Empuriabrava in Spain – canals, boating and beach life

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Empuriabrava is an unusual holiday resort on the Costa Brava in northeastern Spain, known for its huge network of canals and homes with moorings right outside the house. We came here out of pure curiosity after several people recommended the place and were truly fascinated by the environment. We walked along the canals, watched the boat life and then continued our journey – but Empuriabrava is definitely a place to remember.

What is Empuriabrava?

Empuriabrava is located on the Costa Brava in northeastern Spain, not far from the border with France. The town is best known for its extensive network of canals, where villas and apartments are located right on the water and many residents have their boats moored outside their houses. With around 40 kilometers of canals, it is easy to see why Empuriabrava is sometimes called the ”Venice of Spain”.

From swampland to canal town

The exclusive area of Empuriabrava consists of long waterways and luxurious villas. This is a town that in some ways is reminiscent of Italy's neighbourhoods. Venice, although more modern.

Along the canals we saw one exclusive villa after another, often with a boat or yacht moored right outside. In some places we even saw what could best be described as a boathouse or ”garage” with direct access to the canal.

The area, which was planned in the 1960s and completed in the 1970s, was originally built on swampland. When construction began, the area was not attractive at all, but without exaggeration, it can be said that it has changed.

In the summer, 80,000 people live here, and even now, in April, it was full of tourists sitting in the restaurants or queuing for a boat trip on the canals. An incredibly fascinating place that is definitely worth a visit if you're passing by.

Discovering Empuriabrava

We took our time and walked along the canals and over the small bridges. Here and there we could stop and watch boats gliding between the houses. It is above all the environment itself that is the experience in Empuriabrava – we had never before seen a residential area built up in this way.

Beach life in Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava is not only located on the canals but also directly on the Bay of Roses. Here you will find the wide sandy beach Empuriabrava Beach, with plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is close to the city center and makes it easy to combine boating on the canals with a classic day by the Mediterranean.

Things to see and do in Empuriabrava

Besides discovering Empuriabrava on foot, there is of course much else you can do and experience, such as:

• Rent a boat and discover the canals, by renting a boat through one of the city's boat rental companies, and navigating the waterways yourself.
• Sunbathe and swim at Platja d'Empuriabrava, for lazy days in the sun.
• Hike in the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Nature Reserve among lakes, birds and hiking trails
• Cycling along the river La Muga, with your own or rented bike.
• Try skydiving at the Empuriabrava Aerodrome.
• Flying in a wind tunnel on Windoor Realfly.

Empuriabrava with a campervan

There are several campsites in and around Empuriabrava. We considered staying at one of them ourselves, but found the price level to be relatively high and therefore chose to continue towards France the same day. For those who want to stay longer, there are of course also hotels, apartments and holiday homes in the area.

See more in the neighbourhood

Empuriabrava is well located for exploring the northern Costa Brava. Nearby are Roses, the historic town of Castelló d'Empúries, the Dalí town of Figueres and the beautiful coastal town of Cadaqués. The Cap de Creus nature reserve is also an exciting excursion destination.

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