Church of Sant Martí d'Empúries - Image 1
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Sant Martí d'Empúries Church

4.5
·135 reviews·Sant Martí d'Empúries, Spain

A charming medieval village on the Costa Brava, known for its historic church and picturesque coastal path.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Church of Sant Martí d'Empúries - Image 1

Sant Martí d'Empúries Church

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming medieval village on the Costa Brava, known for its historic church and picturesque coastal path.

4.5
(135 reviews)

"A beautiful and well-maintained little town and beaches, truly outstanding!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Church Access

Church may be closed or require a fee. Verify hours/entry before your visit. :ticket:

Combine with Ruins

Visit the nearby ruins of Empúries for a deeper historical context. :world_map:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sant Martí d'Empúries Church

Sant Martí d'Empúries Church

Medieval village center

A beautiful, historic church deeply connected to the ancient Greek and Roman settlements of Empúries.

Medieval Village Charm

Medieval Village Charm

Sant Martí d'Empúries

Wander through enchanting streets and soak in the atmosphere of this well-maintained, cozy medieval gem.

Coastal Path & Natural Arch

Coastal Path & Natural Arch

Between medieval village and town

Enjoy a scenic walk along the coast, leading to the unique Arco del Portitxol, a natural arch on the shore.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Sant Martí d'Empúries is a small, charming medieval village. While the church itself is a highlight, access can be limited. Check opening hours in advance, as it's sometimes closed or requires a fee to enter. Consider visiting alongside the nearby ruins of Empúries for a fuller historical experience.

Exploring the Area

This picturesque village offers more than just the church. Wander its enchanting streets, walk the coastal path connecting the medieval core to the town, and discover natural arches like the Arco del Portitxol. The beaches here are also a draw, with several beach bars for a relaxing break.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Un lugar medieval desconocido en la provincia de Girona👇🏼 📍Sant Martí d’Empúries (L’Escala) Te animamos a: > Pasear por sus calles con encanto. > Recorrer el camino de ronda que une el núcleo medieval con el pueblo. > Hacer una parada en el Arco del Portitxol (Un arco natural en la orilla). > Visitar las ruinas de Empúries. (Consultar las tarifas, tienen muchos descuentos y opciones de precios red...
@carreteraycanta
200 likes • 20.6K views

Check Church Access

Church may be closed or require a fee. Verify hours/entry before your visit. :ticket:

Combine with Ruins

Visit the nearby ruins of Empúries for a deeper historical context. :world_map:

Explore the Coast

Walk the coastal path and find the natural arch for stunning views. :camerawithflash:

Enjoy Beach Bars

Relax at one of the beach bars after exploring the village. :tropical_drink:

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Church Access

Church may be closed or require a fee. Verify hours/entry before your visit. :ticket:

Combine with Ruins

Visit the nearby ruins of Empúries for a deeper historical context. :world_map:

Explore the Coast

Walk the coastal path and find the natural arch for stunning views. :camerawithflash:

Enjoy Beach Bars

Relax at one of the beach bars after exploring the village. :tropical_drink:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(135 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Sant Martí d'Empúries for its beautiful, well-maintained medieval charm and lovely beaches. The village is described as cozy and outstanding, offering a peaceful escape. However, some find the church access limited, with it sometimes being closed or requiring a fee, leading to a desire for more information.

"Beautiful and well maintained little town and beaches. The town itself is very small, but very cosy to be in. Beaches are nice with several beach bars."

Kristof Meirlaen (Kri-Soft)

"The church is definitely a place to visit. It is strongly related with the historic place of Emporia which tells us the great story of the first Greek and Roman settlers in this area. Unfortunately the church was closed, and there was no option to book any guided tour. I guess, beside us, much more people would love to get deeper background information."

Michael S.

"The best place iv been to for as long as I remember out standing I could live there go and see lovely food really enjoyed it proper clean and smart top people"

Bruce Jackson

What People Like

Medieval village charm
Beautiful beaches
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited church access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sant Martí d'Empúries is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's also a pleasant walk or bike ride from the larger town of L'Escala, especially via the coastal path.TikTok Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus schedules is advisable.

Yes, the village itself is very small and easily explored on foot. The coastal path connecting it to L'Escala is also a lovely walk.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Reviews indicate that the church may sometimes be closed or require an admission fee. It's recommended to check for current access policies and opening hours before your visit to avoid disappointment.Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and the church is not always open. Travelers have noted it being closed during their visits. It's best to inquire locally or check official tourism websites for the most up-to-date information.Reddit

Unfortunately, information on booking guided tours for the church is scarce, and some visitors have expressed a desire for more in-depth historical information that a tour could provide.Reddit It's worth inquiring locally if this is something you're interested in.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Beyond the church, you can wander the charming medieval streets, enjoy the beaches, and walk the scenic coastal path to discover natural formations like the Arco del Portitxol.TikTok The village offers a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.

Absolutely! The medieval architecture, coastal views, and the natural arch provide excellent photo opportunities. The village is described as 'outstanding' and 'lovely' by visitors.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are beach bars along the coast, and the village is noted for having 'lovely food' and being 'proper clean and smart'.Reddit You can enjoy meals with sea views.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sant Martí d'Empúries offers a gentle introduction to history and nature for families. The small, walkable village is easy for children to navigate, and the beaches provide a fun space for play. The coastal path is also manageable for little legs, especially if you focus on shorter sections.

Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities might be more spread out. Visiting the nearby ruins of Empúries can also be an engaging way to bring history to life for kids, making it a great day trip combination.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples seeking a peaceful escape, Sant Martí d'Empúries is ideal. The charming medieval streets invite leisurely strolls, and the coastal path offers beautiful, serene walks with sea views. It's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation or romantic moments.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, perhaps with a meal at one of the beach bars.Reddit The proximity to L'Escala also provides more dining and activity options if desired.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Significance of Sant Martí d'Empúries

Sant Martí d'Empúries is intrinsically linked to the ancient city of Empúries, one of the most important archaeological sites in Catalonia. This connection makes the village more than just a pretty face; it's a gateway to understanding the early Greek and Roman settlements in the region. The church itself stands as a testament to centuries of history, often serving as a focal point within the medieval layout.

Visitors often express a desire for more information about this historical context, highlighting that the church's connection to Empúries is a key draw. While the ruins of Empúries are a separate, significant attraction, the village of Sant Martí d'Empúries offers a more intimate glimpse into the area's past, with its preserved medieval architecture and coastal setting.

Exploring Sant Martí d'Empúries provides a chance to step back in time. The well-maintained nature of the village and its surroundings means that the historical ambiance is palpable. It's a place where you can feel the echoes of ancient civilizations while enjoying the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.TikTok

Exploring the Coastal Charm

The appeal of Sant Martí d'Empúries extends beyond its historical core to its stunning coastline. A notable feature is the coastal path that gracefully connects the medieval nucleus with the adjacent town. This path offers picturesque views and a refreshing sea breeze, making it a popular route for walkers and cyclists.TikTok

One of the unique natural attractions along this route is the Arco del Portitxol, a striking natural arch formed by the sea. This geological wonder provides a dramatic backdrop and is a favorite spot for photography. The combination of historical architecture and natural beauty creates a truly captivating experience for visitors.

Furthermore, the beaches in the vicinity are well-regarded, offering a place to relax and unwind. Several beach bars are dotted along the shore, providing convenient spots to enjoy refreshments while taking in the seaside ambiance. This blend of scenic walks, natural landmarks, and beachside amenities makes Sant Martí d'Empúries a well-rounded destination.Reddit

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