea was audacious: to create a residential marina inspired by Venice, where each house would have its own private mooring, accessible by both road and water.
Over 30 kilometres of navigable canals
The result is spectacular: a network of canals winding for over 30 kilometres between white villas, passing yachtsmen and local fishermen. The marina now boasts nearly 4,300 private moorings and around 700 berths open to visiting yachtsmen, making it the second-largest residential marina in the world after Miami.
Navigating these canals offers a unique perspective on the city. You discover the behind-the-scenes: terraces facing the water, boats moored permanently, modern architecture typical of the 60s-70s, and the peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the liveliness of the nearby beaches.
The story of a marina founded in the 60s
The Empuriabrava adventure officially began in 1967, when the lake city project was launched by a group of visionary Catalan developers. At the time, the area was nothing more than a vast expanse of difficult-to-exploit marshland. Drainage, canalisation, and construction work would span several decades, giving rise to an urban environment unlike any other in Spain.
Today, Empuriabrava remains essentially a residential destination: many Northern Europeans (Germans, Dutch, Belgians, British, French) own a holiday home there. But the marina has also established itself as a prime tourist spot on the Costa Brava, accessible to everyone, not just property owners.
A unique architecture on the Costa Brava
The architecture of Empuriabrava is completely atypical for the region. Far from the picturesque medieval villages of the Catalan hinterland, you'll find modern, low-rise, white, and bright villas designed to offer maximum views of the water. It is this contrast that gives the destination its charm: in just a few kilometres, you go from traditional Roses to futuristic Empuriabrava.
Pour vous rendre à Empuriabrava depuis Roses : **En bus :** C'est l'option la plus courante et la plus simple. 1. **Bus de Roses à Castelló d'Empúries / Empuriabrava :** Prenez le bus de la compagnie Teisa (ou une autre compagnie locale si elle a changé) qui relie Roses à Castelló d'Empúries. La plupart de ces bus continuent jusqu'à Empuriabrava. 2. **Fréquence :** Les bus circulent assez régulièrement, surtout pendant la saison touristique. Vérifiez les horaires en ligne ou aux arrêts de bus. **En taxi :** C'est l'option la plus rapide mais aussi la plus chère. Vous pouvez trouver des taxis à Roses facilement. Le trajet est court, environ 10-15 minutes. **En voiture :** Si vous avez une voiture, le trajet est très simple. 1. Quittez Roses en direction de l'ouest sur la GI-614. 2. Continuez sur la GI-614 jusqu'à ce que vous atteigniez la rocade d'Empuriabrava. 3. Suivez les indications pour Empuriabrava. Le trajet dure environ 10 minutes. **À vélo (pour les plus sportifs) :** Le trajet est faisable à vélo, surtout si vous aimez pédaler sur des routes plates. Il y a une piste cyclable qui suit plus ou moins le trajet en voiture. Cela prendra environ 30-45 minutes.
Empuriabrava is very easily accessible from Roses. Several options are available to you depending on your mode of transport and your current mood.
In a car, the most practical option
This is by far the simplest solution. Allow around 10 to 15 minutes' journey From the centre of Roses or Canyelles Petites. Follow the GI-614 then the C-260 towards Castelló d’Empúries / Figueres. On entering Empuriabrava, several free car parks are available near the beach and the marina. During high season (July-August), arrive early in the morning to find a space easily.
Cycling along the coast
If you like cycling, the The journey from Roses to Empuriabrava takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. along the cycle path bordering the bay. The route is flat, very accessible to families, and offers lovely views of the Mediterranean. Remember to bring water and a hat, especially in the height of summer.
By public transport
The bus line L01 (Sarfa-Moventis) connects Roses to Empuriabrava several times a day. The journey takes about twenty minutes and costs around 2 to 3 euros. It’s a good eco-friendly alternative if you don’t want to get back behind the wheel after a boozy lunch.
What to do in Empuriabrava: our favourite activities
Here are the must-do experiences during your visit, ranked in order of indispensability according to our experience and that of our travellers.
Navigating the canals with Los Barkitos
It's the signature experience d'Empuriabrava. The company The Little Ships propose two formulas for discovering channels. The first option is their public ferry with a capacity of 60 passengers, perfect for groups or large families. The ride lasts approximately 45 minutes and costs 12 euros per adult and 6 euros per child, with commentary in several languages, including French.
The second option, more appealing to our taste, is the Rental of small electric boats without a license. You pilot your own boat for approximately 1 hour, at your own pace, choosing the canals you wish to explore. Expect to pay between 35 and 45 euros for 4 to 8 people, depending on the boat chosen. No licence is required, and even children can take the helm under your supervision. A fun experience that appeals to both young and old.
Tip: Book in advance during peak season, especially for the skipper-less boats as they are quickly all booked between 11:00 and 16:00.
Skydiving with Skydive Empuriabrava
If you are looking for a thrill you will never forget, Skydive Empuriabrava It is an experience worth trying. It is one of the most reputable skydiving centres in the world, in operation since 1985. To date, over 2.8 million jumps have been made there, and the centre hosts international championships as well as professional European teams.
For beginners, the tandem jump at 4,000 metres altitude It is the flagship option. Accompanied by a professional instructor, you take off in a small plane, jump into the void for about 50 seconds of freefall, then descend by parachute while admiring the Bay of Roses, Cap de Creus, and the Pyrenees. Expect to pay around 280 to 350 euros depending on the options (video, photos, altitude). No prior physical preparation is required.
The most adventurous can even opt for a 5,000-metre skydive, plus rare, with a dedicated instructor and official photographer on board. For those who don't want to jump but want to experience the sensations, Skydive Empuriabrava also offers a Indoor fan and one Virtual reality simulator, accessible from childhood.
