Where to Stay in L'Escala to Discover the Wonders of the Montgrí Coast?
L'Escala is one of the most enjoyable destinations on the Costa Brava for lovers of the sea and nature. Located in the heart of the Montgrí Natural Park, it offers privileged access to beautiful coves, spectacular cliffs, unspoiled coastal trails, and some of the finest underwater landscapes in the Mediterranean.
Whether you are a diver, a snorkeling enthusiast, a kayaking fan, or simply looking for a seaside getaway, choosing the right accommodation can greatly enhance your experience. Between the historic town center, the Riells district, Cala Montgó, and the various campsites around the town, each area has its own unique advantages.
Before deciding where to stay, we recommend reading our complete guide to diving in L'Escala, exploring the dive sites around L'Escala, or browsing the dive centers in L'Escala.
In this guide, we will introduce the different areas and accommodation options available, helping you find the perfect place to stay and make the most of everything the Montgrí coast has to offer.
Why Choose L'Escala for Your Holiday?
Every year, L'Escala attracts visitors looking for an unspoiled coastline, an authentic atmosphere, and easy access to nature. Unlike some of the more heavily developed seaside resorts on the Costa Brava, the town has preserved its identity as a traditional fishing village while offering a wide range of activities for families, sports enthusiasts, and sea lovers.
Located between the Gulf of Roses and the Montgrí Massif, L'Escala enjoys an exceptional natural setting. Within just a few minutes, you can go from a family-friendly beach to a secluded cove, or from a waterfront promenade to coastal trails offering spectacular views of cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Water sports enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the variety of activities available, including scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, sea kayaking, sailing, and swimming in some of the clearest waters in the region. The richness of the local marine ecosystem is closely linked to the extensive seagrass meadows that cover the seabed. Learn more in our article about Posidonia, an essential treasure of the Mediterranean.
L'Escala is also an excellent destination for discovering Mediterranean marine life. Groupers, moray eels, sea bream, barracudas, and many other species can often be encountered while diving or snorkeling. To learn more about these fascinating creatures, read our guide to the iconic fish of the Mediterranean.
Your choice of accommodation will mainly depend on what you are looking for: proximity to the beaches, easy access to the Montgrí coastal trails, a family-friendly environment, a campsite surrounded by nature, or an apartment close to shops and restaurants. Fortunately, L'Escala offers accommodation options to suit every budget and every style of holiday.
The Different Areas to Stay in L'Escala
L'Escala is made up of several distinct areas, each offering a different experience. The best choice will depend on your travel style, budget, and the activities you plan to enjoy during your stay.
Travellers looking for the authentic atmosphere of a Mediterranean fishing town will appreciate the historic centre, with its narrow streets, restaurants, and easy access to local shops. Families often prefer the Riells area, known for its long sandy beach, seaside promenade, and wide range of tourist facilities.
For nature lovers and those seeking spectacular coastal scenery, the area around Cala Montgó offers an exceptional setting close to the cliffs of the Montgrí coast and its scenic walking trails. This part of L'Escala is particularly popular with hikers, divers, and snorkelling enthusiasts who want quick access to some of the region's most beautiful natural sites.
Camping enthusiasts will also find several excellent options for a seaside holiday. Among the most popular are Camping Lacus, ideally located between the beaches and the town centre, and Camping Illa Mateua, well known for its proximity to the rocky coastline and the natural landscapes of the Montgrí coast.
In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each area to help you find the accommodation that best suits your stay in L'Escala.
Camping Lacus or Camping Illa Mateua: Which One Should You Choose?
Camping is one of the most popular accommodation options in L'Escala, especially among divers, families, and travellers looking to enjoy the coastline to the fullest. Two campsites are frequently recommended: Camping Lacus and Camping Illa Mateua. Each offers a different experience and is suited to different types of holidays.
Camping Lacus: Convenience Comes First
Located between the town centre and Riells Beach, Camping Lacus enjoys a particularly convenient location for visitors who want easy access to everything L'Escala has to offer.
For divers, its main advantage is its proximity to the port of L'Escala. Several dive centres operate daily boat trips from the harbour to the dive sites along the Montgrí coast, making it easy to reach your dive centre without needing a car.
The campsite is also close to supermarkets, restaurants, shops, and the town's summer activities. Families often appreciate having all services within easy reach.
On the other hand, Camping Lacus is a relatively simple campsite. It does not have a swimming pool and offers a more urban setting than some of the other campsites in the area. Visitors looking for dramatic coastal scenery, rocky coves, and direct access to nature will usually need to travel a little further.
