What to do in Roses

How about combining sea and mountains in the same trip? You’ve come to the right place! With the sea as the protagonist, along with its mountains and natural parks, Roses is the perfect place to enjoy a combination of water activities and unspoiled nature.

Some of the activities you can enjoy in Roses and the most attractive places of interest are listed below:

Beaches and coves of Roses:

Montjoi Cove, Jòncols Cove, Calitjàs Cove, El Rastrell Beach, Els Palangrers Beach, Murtra Cove, Rustella Cove, La Pelosa Beach...

With an impressive number of beaches and coves, the Roses coastline is characterised by a balanced combination of large beaches with amenities and sheltered coves with crystal-clear waters surrounded by cliffs.

You can reach them all on foot or by bicycle along coastal footpaths, although the more accessible ones can be reached by car.

Rental of sailing boats or jet skis

With options for those who hold a nautical licence and for those who don’t, this is one of the best activities for seeing the Roses coastline from a different perspective.

You’ll be able to explore a greater number of coves using a different means of transport that will make your day more memorable!

Boats can be rented from the Boats Mediterrani and SailFast Experience companies, among others.

Hiking and mountain biking routes in natural parks

Walking is the best way to explore the Costa Brava thanks to its well-known coastal footpaths that wind their way along the Girona coastline from Portbou to Blanes.

Although in the past they were patrolled by guards to control the coast and stop smugglers, today they are stunningly beautiful footpaths that pass through coves, forests and towns. There are several footpath stages to complete but one of the most beautiful starts at none other than L’Almadrava Cove, where our apartments are located.

The coastal footpath between L’Almadrava Cove and Montjoi Cove (which is where the Ferran Adrià’s restaurant El Bullí was located), winds its way through pine groves and past little known coves in Cap de Creus Natural Park.

The landscape is breathtaking but walkers need to be reasonably fit to handle the elevation gain. If you prefer pedalling to walking, some of the stages of the coastal footpath are suitable for cycling.

Cap de Creus is not the only natural park in the area; the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park is a wetland area famous for its rich flora and fauna. It’s perfect for a family outing!

Water activities

If you’re staying in Roses, your to-do list is not complete without some water sports. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert, you can enjoy some diving, windsurfing, rowing, sailing or kayaking.

If you want a real adrenaline rush you could try out parasailing, while families will enjoy a day out at one of the area’s water parks. If you fancy going on a catamaran excursion, you can book one with the Magic Catamarans company.

Cultural and historical visits

Beach holidays can go hand in hand with culture, which is why we invite you to explore some of the most important monuments and landmarks in Roses. La Ciutadella, a Cultural Site of National Interest, contains traces of its ancient colonisation by the Greeks of Rhodes inthe 4th century BC, while the town’s old quarter boasts elements in the Neoclassical and Renaissance style.

The surrounding area is home to several megalithic monuments which you can discover on an easy mountain route. The dolmens and menhirs will give you an idea of what life was like for the first inhabitants of Roses. What’s more, you’ll discover one of the largest prehistoric monuments in Catalonia, namely the Creu d’en Cobertella Dolmen.

Charming towns

Apart from Roses, the county of Alt Empordà boasts several jewels that are well worth visiting if you find yourself close by.

We’re referring to towns such as Cadaqués with its unmistakeable white houses, made famous by Salvador Dalí; Figueres and its Dalí Museum; the mediaeval town of Peralada; the mediaeval ruins of Sant Martí d’Empúries; the old town of L’Escala; or the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and its stunning views.

Less than an hour away from Roses by car, these towns make a perfect day trip!

Gastronomy

Although it’s not really an activity as such, cuisine always plays an important part of any break.

If you plan to explore the Empordà coastline with your palate, you’ve come to the right place! At L’Almadrava Cove you’ll find the Santallúcia Restaurant, where you can savour specialities including fresh fish and seafood dishes.