Roses brings together coastal scenery, walking trails and archaeological heritage. The town is located in the heart of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, Catalonia’s first marine-terrestrial natural park. When planning your visit, you can focus on what interests you most: trails by the sea, nature and landscapes, or the history of the area.

The Sea, Natural Park and Coastal Trails

The Cap de Creus Natural Park brings together rock formations shaped by erosion, hidden coves with crystal-clear water, and an exceptional variety of flora and fauna. The coast of Roses is also varied: alongside cliffs and sheltered coves with clear water are fine-sand beaches with intensely blue, shallow water. Different types of coastline therefore sit side by side in the landscape, although not every route or beach has the same features.

A designated coastal route in the south of the natural park runs from Roses to cala Jóncols, passing through cala Montjoi and Norfeu. Check the conditions on this route before setting out. The walking trails in Roses also include a section of the Costa Brava coastal path, known as the GR-92. Another suggested route is the climb to puig de l’Àliga.

Choose a Hike by Theme

Twelve hiking routes are suggested in Roses, including coastal, megalithic, olive-grove and Castrum routes. The routes can be explored on foot, by bicycle or running. Their different themes offer a practical starting point for choosing: you can follow the coast or consider a route related to megaliths, olive groves or the Castrum. Check the route selection for possible updates before planning your trip; you should also check the conditions on the coastal route before setting out.

From the Ciutadella to Prehistory

La Ciutadella is a 131,480 m² military complex in the Renaissance style, built in 1543. It was designated a historic-artistic site in 1961. Inside are archaeological remains of the Hellenistic quarter of the Greek colony of Rhode, which reached its peak in the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, as well as a Roman villa dating from between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD. The museum in La Ciutadella presents the history and cultural heritage of Roses from prehistoric times to the recent past. This area of interest therefore spans very different periods, from ancient settlement remains and a Roman villa to the later complex built in the Renaissance style.

Another glimpse into the past can be found at the Castrum visigòtic. This fortified early medieval settlement was built on a strategic hill overlooking the former urban area of Rhode-Roses, the bay and the entrance to the port. The Castrum was inhabited between the 7th and 8th centuries AD; archaeological remains of houses, storage pits and streets have survived. The Dolmen de la Creu d’en Cobertella is considered one of Catalonia’s largest prehistoric monuments. Together, these sites offer different points of interest for culture and history enthusiasts, from prehistory to the Early Middle Ages.

Cuisine and Guided Experiences

Local cuisine is another distinct part of a stay. Suquet de Peix de Roses is described as the town’s traditional and most representative dish and is available year-round at various restaurants in Roses. Cooking and wine-tasting workshops are held at the Aula Gastronòmica - Espai Juli Soler; check the dates before your trip. The Roses Tourist Office also organizes guided tours of the Port Pesquer. As the availability of this experience should be checked again before your trip, it is worth checking the latest tour information.

Discover more destinations: El Mas Fumats, Camós, Fontcoberta, Sant Martí Vell, La Bisbal D'empordà, L’escala, Vilademuls, Espolla.

See the broader travel overview: Girona.