Sant Martí D'empúries: Antiquity and Coastal Landscape

Sant Martí d'Empúries combines a long history of settlement with a historic centre and a distinctive coastal landscape. If you are looking for a hotel in Sant Martí D'empúries, the town's different features may shape your choice of where to stay: archaeological history, medieval buildings, a coastal forest, and routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

Greek settlement history and Empúries

The archaeological settlement core of Palaiápolis lies within the present-day town centre. It was the first Greek settlement of the Phocaean colonists; its founding is dated to the second half of the 6th century BC. The history of settlement goes back further: Sant Martí d'Empúries has been continuously inhabited since the first settlements in the 9th century BC. Thus, early settlement and the later Greek foundation represent different periods in the town's history.

The archaeological site of Empúries shows a further historical sequence: an urbanised Greek colony was later followed by a Roman city. Sant Martí d'Empúries is designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest in the Historic Ensemble category; the relevant decision is dated 14 February 1996. Together, these historical themes offer different points of interest if you are interested in early settlements or in Greek and Roman history.

Church, castle and town centre

The parish church of Sant Martí d'Empúries stands in the middle of Plaça Major. It was built over the remains of the moat of the medieval castle. The castle remains are on the southern side of the square. Of the 13th- to 14th-century castle, only the portal and wall remain; much of the 13th-century wall system of Sant Martí d'Empúries is preserved. The square and town centre therefore offer a chance to see how the church, castle complex and fortifications relate to one another in the actual buildings.

The Casa dels Forestals offers a different architectural accent. The building dates from 1910, and its main façade features Modernist elements. The date and the façade's design provide a contrast in time and architecture with the medieval fortification remains, without grouping the different buildings into a single period.

Coastal dune and Duna Litoral

The Duna Litoral public forest is also part of the townscape. It lies in the centre of Sant Martí d'Empúries, within the municipality of L'Escala, and covers approximately 15 hectares. The coastal dune of Sant Martí d'Empúries is an emblematic, unique habitat with great floristic diversity. Alongside the historic town centre, the landscape thus has its own natural feature. If you are particularly interested in coastal landscapes and plants, the dune is an important part of the town's character.

Waterfront paths and different journey times

The Passeig d'Empúries opened in 1992 on the occasion of the Barcelona Olympic Games and connects Sant Martí d'Empúries with the centre of L'Escala. The approximately two-kilometre-long waterfront promenade is for pedestrians and cyclists. Among other places, it passes the Greek-Roman archaeological site of Empúries, the ancient Moll Grec and the Mirador de les Coves viewpoint. Conditions at Del Riuet beach are suitable for wind-dependent water sports; this does not imply that equipment or activities are available.

For longer trips, the linear Camí de ronda pel poble connects Cala Montgó with Sant Martí d'Empúries. The route is 8 kilometres long, takes 4 hours and is rated easy. A sign for route 9 Alt Empordà at the tourist information office in Sant Pere Pescador points towards Sant Martí d'Empúries and gives a walking time of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

When planning your time, it is worth keeping these details distinct: the Passeig d'Empúries is an approximately two-kilometre-long waterfront promenade, while a four-hour walking time is given for the Camí de ronda pel poble. The 2 hours and 10 minutes for route 9, in turn, refer to the wayfinding from the tourist information office in Sant Pere Pescador to Sant Martí d'Empúries. This will help you choose between the different route options according to your interest in the coast, cycling or a longer hike.

Discover more destinations: La Vall D'en Bas, Santa Llogaia D'àlguema, Castellfollit De La Roca, Avinyonet De Puigventós, Macanet De Cabrenys, Sant Llorenç De La Muga, La Jonquera, Fortià.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.