Located between Girona and Figueres along the Costa Brava in Catalonia, the ruins of Empúries and its museum offer a glimpse into life in the region during Antiquity. A unique place to explore during your vacation in Catalonia…

The Origin of the Empúries Ruins

The history of the Empúries ruins dates back over 1,500 years to Antiquity. The trading post of Emporion was founded around 580 BCE by Phocaeans, Greeks from Phocaea, a city whose remnants can still be seen today in Turkey. A few decades later, new settlers from Phocaea arrived, fleeing the Persian invasion. The old city quickly became overcrowded, prompting the creation of a new fortified city. Later, the city allied with the Romans but eventually lost its autonomy, becoming the Roman city of Emporiae, dominating the port and Greek areas. It was destroyed at the end of the 3rd century by invasions from the Visigoths and then the Normans. In the 8th century, the remnants of the city were occupied by Muslims, then by the Franks under Charlemagne. As the city became unsanitary, its inhabitants moved further north, leaving Empúries abandoned. In 1908, the first excavations began after the land was purchased by the Barcelona Museum Council. Today, excavations are still ongoing...

The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia

The archaeological site of the Empúries ruins is divided into three distinct areas:

  • Paleopolis, the original settlement now occupied by the village of Sant Martí d'Empúries.
  • Neapolis, the new Greek city where visitors can walk among the ruins of the town, temples, and agora.
  • The Roman city, featuring the forum, amphitheater, city walls, baths, and remains of three luxurious houses with mosaics.

After strolling through the ruins, a visit to the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia is a must. Here, you can view numerous artifacts uncovered during excavations, such as a set of bronze tools (9th century BCE), a mosaic tombstone from the 5th century, a Greek statue of Asclepius, the god of medicine, coins, statuettes, a stunning mosaic depicting the sacrifice of Iphigenia, and a Greek offering vase from the 5th century BCE. History enthusiasts are sure to be moved by such treasures. Allow approximately two hours to explore the ruins and visit the museum at a leisurely pace.

Information, Prices, and Hours

The full price is only €6. It includes access to the ruins of Empuries, the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, and an audio guide. Additionally, the ticket is valid at four other partner museums in Catalonia until the end of the current year. A reduced price of €4 is available for retirees, students, and large families. Unemployed visitors and those with a disability certificate can enter free of charge. The opening hours vary throughout the year. The museum is open all week:

  • Tuesday to Saturday: from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday and public holidays: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Closed: Mondays, December 25-26, and January 1

How to get to the ruins of Empuries?

The ruins of Empuries are about 94 kilometers from Cala Llevado camping. The coastal drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the campsite, head to the center of Tossa del Mar, then take the GI-681, followed by the C-5 towards Sant Feliu de Guixols. Follow the C-65 and then the C-31 north through Palafrugell and Torroella de Montgri. Exit the C-31 and take the GI-632 to L'Escala. The GI-623 leads to the ruins of Empuries. For parking, you can use private parking areas near the ruins. Alternatively, park in L'Escala for free and walk to the site. During your camping holidays on the Costa Brava, don't miss a visit to the ruins of Empuries, which you can combine with a tour of the Citadel of Roses.