Roses, with about 20,500 inhabitants, is a resort on the Costa Brava, in the Alt Empordà, province of Girona, in Catalonia. It faces the wide Bay of Roses, a member of the "most beautiful bays in the world" club, and is the gateway to Cap de Creus natural park.
History
It was founded by Greeks from Rhodes or Marseille around the 5th-4th century BC as Rhode, one of the two Greek colonies on the peninsula with Empúries. In the Middle Ages the monastery of Santa Maria grew up here, and in the 16th century Charles V built the Ciutadella, a large star-shaped fortress, to protect the bay from pirates and the French.
What to see
- The Ciutadella, the Renaissance fortress enclosing the remains of Greek Rhode, a Roman villa and the medieval monastery of Santa Maria, with a museum.
- Trinitat castle, a 16th-century fortress on the headland towards the lighthouse, with views over the bay.
- The Creu d'en Cobertella dolmen, one of Catalonia's largest megalithic monuments, and other dolmens and menhirs nearby.
- The fishing port, the marina and the seafront.
Beaches and coves
The town beach of Roses and Santa Margarida are long, with facilities. Towards Cap de Creus there is a string of wilder coves among rocks and pines: Canyelles, L'Almadrava, Cala Montjoi, Cala Murtra, partly naturist, and Cala Rostella. The sea is excellent for snorkelling and diving.
Food
Roses is linked to elBulli, Ferran Adrià's restaurant at Cala Montjoi, considered for years the best in the world, closed in 2011 and turned into elBulli1846, a centre devoted to culinary creativity. Local food includes suquet de peix, mussels, sea urchins and rice dishes.
Festivals
The Festa Major of Santa Rosa, in late August, with concerts and fireworks, and carnival, one of the most popular on the Costa Brava.
Getting there
Roses is about 20 km from Figueres, with its AVE station, and 60 km from Girona airport. Buses run from Figueres, Girona and Barcelona. See also Cadaqués.