Despite the cold, the last weekend of November we took advantage of the bright sun to take a little trip out of town, direction costa brava. More precisely, after renting the car with a pepper car, we headed towards L 'Scale to finally stay at the elusive Hostal Empuries, which on other visits to the area we had admired but never managed to find a free room.
The Hostal has a wonderful location of its own facing the sea (the beautiful Playa de Portitxol) 30 meters from the archaeological ruins of ancient Empúries and 600 meters from the medieval village of Sant Martí de Empúries. The structure consists of an ancient part, where there are the rooms that directly overlook the beach and a recently built part, overlooking the beautiful garden. All built and expanded following a philosophy environmentally sustainable, in order to create harmony between nature and concrete. Restaurant with windows overlooking the sea; very fashionable vintage furniture, but with that home-made touch that manages to give everything a very welcoming effect; organic garden and small spa (very nice and complete).
The only drawback? We slept in the ancient structure, which despite its charm and breathtaking view, does not seem very well maintained. The rooms are small and have been decorated with vintage touches which are more old than anything else. Then there are details (such as the stained carpets, the slightly peeling walls, the mattresses) that are unthinkable in a four-star hotel that costs like a five-star hotel in the heart of Barcelona. There breakfast instead it is rich and with products made in the hostal itself (having the vegetable garden, even the ingredients are at km 0). The cakes, yogurts and bread are delicious. Here too, however, a small criticism .. the coffee was not espresso but made with automatic machines, therefore soupy and lukewarm. We also ate at the restaurant, which we found of medium level albeit with an attentive and accurate service.
Of course, waking up to the sound of the waves is a unique experience.
What: Hostal Empuries
Where: Platja de Portitxol s / n - L'escala (Girona)
How to get there: from the Girona airport: about 55 km. From Barcelona: about 155 km (2 hours more or less ..) along the AP7.
