Roses: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The charming coastal town of Roses on the Costa Brava is perfectly situated between the blue sea and the Montgri mountain range. Remnants from antiquity prove that the ancient Greeks were already settled here. The citadel and the Trinitat castle, as well as the lighthouse, are some of the attractions.
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Roses - Must-see attractions
Beach Promenade Roses
The promenade of Roses is the main walking area of the popular seaside resort. It connects the newer part of the town with the historic district. This is located below the castle hill and extends to the citadel, which the promenade passes by. Sit down on a bench and enjoy the charming view over the deep blue sea. Visit the Castell de la Trinitat, a 16th-century artillery fortress, and take a trip to the lighthouse of Roses.
La Punta Beach
Three nature parks frame the Bay of Roses. It extends over the towns of Roses and L'Escala and the places Pere Pescador and Castelló d'Empúries. Platja de Punta is located between the harbor and the harbor entrance. At the supervised Platja de Punta, you can rent umbrellas and loungers. Platja de Roses is also located in the town area. Families like to come to Santa Margarita Beach: the gently sloping sandy beach is perfect for splashing around.
Citadel of Roses
The Ciutadella de Roses, with its five-pointed fortress wall and its impressive size of over 131,000 square meters, dates back to the 16th century. From Hellenistic artifacts to medieval building remains, historical artifacts from various eras have long been uncovered on the fortress grounds. Today, the fortress area houses, among other things, the historically oriented Museu la Ciutadella de Roses. The multimedia exhibition introduces you to the history of the fortress in an entertaining way and showcases exciting archaeological finds.
Roses-Montjoi Coastal Path
The North Spanish coastal hiking trail Camí de Ronda Roses-Montjoi is a section of the hiking trails along the magnificent Costa Brava in Catalonia. It leads from the town of Roses through the Cap de Creus Natural Park to the picturesque bay of Cala Montjoi. The route passes by the Cap de Creus lighthouse and offers another cultural highlight in Portlligat with the Salvador Dalí Museum. A bit beyond Cala Montjoi, there is also the charming fishing village of Port de la Selva to discover.
Trinity Castle
The Castell de la Trinitat is located on a rock about 60 meters high directly on the bay of Roses, allowing a view of the Mediterranean Sea. Until the year 1814, the Castell de la Trinitat held an important position. After almost two centuries as a ruin, restoration work took place in recent decades. Today, the Castell de la Trinitat is open to visitors. In the museum, you can learn more about the past. The viewing terrace is considered a highlight.
Cobertella's Cross
A visit to the Creu d'en Cobertella takes you back to around 3000 BC. It is one of the largest dolmens, a tomb made of huge stone blocks, in the region around Roses, which is dotted with numerous megalithic graves. The largest stone of the monumental megalith measures over five meters in length. The huge stones are made of gneiss and together form the burial chamber with upright supporting stones and a stone slab. Human bones and pottery shards were found during archaeological investigations.
Roses - Secret spots
Calís Beach
Platja Calís, on the Costa Brava near Roses, is a hidden cove surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. Accessible via winding roads, it offers crystal-clear water ideal for snorkeling and swimming away from the crowds. More than a beach, it is a retreat for nature lovers, snorkelers, or those seeking tranquility, and embodies a piece of paradise.
Hike to the Cala Nans Lighthouse
Since 1864, the Far de Cala Nans, the lighthouse of Cala Nans, has stood in a solitary location on a small promontory near Roses. It is a popular destination for hikes on the paths high above the rugged rocky coast and offers you spectacular panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery
In the interior of the country, about 6 km from Roses, Sant Pere de Rodes awaits you as a truly romantic excursion destination. The Benedictine monastery is situated in a secluded location amidst the lush green hilly landscape of Catalonia, high above the sea, directly on the Catalan Way of St. James. A footpath leads to the 9th-century monastery with opportunities for visits.
Castle ruins of Verdera
Take a trip in Roses to the Castell de Verdera. The ruins of the medieval castle sit over 600 meters above the sea on Mount San Salvador. A hiking trail leads from the nearby monastery Sant Pere de Rodes to the ruins. The fantastic panoramic view over the sea is a highlight.
Roses - In 3 days
Day 1
Start your first day with a visit to the historic center of Roses. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire the well-preserved medieval buildings, and visit the impressive 16th-century citadel. From here, you have a breathtaking view of the sea and the anchored ships. In the afternoon, explore the coastline from the sea: on a boat tour, you can conveniently discover the picturesque bays and hidden beaches that Roses has to offer. On a longer trip, you can even reach the Cap de Creus Natural Park – a peninsula that extends about 10 km into the sea. The clear, turquoise water and diverse marine life make this place a paradise for divers and snorkelers. After returning to the port of Roses, you can dine at one of the excellent fish restaurants and try fresh seafood and paella.
Day 2
On your second day, you return to the Cap de Creus Natural Park – this time by land. However, you can first make a stop at the Dalí Museum in Cadaqués and immerse yourself in the mind of the eccentric genius before starting your hike. A popular trail leads you to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, from which you have a spectacular view of the sea and the surrounding mountains. The impressive landscape with its bizarre rock formations and wild coastal paths offers plenty of photo opportunities. On the way back, you can stop at the park's visitor center to learn more about the area's wildlife and geology. Spend the afternoon at one of the local wineries. Let yourself be enchanted by the aromas of the regional wines during a tasting and learn more about winemaking. Finally, you have the opportunity to take some bottles home with you.
Day 3
Enjoy the morning at one of the beautiful sandy beaches of Roses, such as Playa de la Punta or Playa Santa Margarita. Relax under the Mediterranean sun, swim in the clear water, or try water sports like windsurfing or kayaking. After lunch, a visit to the Aqua Brava water park is recommended, offering fun and refreshment for the whole family with numerous pools and slides. Afterwards, climb up the city mountain Puig Rom for a breathtaking view over Roses. Nearby is a historically significant park where you can discover several dolmens. These mystical megalithic structures from the Stone Age still pose mysteries today. Linger for a moment at this special place, in the shade of centuries-old olive trees, before mingling with people again and ending your last evening with a cocktail on the beach.
Roses - Climate
Roses pampers its guests all year round with a mild climate. The average temperature is 19 degrees. It is above average warm from June to September. The warmest months are July and August with a maximum average of 27 degrees. The sea is just as warm from July to September. Air and water are coolest in January and February. The most rainfall in Roses is expected in October and November, although it is quite dry with 90 millimeters of rain per year. You will experience twelve hours of sunshine if you book a trip to the Costa Brava from May to July.