L'Escala

L' Escala ( not official: La Escala (Spanish ) ) is a Spanish town with 10,513 inhabitants ( 1 January 2013), which is located in the southern part of the Bay of Roses and in the northeast of Catalonia, in the province of Girona.

5.1 Monuments and sculptures

Location

The place on the Costa Brava is located about 40 km from Girona and 120 km from Barcelona. South of L' Escala starts around 40 km ² large mountain massif Massís del Montgrí, which is under protection. L' Escala has a picturesque old town as well as a modern center ( Riells ) with a shopping street on the beach promenade. During the summer months a small folk festival is structured in Riells. South of the town are the Cala Montgo and the Montgo mountain. In the north, the buildings placed under protection Sant Marti district is located with the remains of the Greek port city and the later Roman ruins of Empúries.

Tourism

Tourism is the main source of income of the residents of L' Escala. There is less of the mass tourism as in the nearby Lloret de Mar, but rather campers and families vacation. Near the Montgo Bay there are two campgrounds in the immediate vicinity there are a total of 8 in place about 20,000 apartments and cottages are available. In the peak season, around 100,000 people inhabit the place.

L' Escala offers good conditions for windsurfing. In the afternoon a good thermal wind builds up in the summer with about 4 Beaufort. In spring and autumn, the strong Tramontana ( 6-8 Beaufort usually strongly ) offers good conditions for experts.

Beaches

The beaches are of high quality and are recommended for families with children. There are four beaches in L' Escala:

Central city beach of Riells
Montgo Bay (also known as divers paradise )
Sant Martí d' Roses ( leads 10 km to the next village of Sant Pere Pescador )
Small beach in the old town of L' Escala

Demographics and Housing

In L' Escala constantly many new cottages, especially in the Montgo mountain, but also in the center. Where some time ago mainly German nationals built their holiday homes, build now mainly Dutch and Spaniards their holiday homes. Annually, about 500 - 1000 new homes.

Since the building land directly on the sea are becoming less and have a high price level, creating new development areas in up to 2 km from the sea. In response to the strong settlement activity, the infrastructure is also constantly updated. In recent years, the school center was expanded, opened a new indoor pool, located several new supermarkets, expanded promenades, opened new restaurants and enlarged the marina.

The residents there are in addition to French nationals, a German and a Swiss colony. In recent years, however, more and more buyers from England, Holland, Belgium and Northern Europe.

Transport links

A-7 motorway " La Catalane " with exit 5, L' Escala, and well-developed highway
Train to Figueres and from there by bus
Aircraft over the airport Girona or Barcelona Airport

Attractions

The following attractions in L'Escala are of cultural, historical and tourist interest:

The most popular destination is the ruins of Empúries in close proximity to L' Escala. The excavations of Empúries were started in 1900 are still not complete. Currently about 25 % of the former settlement area are exposed.
The Alfolí de la Sal, also known as Pòsit Vell, is a warehouse from the 17th century, which was formerly used for the storage of salt, which was used as a preservative for fishing. It is a protected historical monument.
For divers, the region around L' Escala numerous diving quarters. Especially for the diving tourists a ship was sunk off the coast, which is a special addition to many diving underwater caves.
In spring and autumn, the beach of St. Marti strong winds for surfers
Kart track in the open air, the home track of the Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso
On Epiphany, the Magi reach the city in three ships to local tradition. Guests are welcomed in the central Bay of place Joan Puig of the population. In the torchlight, it follows a solemn train to St. Pere, before making the kings hold and give presents to the upcoming children with candy.

Old town

Montgo Bay

View from L' Escala on the Massís del Montgrí

View over the Bay of Roses to the Pyrenees

Monuments and sculptures

In L' Escala there are many monuments and sculptures in public places, especially on the coast.

Sardana bronze sculpture

Bronze Sculpture Monument a la Dona del Pescador (1991 )

Monument a la Gent del Mar ( 1979)

Special

In 2006 there were in L' Escala the first Non smoking beach in Spain. According to official figures may not be smoked on this stretch of beach. Violations of this decree, however, not result in a fine, because there is no legal basis for this. The Mayor of L' Escala intended by the regulation that the strict in Spain Non smoking protection law is exacerbated by banning smoking on the beach.

Economy

Apart from tourism, fishing is still an important industry for L' Escala. Is internationally known for its high quality of the coastal town of anchovies ( Catalan: Anxoves ) that are processed in small fish factories within the community and reach the market.

Sports

From 12 July to 24 July 2012 in L'Escala found the sailing world championships held in the Europe class. Otherwise offers L'Escala and the surrounding area a variety of sports facilities, such as those found in other coastal tourist-oriented places.

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