Sun-kissed days on the Costa Brava

Hotel Univers: Tradition, Sea & the Soul of Roses Right in Front of You

Wake up on the seafront of Roses at Hotel Univers — the kind of “hotel of a lifetime” that turns every stay into a lasting memory. Facing the marina and fishing port, the sea isn’t just a view here — it’s part of your everyday experience, with fishing boats arriving as part of the scenery.

Stay just 100 metres from the beach and only 5 minutes from the old town, with the Ciutadella de Roses just a pleasant 10–15 minute walk away. The location? Simply unbeatable.

Relax in one of the 207 rooms with terrace, many offering sea or pool views. Unwind by the outdoor swimming pool with garden, enjoy a generous buffet restaurant for breakfast and dinner — praised for its excellent value — and take advantage of the children’s area, live music evenings and a fully equipped bike-friendly space. Add a diving centre and pet-friendly policy, and everything is in place for the perfect getaway.

With warm, welcoming service that keeps guests coming back year after year, Hotel Univers is where your holiday truly begins.

Curiosities of Roses: Where History, Legends and Sea Collide

Roses is far more than sun and beach. This Alt Empordà gem packs an astonishing concentration of history, character and surprises into every corner.

The Luxury Bunker (El Bulli)

Cala Montjoi put Roses at the epicentre of global gastronomy. Here, Ferran Adrià rewrote the rules of fine dining. It wasn’t just the best restaurant in the world — today, elBulli1846 stands as a museum devoted to creativity and efficiency. A true pilgrimage site for food lovers.

A “Citadel” That’s a Time Machine

Step inside the Ciutadella de Roses and travel through layers of civilisation. Dig beneath the surface and discover:

• Remains of the Greek city of Rhode (founded in 776 BC).
• A Roman settlement.
• A medieval monastery.

All within the same monumental enclosure.

A Renaissance Military Fortress

Few places on earth let you walk across 2,500 years of history without leaving the same site. Here, every stone tells a different story.

The Cemetery of Giants (Dolmens)

Roses boasts one of Catalonia’s highest concentrations of megalithic monuments. The Dolmen de la Creu d’en Cobertella is the largest in the area — its top slab weighs an incredible 18 tonnes. Imagine moving that 5,000 years ago, without cranes or machinery.

A “Cartoon Castle”

The Castell de la Trinitat surprises with its unusual five-pointed star design. Built in the 16th century to defend the bay from pirates and corsairs, it was later destroyed during the Peninsular War and rebuilt in a modern style that gives it a striking, almost sci-fi look carved into the rock.

A Dalí-Worthy Sunset

Roses is uniquely positioned on the Costa Brava facing west. The result? One of the rare places where you can watch the sun set over the sea, painting the sky in fiery oranges and violets — the kind of landscapes that inspired Salvador Dalí.

Did You Know…?

The Bay of Roses belongs to the exclusive “Most Beautiful Bays in the World” club, endorsed by UNESCO, alongside icons like Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and San Francisco Bay.

Costa Brava: Wild Beauty, Mediterranean Soul

The Costa Brava is one of the most spectacular coastal regions in Spain. Located in the province of Girona, it is famous for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear coves and charming fishing villages. It’s an ideal destination for couples and families looking to combine beach time, nature and authentic Mediterranean culture.

Make sure you visit:

• Cadaqués, a whitewashed village with strong artistic roots and a unique atmosphere.
• Calella de Palafrugell, known for its small coves and traditional seaside charm.
• Tossa de Mar, with its impressive medieval walls overlooking the sea.
• Begur, offering historic streets, viewpoints and stunning beaches.

Beaches we think you’ll like:

• Aiguablava: shallow waters and turquoise colours, perfect for families.
• Sa Tuna: small and picturesque, surrounded by traditional houses.
• Tamariu: calm, clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Cala Pola: natural and scenic, ideal for snorkelling.

Family-friendly activities:

• Walk along the Camí de Ronda, connecting coves and cliffs.
• Kayaking or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters.
• Visit the Parque Natural del Cap de Creus for easy nature walks.
• Enjoy local markets and seaside promenades.

Make sure you try these local delicacies:

• Suquet de peix, a traditional fishermen’s stew.
• Fresh seafood and grilled fish.
• Rice dishes combining sea and mountain flavours.
• Wines from the Empordà wine region.

Make the most of your visit and go to...

• Girona (45 minutes): a beautifully preserved historic centre.
• Empordà (short drive): medieval villages and vineyards.
• Figueres (1 hour): home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum.