🏛️ At The Sun Places we know that luxury is also found in journeys that connect us with our roots.
That's why we invite you to discover the Ruins of Ampurias (Empúries in Catalan), the most important Greco-Roman archaeological site on the Iberian Peninsula, where history comes to life facing the Mediterranean Sea.
Stay at our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava and let yourself be enveloped by the magic of a place where two civilisations left their mark forever.
The Ruins of Ampurias are the living testimony of one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of Spain. Located in the municipality of L'Escala, in the heart of the Costa Brava, this archaeological site is the only one on the Iberian Peninsula where you can visit the remains of a Greek city and a Roman city in the same place.
We invite you to discover this unique enclave, which perfectly complements other nearby destinations such as Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu or the Castle of Púbol.
🏛️ What do the Ruins of Ampurias represent for the region and for The Sun Places?
The Ruins of Ampurias represent the gateway of Greek and Roman culture to the Iberian Peninsula.
For Empordà, they are the most important archaeological site and a source of cultural pride that attracts travellers from around the world.
For Catalonia, they are a symbol of the region's historical wealth and a testimony to its role as a crossroads of civilisations.
And for The Sun Places, the Ruins of Ampurias embody the luxury of knowledge and connection with the past: the luxury of walking on the same ground as the ancient Greeks, of contemplating the sea from the same harbour that witnessed Mediterranean trade, of understanding how two cultures could coexist and enrich each other.
Our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava are located near this historic site, and we can arrange private visits with archaeologists, exclusive experiences at the museum and routes that combine history, nature and gastronomy.
We are committed to cultural, relaxed and exclusive tourism.
🏺 History of the Ruins of Ampurias: from Greek colony to Roman city
The history of the Ruins of Ampurias begins in the 6th century BC, when the Phocaean Greeks established a small trading post on the coast of Empordà which they called Emporion. Its strategic location on the Bay of Roses quickly made it a prosperous port.
In the 2nd century BC, the Romans landed on the Iberian Peninsula during the Punic Wars and established their own city next to the Greek colony. For centuries, both cities coexisted, exchanged influences and created a unique cultural melting pot in the western Mediterranean.
The Roman city prospered until the 3rd century AD, when it began to decline. Over time, the site was abandoned and buried under sediments, until archaeological excavations began in the 20th century, bringing this historical treasure to light.
To this day, it is estimated that 75% of the site is still underground, making Ampurias a living place of constant discovery.
🏛️ What to see at the Ruins of Ampurias? Greek city, Roman city and museum
The visit to the Ruins of Ampurias is divided into three main areas: the Greek city, the Roman city and the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia.
In the Greek city, you can explore the walls that protected the original core of Emporion, the temples dedicated to Asclepius (god of medicine) and Serapis, the agora where commercial and political activities took place, and the remains of the pavement of a banquet hall with an inscription that has survived to this day.
In the Roman city, highlights include the forum, the political and social centre of the city; the impressive mosaics that decorated the floors of noble houses; the remains of the amphitheatre; the thermal baths, which reflect the daily life of the era; and the statue of Asclepius, one of the most emblematic pieces of the site.
The Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia (MAC), located within the same grounds, houses a collection of more than 600 objects representative of the Greek and Roman cultures that inhabited the site. Pottery, coins, tools, jewellery and sculptures will help you understand how those who populated Ampurias more than two thousand years ago lived, traded and dreamed.
📅 Cultural experiences at Ampurias: guided tours, theatrical visits and 2026 events
The Ruins of Ampurias offer a year-round cultural programme that enriches the visit and turns it into an unforgettable experience.
Guided and theatrical tours
- The site organises daily guided tours at 11:30 am, in Catalan or Spanish. But the most special experience is the theatrical tours, where a guide-actor plays a character from the period and immerses you in the daily life of Greeks and Romans.
Events at the Roman Forum
- During the summer months, the Roman Forum becomes the setting for concerts and cultural events. In 2026, you can enjoy concerts by Fúmiga and Naina in this incomparable historical setting.
L'Escala - Empúries Classical Concerts
- This classical music festival holds its concerts in venues of great acoustic quality such as the church of Sant Martí d'Empúries or the Alfolí de la Sal.
80th Empúries Archaeology Course 2026
- The Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia offers two students the opportunity to obtain a free scholarship to participate in this reference course.
Portalblau Summer 2026
- This summer festival in L'Escala offers a varied programme including theatre, music and cultural activities.
