Full Description & Details
Port de la Clota Grossa is the main harbour of l'Escala, a public port managed by Ports de la Generalitat on the Costa Brava coast of Catalonia. It sits in the Clota area between Platja de Riells and Punta del Bol Roig, within the municipality of l'Escala in the Alt Emporda region. The harbour includes a sport marina run by Club Nautic de l'Escala and a separate fishing port operated by the Confraria de Pescadors de l'Escala. The sport marina is divided into two basins, Clota Petita and Clota Gran, the latter built in 1968 and the former added in 1994.
The marina offers 957 berths for vessels up to 22 metres in length overall. Overnight stays are permitted. The fishing port hosts a daily fish auction, and the MARAM centre offers group visits to learn about the fishermen's daily work and the auction. The harbour area is home to leisure companies, cruise operators, a diving club, and the Club Nautic de l'Escala sailing school.
Onshore, the port is close to the centre of l'Escala, with the beach of Riells and the old town nearby. The restaurant El Pescador and a diving club are located at the port. Pizzes Sibaris, noted as the best pizza in l'Escala, is open only in summer. Nearby attractions include the Montgo hill viewpoint, Illa Mateua, the village of Sant Marti d'Empuries, and the Greco-Roman ruins of Empuries.
Approaches should account for the fishing boats using the port and the daily auction activity. The port lies within the Parc Natural del Montgri, Illes Medes i Baix Ter, so anchoring and shore activities near the protected cliffs should respect park rules. Summer is the busiest season, with the marina full and the town crowded. No specific restrictions beyond normal harbour regulations are noted in the sources.
How to get there
The port is located on the coast at l'Escala, between Platja de Riells and Punta del Bol Roig. The GR-92 coastal path passes the port, and the harbour is reached from the sea by approaching the Clota area. The port's coordinates place it at 42.1184 N, 3.1474 E, with the harbour entrance facing the bay.
No specific channel, buoyage, or VHF procedure is detailed in the sources, so skippers should rely on standard harbour charts and local knowledge for the final approach. By land, the port is adjacent to the centre of l'Escala, with parking available near the restaurant El Pescador. The town is served by local roads, and the nearest major transport links are via the GI-623 road.
Formalities are handled by the port office and the Club Nautic de l'Escala for the sport marina; the fishing port operates separately under the Confraria de Pescadors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many berths does Port de la Clota Grossa have and what is the maximum boat length?
Port de la Clota Grossa has 957 berths for vessels up to 22 metres in length overall.
Is overnight mooring allowed at Port de la Clota Grossa?
Yes, overnight stays are permitted at Port de la Clota Grossa.
What facilities are available at Port de la Clota Grossa?
The port has a sailing school, diving club, leisure and cruise companies, a fishing port with a daily fish auction, and the MARAM interpretation centre.
Is there a restaurant at Port de la Clota Grossa?
Yes, the restaurant El Pescador is located at the port, and Pizzes Sibaris, noted as the best pizza in l'Escala, is open only in summer.
What is the best season to visit Port de la Clota Grossa?
Summer is the busiest season at Port de la Clota Grossa, with the marina full and the town crowded; the sources do not specify a best season otherwise.
More sailing guides
Bareboat Sailing in Spain: Requirements and Licences
Everything you need to bareboat charter in Spain: accepted licences, flag-state rules, VHF requirements, and what to do if yours isn't accepted.
Yacht Charter Cost in Spain: What to Expect and How to Save
Real yacht charter costs in Spain by boat type, season, and region, plus what's included, hidden fees, and practical ways to cut the price.
How to Charter a Yacht in Spain: A Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step guide to chartering a yacht in Spain: choosing a charter type, budgeting, licences, booking, and what to expect once you're aboard.
Yacht Charter Provisioning Guide: Expert Tips & Checklists
Plan your sailing holiday like a pro with our yacht charter provisioning guide—food lists, meal planning, local market tips, and essential advice for every itinerary.
Best Yacht Type for Group Charters: How to Choose
Discover the best yacht types for group charters, from family reunions to corporate events. Compare sailing yacht options, capacity, cost, amenities, and legal limits.
What Information Is Needed to Book a Sailing Yacht Charter?
Discover the key information, documents, and requirements needed to book a sailing yacht charter. Learn what details charter companies need for a smooth reservation.
Yacht Charter Deposit Insurance: What It Covers & Why You Need It
Understand yacht charter deposit insurance: what it covers, costs, differences from security deposits, and how it protects your sailing holiday or commercial charter.
Related places
Associació Front al Mar
Club Nautic Sant Pere Pescador
Empuriabrava
Badia de Tossa
Embarcadero de Sa Tuna
Alcaidesa Marina
Alcudiamar
AMARILLA MARINA (Marina San Miguel)
Enseada do Loeiro
Formentor buoys
Peirao de Chapela
