1
La Gruta
MediterraneanA relaxed spot for seafood-forward Mediterranean plates, popular with beachgoers.
El Mar, L'Escala Overview
El Mar is located in L'Escala, Spain. Rated 8.3 out of 10 based on 7 guest reviews.
El Mar in L'Escala, Spain is a practical base for travelers who want beach time, outdoor space, and the flexibility to travel by car. Located on Carrer Tarragona, 3, 17a, it suits guests who prefer a quieter residential feel while still being within reach of the town’s seafront and day-trip sights. Reviews average 8.3/10 from a small set of guests, who commonly mention the calm atmosphere and the convenience of having a pool and terrace for downtime between outings. Families and groups also tend to appreciate the on-site tennis lessons and the straightforward layout that works well for planning active days.
The property’s outdoor swimming pool is a clear draw in warm months, while the terrace and BBQ facilities make it easier to keep meals relaxed without always eating out. Non-smoking rooms and non-smoking throughout help keep the stay comfortable for everyone, and free wired internet supports guests who need to stay connected. If you’re driving, free parking is a major plus, and there are discounted rates for parking nearby, which can reduce the hassle of finding space.
For nearby culture and scenery, Empúries is about 7 km away, offering Roman and Greek ruins in a dramatic coastal setting. Montgrí Natural Park is roughly 10 km from the hotel, a good choice for walking and viewpoints. The Dalí Museum in Figueres is around 45 km, while the beaches of L'Escala and Riells are about 3 km and 2 km respectively. Best for families, pet owners, and road-trip travelers who want a calm base with outdoor amenities and easy access to the Costa Brava.
Should You Book El Mar?
Worth considering if you want a practical, quieter base in L’Escala with a pool and free parking, and you’re comfortable with limited on-site dining options. The 8.3/10 guest rating from 7 reviews suggests generally solid satisfaction, especially for travelers who value flexibility by car.
Best For
- Car-based travelers who want free parking and easy day trips to Empúries and the Montgrí Massif viewpoints
- Beach-and-outdoors visitors who want a pool and terrace downtime between excursions
- Families traveling with children who need a straightforward, practical stay with family-friendly policies
- Pet owners looking for a hotel that allows pets and offers a non-smoking environment
Not Ideal For
- Guests who need a fully walkable experience to major attractions, since key sights listed (Empúries, Sant Martí d’Empúries) are 7–8 km away
- Travelers expecting on-site parking convenience, since parking is described as free but self parking may involve a surcharge and offsite discounted rates are mentioned
- Light sleepers or anyone sensitive to neighborhood quietness trade-offs, since the property is positioned as a quieter residential feel rather than a lively central location
What to Expect
Check-in runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, so arriving within that window makes for a smooth start. The stay feels grounded in a quieter residential part of L’Escala, with outdoor space to relax on the terrace and a swimming pool for easy downtime. Mornings work well for planning day trips by car, with Empúries about 7 km away and the Sant Martí d’Empúries old town roughly 8 km from the hotel. Based on the overall 8.3/10 rating from a small set of reviews, guests seem to appreciate the practical setup and the flexibility for exploring.
Location Intelligence
El Mar is positioned as a convenient base for getting out to major nearby sights by car, including Empúries (7 km) and Sant Martí d’Empúries (8 km). For nature and viewpoints, Montgrí Massif & Ter Vell Viewpoints are about 10 km away, while Aiguamolls de l’Empordà is farther at 35 km. Girona–Costa Brava Airport is the closest at 55 km, with Barcelona and Reus farther options.
