Anchovy and Salt Museum

Anchovy and Salt Museum is a compact, story-rich museum in the coastal town of L'Escala on Spain's Costa Brava, built around the trade that shaped the town more than any other: salted anchovies. Opened in 2006, it was created to preserve and share the cultural heritage of L'Escala, and it remains the best starting point for visitors who want to understand why this particular stretch of Catalan coast became so closely tied to a single small fish.

What does the museum show?

The permanent exhibition traces the history of fishing in the area from the 16th century through to the present day. Rather than jumping straight to the finished product, it walks visitors through the gradual evolution of the local fleet, the tools and methods fishermen relied on, and the rhythms of daily life in a town where the sea dictated the calendar. It's a slow, cumulative picture of how a subsistence activity turned into an organized, export-driven industry over the course of several centuries.

Why is L'Escala known for anchovies?

Salted anchovy production sits at the heart of the museum's narrative, and for good reason: for generations, this single industry was the economic engine of the town. It supported entire families, shaped the local economy, and eventually carried the name of L'Escala well beyond Catalonia and Spain, as the town's anchovies built a reputation abroad. Salt, the other half of the museum's name, was just as essential — in an era before refrigeration, it was the only way to preserve the catch long enough for it to travel, and mastering that craft is arguably what turned a local fishery into an international trademark.

Who is this museum for?

Anyone spending time on the Costa Brava who wants more than beaches will find real value here. It's an easy way to add historical depth to a visit to L'Escala's old town, or to a tasting stop at one of the local anchovy producers still operating today — the museum supplies the "why" behind a flavor many visitors only encounter on a plate.

How to plan a visit

L'Escala sits on the coast of Girona province, in the heart of the Costa Brava, making the museum simple to combine with other regional highlights, including the nearby archaeological site of Empúries. Given its modest size, a visit doesn't require much time, but it's worth checking current opening hours before arriving, since they can shift with the season.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Anchovy and Salt Museum located? It's in L'Escala, a coastal town in Catalonia, on the Costa Brava in Girona province.

When did the museum open? It opened in 2006 as an institution dedicated to the town's cultural heritage.

What is the main focus of the exhibition? The history of fishing from the 16th century to today, with particular attention to the salted anchovy industry that drove the town's growth for centuries.

Is the museum worth visiting with children? Yes — its small scale and focused storytelling make it a manageable, educational stop for families exploring the Costa Brava.