Surround yourself with nature and tranquility near Roses

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.

The Costa Brava feels wonderfully different in autumn and winter. Clear days, calmer seas and quieter villages make it easier to enjoy the coves, medieval streets and long, unhurried meals without the summer crowds. It’s a lovely choice for couples, nature lovers and anyone who wants culture and good food alongside coastal scenery.

The cooler months are especially rewarding for walking and cycling, while the changing seasons bring their own flavours to the table. Pack layers for breezy days by the water, and leave room in your plans for a spontaneous stop in a stone village or a family-run restaurant.

Make sure you visit:

Begin inland, where Peratallada and Pals invite you to wander among cobbled lanes, old walls and honey-coloured stone. In the quieter months, you can take your time over the little details, from archways to peaceful squares, before heading back towards the sea.

Along the coast, Calella de Palafrugell charms with white houses and fishing boats on the sand, while Begur’s castle looks out over the coastline. In Tossa de Mar, explore the Vila Vella, whose medieval walls rise above the sea. For a different kind of history, visit the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, an imaginative retreat Dalí created for Gala. On a clear day, the climb to Montgrí Castle is more comfortable in the cool weather, with sweeping views across the Empordà and the Medes Islands.

In Blanes, stroll through Marimurtra Botanical Garden and pause at the Templet de Linné, perched above the Mediterranean. Its outlook is a memorable reward for a relaxed visit.

Beaches we think you'll like:

The coast is just as appealing when swimming gives way to walking and sea watching. Calella de Palafrugell is ideal for a gentle waterfront stroll, with its whitewashed houses and boats making a lovely backdrop, while the coves around Begur offer a wilder feel and clear views across the water.

For a walk that combines several coastal moods, follow the Camí de Ronda from la Fosca to Platja de Castell near Palamós. The route passes cala s'Alguer, where fishermen’s cottages add a distinctive touch to the shoreline. Go in the morning for a peaceful ramble, or later in the day when the light softens over the sea.

Family-friendly activities:

A family day can start with an easy stretch of the Camí de Ronda, keeping the walk short and stopping often to watch the waves or explore a small cove. Near L’Estartit, the wetlands of Basses d'en Coll are a gentler outing: follow the paths on foot or by bike and look for waterbirds, especially towards sunset.

For a more active adventure, cycle a section of the roughly 100-kilometre Greenway between Olot and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, following the old railway route through changing landscapes from mountain country towards the coast. Older children and adventurous adults might also enjoy the wind tunnel at Empuriabrava, while a balloon flight over the Empordà offers an unforgettable early start.

Local delicacies you have to try:

The table changes with the season. From January to March, the Garoinada de Palafrugell celebrates sea urchins in Palafrugell, Calella, Llafranc and Tamariu. Along the coast, look out for suquet de peix and Palamós prawns; inland, try Pals rice or mar i muntanya, a characterful pairing of seafood and meat.

Autumn brings wild mushrooms, while colder days are made for comforting dishes such as goose with turnips. In Peratallada, family-run Can Bonay has served Empordà cooking since 1936 and is known for its goose and game dishes. In Palamós, La Salinera, recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, makes the day’s fish and seafood the focus. Finish with crema catalana and a glass of Empordà wine.

Make the most of your visit:

The Costa Brava makes a rewarding base for days out, whether you’re drawn to city streets, Dalí’s world or ancient history. Approximate driving times below are from Palamós and can vary with traffic and your exact starting point.

• Girona (around 45 minutes): explore the Jewish Quarter, the cathedral and the colourful houses along the Onyar.
• Figueres (around 1 hour): visit the Teatre-Museu Dalí, part of the Dalí triangle with Púbol and Portlligat.
• Sant Pere de Rodes (around 1 hour 20 minutes): discover a Romanesque monastery with views towards Cap de Creus.
• Empúries (around 50 minutes): wander through Greek and Roman ruins beside the sea.