Rooms & Comfort at El Mar
El Mar Facilities & Amenities
General
Non-smoking rooms
Terrace
Pets allowed
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking throughout
Japanese garden
Swimming nearby
Activities
Tennis lessons on site
Internet
Free wired internet
Internet access
Parking & Transport
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Self parking (surcharge)
Covered parking
Pool & Wellness
Swimming pool
Exercise/lap pool
El Mar Photos
El Mar Location in L'Escala
Closest Airports
- Girona–Costa Brava Airport 55 km
- Barcelona–El Prat Airport 120 km
- Reus Airport 150 km
What's Nearby
- L'Escala Train Station 2 km
- Platja de Riells 2 km
- Platja de l'Escala (Main Beach) 3 km
- Montgrí Natural Park 10 km
- Empúries Archaeological Site 7 km
Top Attractions
- Empúries 7 km
- Montgrí Massif & Ter Vell Viewpoints 10 km
- Sant Martí d'Empúries (Old Town) 8 km
- Aiguamolls de l'Empordà (Wetlands area) 35 km
- Dalí Museum (Figueres) 45 km
Natural Beauty
- Platja de Riells 2 km
- Platja de l'Escala 3 km
- Montgrí Natural Park 10 km
- Empúries 7 km
Restaurants & Cafes Nearby
Top dining spots near El Mar
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Restaurant El Port
SeafoodKnown for fresh fish and a nautical setting near the waterfront.
3
Les Corones
CatalanCatalan cooking with seasonal ingredients, ideal for a calm dinner after a day out.
4
Can Blau
SpanishA straightforward choice for classic Spanish dishes and local wines in town.
5
La Sirena
SeafoodA family-friendly seafood restaurant with a menu that suits both adults and kids.
6
Pizzeria La Bella
Pizza & ItalianCasual Italian-style pizzas that work well for quick, easy evenings.
7
Restaurant Laia
MediterraneanMediterranean plates and grilled options in a comfortable dining room.
8
Cafeteria La Platja
CafeA handy cafe stop for coffee and light bites before heading to the beach.
9
Bodega Empordà
TapasTapas and small plates with a focus on local flavors and sharing-friendly portions.
10
Bar Restaurant Mirador
SpanishA simple bar-restaurant option for hearty Spanish classics after sightseeing.
FAQ About El Mar
Is El Mar in L'Escala a good choice for families?
El Mar is family-friendly and includes a swimming pool plus a terrace and BBQ facilities for relaxed downtime. The presence of tennis lessons on site can also keep children and teens engaged during the stay, and the non-smoking environment helps keep things comfortable.
Does El Mar allow pets?
Yes. El Mar allows pets, which makes it a practical option for travelers who don’t want to leave animals behind. The hotel also has non-smoking rooms and non-smoking throughout, so guests can expect a smoke-free setting during their visit.
How far is El Mar from the beaches in L'Escala?
El Mar is about 2 km from Platja de Riells and around 3 km from the main Platja de l'Escala area. Distances are approximate, but they’re close enough for frequent beach trips by foot or short drives.
What are the check-in and check-out times at El Mar?
Check-in at El Mar runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. If your arrival is outside the listed check-in window, you should plan accordingly before traveling.
Does El Mar have parking, and is it free?
Parking is available and free at El Mar. The property also references self parking with a surcharge, and it offers offsite parking discounted rates, which can be useful if you’re driving and want flexibility.
Is El Mar suitable for road trips around the Costa Brava?
Yes. With free parking and discounted offsite parking options, El Mar works well for road-trip travelers exploring the wider Costa Brava region. It also places you within reach of key day trips like Empúries and Montgrí Natural Park.
What nearby landmarks can I visit from El Mar?
From El Mar, Empúries is roughly 7 km away and Montgrí Natural Park is about 10 km. The Dalí Museum in Figueres is around 45 km, giving you a range from coastal history to inland cultural stops.
How far is El Mar from Girona–Costa Brava Airport?
Girona–Costa Brava Airport is approximately 55 km from El Mar. Barcelona–El Prat is about 120 km away, so most guests will find Girona the easier airport for reaching L'Escala by car.
Good to Know at El Mar
- Check-in & check-out
- Check-in from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Check-out until 11:00 am
- Children & extra beds
Children are welcome.
- Pets
Pets are allowed.
- Other policies
- Parking: Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible).
- Internet: WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
- Pets: Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.
- Children and extra bed policy: Children of any age are allowed.Children up to and including 2 years old stay for € 10 per person per stay when using an available cot.You haven't added any cots.You haven't added any extra beds.Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
El Mar Guest Reviews
8.3
Very good
7 reviews