Camping Illa Mateua: Perfect for Nature Lovers
Located near Cala Montgó and Illa Mateua, Camping Illa Mateua offers a much more natural environment. The atmosphere is quieter and particularly appealing to visitors who want to spend their holiday close to the sea and nature.
One of its greatest strengths is the easy access to some of the best snorkeling areas in L'Escala. The rocky seabeds around Illa Mateua are among the most interesting places in the region for observing Mediterranean marine life directly from the shore.
Divers will also appreciate being close to several shore diving locations, allowing them to enjoy the underwater world even on days without a boat trip.
The main drawback is the distance from the port of L'Escala. To reach most dive centres and boat departures, visitors generally need a car, bicycle, or the seasonal tourist shuttle service.
Our Recommendation
If your priority is boat diving, easy access to restaurants and shops, and being close to the heart of L'Escala, Camping Lacus is often the most practical choice.
If you prefer nature, snorkeling, coastal walks, and direct access to rocky coves and shore diving opportunities, Camping Illa Mateua is likely one of the best places to stay in L'Escala.
Villa, Apartment or Holiday Home: Which Area Should You Choose?
If you are travelling with family, friends, or planning a longer stay, renting a villa or apartment through platforms such as Booking.com or Airbnb is often the most comfortable option. Choosing the right area is just as important as selecting the accommodation itself, as each part of L'Escala offers a very different experience.
Cala Montgó and Illa Mateua: For Nature Lovers
The Cala Montgó area is often considered one of the most beautiful parts of L'Escala. Surrounded by cliffs, pine forests, and coastal trails, it provides easy access to some of the region's most stunning coves.
Snorkelers and shore divers will particularly appreciate the proximity of Illa Mateua and the rocky sections of the Montgrí coast. It is also an excellent choice for hikers who want to explore the scenic trails overlooking the Mediterranean.
On the downside, there are fewer shops and restaurants than in the town centre, and reaching the port of L'Escala usually requires a car, bicycle, or the seasonal shuttle service.
Riells: The Best All-Round Choice for Families
Riells is probably the most versatile area of L'Escala. Its long sandy beach, seaside promenade, restaurants, and shops make it especially popular with families.
From Riells, it is easy to reach both the port and the dive centres while still enjoying one of the best beaches in town. The area also offers a wide selection of apartments and holiday rentals, many of them more modern than those found in the historic centre.
For many visitors, Riells provides the ideal balance between beach life, local amenities, family activities, and access to diving.
The Historic Centre: Atmosphere and Restaurants
The historic centre is best known for its Mediterranean charm. Its narrow streets, lively terraces, and excellent restaurants make it one of the most pleasant places to spend the evening after a day by the sea.
It is the perfect area for visitors who enjoy walking to restaurants, bars, and shops without needing a car. The port and several dive centres remain easily accessible.
Its main drawback is the limited beach options. The beaches in the town centre are generally smaller and less attractive than those found in Riells or Cala Montgó. Parking can also be more challenging during the peak summer season.
Northern L'Escala and the Empúries Area
North of L'Escala, towards the famous archaeological site of Empúries, the atmosphere becomes quieter and more residential.
This area offers direct access to beautiful beaches, coastal walking paths, and an excellent cycling route leading to Sant Martí d'Empúries and beyond. It is an ideal location for visitors who enjoy walking, cycling, and relaxing by the sea.
For divers, however, Riells and Cala Montgó generally remain the most practical choices thanks to their easier access to the port, dive centres, and the main diving areas along the Montgrí coast.
Conclusion: Where Is the Best Place to Stay in L'Escala?
There is no single answer, as the best accommodation depends entirely on how you plan to enjoy L'Escala and the Montgrí coast.
If your priority is being close to the port, dive centres, shops, and restaurants, the Riells area or the town centre are generally the most convenient options. Divers planning regular boat trips will particularly appreciate the easy access to the harbour and departure points.
Travellers looking for a more natural setting, beautiful coves, excellent snorkeling, and spectacular coastal scenery will often prefer the Cala Montgó or Illa Mateua areas. These locations provide direct access to some of the most scenic parts of the Montgrí coastline.
Families will usually find Riells to be the most practical choice thanks to its large sandy beach and numerous facilities, while visitors who enjoy walking and cycling may prefer the quieter surroundings of Empúries, with its coastal paths and extensive cycle routes.
Whichever area you choose, L'Escala is an excellent base for exploring the Montgrí coast, discovering hidden coves, observing Mediterranean marine life, and enjoying one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Catalonia.
To help plan your stay, be sure to explore our dive sites in L'Escala, read our complete guide to diving in L'Escala, and discover the dive centres in L'Escala.
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