🕒 Practical information for visiting the Ruins of Ampurias in 2026
The Ruins of Ampurias are open every day of the year:
Winter hours (October to May): 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Summer hours (June to September): 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
During Easter week, opening hours are extended until 7:00 pm.
It is recommended to book in advance for guided tours. General admission tickets can be purchased at the ticket office.
The full visit, including the museum, takes approximately two hours.
🚗 How to get to the Ruins of Ampurias and where to park?
The Ruins of Ampurias are located near the municipality of L'Escala, in the province of Girona.
From Barcelona, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via the AP-7 motorway heading north. Take exit 5 towards L'Escala. From Girona, it's about 40 minutes via the C-31. There is a car park near the site.
The Sun Places offers private transport from our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava
The exact address is C/ Puig i Cadafalch, s/n, 17130 L'Escala, Girona.
🍽️ Where to eat near the Ruins of Ampurias? Gastronomy in L'Escala
After exploring the Ruins of Ampurias, the best thing to do is enjoy the gastronomy of L'Escala, a fishing village with a long fishing and rice-growing tradition.
In L'Escala itself, you will find numerous restaurants serving fresh fish and rice dishes, many with sea views. Don't miss the suquet de peix, the most traditional dish of the Costa Brava, or the escudella de peix, a fisherman's stew with a long tradition in the area.
Recommended restaurants in L'Escala:
- Can Salvi: A classic in L'Escala harbour, famous for its rice dishes and fresh fish. Terrace with sea views.
- El Celler de L'Escala: Traditional seafood cuisine with modern touches. Its black rice and suquet de peix are excellent.
- La Coquille: Specialists in seafood and grilled fish. Ideal for an informal but quality meal.
If you are looking for a more exclusive experience, we recommend booking at Celler de Can Roca (in Girona, 30 minutes away) or at Compartir (in Cadaqués, 40 minutes away), two temples of haute cuisine that reinterpret the traditional dishes of Empordà.
For more options, check out our guide on Gastronomy of the Costa Brava.
🏌️♂️ Luxury can also be active: golf, nature and history near the Ruins of Ampurias
The surroundings of the Ruins of Ampurias offer other luxury activities to complete your experience:
A short distance away are the golf courses of Empordà, such as Empordà Golf Club, one of the best on the Costa Brava.
You can also combine your visit with a tour of the medieval villages of Empordà (Peratallada, Monells, Cruïlles) or with a route through the Montgrí Natural Park and the Pals Rice Fields.
For sea lovers, the Medes Islands offer diving and snorkelling experiences in a marine environment of great beauty.
And, of course, don't miss the opportunity to visit Cadaqués and the Josep Pla route to complete your immersion in the culture of Empordà.
🗓️ Perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover the Ruins of Ampurias
Fancy immersing yourself in the history of the Ruins of Ampurias with all the comfort?
We propose a 2-day itinerary:
Day 1 (Arrival and Ampurias):
- Afternoon: Visit to the Ruins of Ampurias: tour of the Greek and Roman city, and visit to the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia. If it coincides, enjoy a theatrical visit.
Day 2 (Nature and culture):
- Morning: Hiking or cycling route through the Montgrí Natural Park, or visit to the Pals Rice Fields to enjoy the landscape.
- Lunch at a restaurant with views of the rice fields or Cadaqués
- Afternoon: Walk through L'Escala, visit the harbour and the beach, or excursion to the Medes Islands for snorkelling.
- Luggage collection and transfer to the airport.
📌 Practical tips for visiting the Ruins of Ampurias in style
- Book your accommodation with The Sun Places at least 2 months in advance during high season.
- Guided and theatrical tours require prior booking. We recommend booking in advance through the MAC website.
- The best time to visit Ampurias is spring and autumn (mild climates, fewer tourists). Summer is hotter, but the site offers night-time activities.
- Wear comfortable footwear, sun protection and bring water. The site is extensive and most of it is outdoors.
- Combine your visit with other nearby destinations: the medieval villages of Empordà, the coves of the Costa Brava or the Dalí museums.
- Make the most of The Sun Places concierge services to organise private visits with archaeologists, restaurant reservations and bespoke experiences.
📞 Contact The Sun Places and let us organise your luxury getaway to the Ruins of Ampurias.
We advise you on the best accommodation, cultural and gastronomic experiences so you can experience the history of Empordà with maximum comfort.
If you liked this article, we invite you to discover other incredible destinations with The Sun Places: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.
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