Good to know: jumps are highly weather-dependent. Plan for flexibility in your schedule and book at the beginning of your stay to have room for rescheduling in case of strong winds.
Enjoy Empuriabrava beach.
The Empuriabrava beach stretching over nearly 5 kilometres of fine golden sand, which makes it one of the longest on the Costa Brava. Wide, gently sloping, ideal for children's games and quiet swims, it is less rocky than the coves of Roses or Cap de Creus, but offers all the expected amenities: beach restaurants, showers, toilets, sun lounger and parasol rentals, and lifeguard posts.
The northern end of the beach, towards the Aiguamolls, is wilder and less frequented. It's our favourite spot for a relaxing day away from the crowds.
All kinds of watersports
Empuriabrava is also a watersports paradise. On site, you will find service providers offering:
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing : excellent wind conditions in the middle of the day
- Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking perfect for exploring the canals without making a sound
- Jet ski and towed buoy for thrill-seekers
- Sailing and catamaran for longer sea trips
- Sea fishing : day trips available
The Castelló d’Empúries-Empuriabrava tourist office centralises contacts and prices from current providers.
The tourist train
To discover Empuriabrava without walking, the Empuriabrava tourist train it's a fun option, especially with children. It travels through the iconic areas of the marina (port, beach, aeroclub, canals) with audio commentary in French, Spanish, Catalan and German. Allow around 8 euros per adult for the full one-hour tour.
The Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park nearby
Just north of Empuriabrava lies one of the most beautiful natural areas in Catalonia: the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, extensive protected wetland. These Natura 2000-listed marshes are a paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers.
More 300 species of birds Here, the following have been recorded: flamingos, herons, storks, egrets, migratory ducks, harriers, and many others. Several marked trails allow you to explore the reserve on foot or by bike, with observation points set up at regular intervals to watch the wildlife without disturbing it.
The El Cortalet Information Centre is the ideal starting point for planning your visit. Entry is free, and the shortest trails (1.5 to 3 km) can be completed in under two hours. A perfect natural complement to your day in Empuriabrava, especially at sunrise or sunset when bird activity is at its peak. To find out more about the protected natural areas around Roses, visit our Article dedicated to nature parks.
Where to eat in Empuriabrava
The range of restaurants in Empuriabrava is extensive, especially around the canals and the beach. The restaurants bordering the canals offer a truly unique setting, with terraces right by the water and boats passing by. Traditional Catalan cuisine is represented here, as it is throughout the Costa Brava: paella, fideuà, suquet de peix, tapas, but also international cuisines to cater to the multinational clientele of the marina.
If you’d like to whet your appetite before your visit, take a look at our A complete guide to Catalan gastronomy in Roses which lists all the local specialities to try in the region.
Practical tips for a great visit to Empuriabrava
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your day there.
Best time to visit from May to October. The peak season (July-Augustis very lively, perfect for enjoying all the activities, but expect crowds on the beach and at the main attractions. For a quieter visit, opt for June or September, when the temperatures remain excellent but the crowds decrease.
How long to allow A minimum of half a day for the beach and a walk along the canals. A full day if you add lunch and a water sport. Several days if you combine Empuriabrava with a visit to the Aiguamolls and a parachute jump.
Parking Free in most public car parks, but in high season you need to arrive early. Several underground car parks are available for a fee in the heart of the marina for those who want comfort.
What to take Swimsuit and towel, even outside the bathing season (the sea is beautiful from April to October), sunscreen (the sun is strong from May), a bottle of water, and comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around the marina.
With children Empuriabrava is very family-friendly. The boat trips without a licence are a big hit with children, as is the tourist train. The beach is ideal thanks to its gentle slope.
FAQ - Empuriabrava from Roses
How far is Empuriabrava from Roses? Empuriabrava is located approximately 8 kilometres south of Roses, which is a 10-15 minute drive. By bike, it takes 30-45 minutes along the cycle path that runs along the bay. The L01 bus route also connects them several times a day.
Is skydiving possible in Empuriabrava? Yes. Skydive Empuriabrava is one of the most reputable skydiving centres in Europe, operating since 1985. Over 2.8 million jumps have been made there. Several options are offered: tandem jumps for beginners from 4,000 metres, an indoor wind tunnel and a virtual reality simulator for non-jumpers.
How many canals are there in Empuriabrava? The marina in Empuriabrava has over 30 kilometres of navigable canals, around 4,300 private moorings and 700 visitor berths. It is the largest residential marina in Europe and the second largest in the world after Miami.
Is Empuriabrava worth a detour from Roses? Absolutely. It’s one of the most unique destinations on the Costa Brava with its navigable canals. Half a day is enough to discover the essentials (boat trip and beach), but a full day allows you to enjoy all the activities. Its proximity to Roses (10 minutes by car) makes it an unmissable excursion.
How much does a boat trip on the canals cost? There are two main options: the Los Barkitos shared ferry at approximately 12 euros per adult and 6 euros per child for 45 minutes, or renting a small electric boat (no licence required) from 35 euros for 1 hour (up to 4-8 people depending on the model). No licence is required for the small boats.
Empuriabrava, the unmissable excursion from Roses
Between the canal boat trip, which transports visitors to another dimension, the mythical parachute jump over the Bay of Roses, the long golden sandy beach, and birdwatching in the nearby Aiguamolls, Empuriabrava offers a variety of experiences that are hard to find anywhere else on the Costa Brava. Just 10 minutes from our apartments with sea view in Canyelles Petites, It's the ideal excursion for a different kind of day, whether you're a couple, with family or with friends.
If you're planning further excursions during your stay in Roses, also take a look at our guides on Cadaqués, Girona, the medieval villages of the region or else A day in Barcelona. The Costa Brava is full of gems to discover from your holiday rental.