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 is one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Located in the province of Girona, it combines turquoise coves, sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages and charming medieval towns. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with the family, it’s a fantastic destination for mixing beach days, nature, culture and great food.
Make sure you visit:
- Cadaqués and Cap de Creus: discover whitewashed houses, narrow streets and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the region.
- Roses: enjoy its long seafront, beaches and lively maritime atmosphere, with Cap de Creus just a short distance away.
- Empuriabrava: famous for its network of navigable canals, waterfront houses and wide sandy beach.
- Tossa de Mar, Begur and Calella de Palafrugell: three Costa Brava classics where historic streets, fishing-village charm and beautiful Mediterranean scenery come together.
Beaches we think you’ll like:
- Aiguablava, Begur: a beautiful cove surrounded by hills and turquoise waters.
- Sa Tuna, Begur: small, picturesque and lined with traditional fishermen’s houses.
- Port Bo, Calella de Palafrugell: a charming beach right in the heart of this traditional seaside village.
- Sa Boadella, Lloret de Mar: surrounded by cliffs and vegetation, perfect if you prefer a more natural setting.
Family-friendly activities:
- Walk a section of the Camí de Ronda and enjoy fantastic views of coves, cliffs and the Mediterranean.
- Explore Empuriabrava’s canals by boat for a different perspective of this unique coastal town.
- Go snorkelling or discover the marine environment around the Medes Islands, just off L’Estartit.
- Spend a day surrounded by nature at Cap de Creus or the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà wetlands.
Make sure you try these local delicacies:
- Suquet de peix: a traditional fishermen’s stew made with fish and potatoes.
- Palamós prawns: one of the Costa Brava’s best-known local products.
- Fresh fish, seafood and rice dishes: Mediterranean classics you’ll find throughout the coastal towns.
- D.O. Empordà wines: the perfect excuse to discover the region’s long winemaking tradition.
Make the most of your visit and go to...
- Girona: explore its atmospheric old town, historic streets and impressive heritage.
- Figueres: home to the famous Dalí Theatre-Museum.
- Pals and Peratallada: two beautiful medieval villages filled with stone houses and narrow streets.
- Empúries: an impressive archaeological site where Greek and Roman history meets the Mediterranean.
