Things to do in Roses, an ancient town on the Costa Brava

Roses, also called Rosas in Spanish, is much more than one of the most charming summer destinations on the Costa Brava. This large town has an age-old history, and it takes us on a walk through its fascinating past, allowing us to enjoy beautiful natural environments, practice sports as diverse as hiking and scuba diving, or contemplate one of the most incredible sunsets of the Mediterranean coast. Rosas can impress you to such an extent that even before you leave the place, you already want to visit it again. Let’s take a look at the best places to see and the best things to do in Roses.

Brief history of Roses

The history of Roses goes a long way back. This is testified by some dolmens that are still preserved in its surroundings. But if there is one outstanding milestone, it is the arrival of the Greeks to this land. Moreover, for a long time this was the gateway to the Iberian Peninsula by sea.

The Greeks, who landed here in the 4th century BC, named it Rhodes and created a thriving trading port in the area. A century later, the Romans arrived. After winning the Battle of Rhode, the military settlement gave way to a flourishing city also dedicated to trade.

After them this land was dominated by Visigoths, Arabs and, finally, the Aragonese. But there is one thing Roses did not lose: its commercial and strategic character. Hence, it was constantly exposed to pirate attacks and later to French troops, although it never ceased to be a prosperous place. Tourism did not arrive there until the middle of the 20th century. In fact, today it is one of the main sources of income of Rosas.

What to see in Roses

When planning what to visit in Roses, it is very easy to follow this historical chronology.  Of all the settlements that have existed in the area, some vestiges have been preserved. That is precisely what we propose.

The Megalithic Route

When you enter the Cap de Creus Natural Park, you will be able to see the footprint of the first settlers of Rosas. The route is spread over several kilometres in which an interesting megalithic complex formed by dolmens, menhirs and other funerary monuments can be found. Among them you can spot the dolmen of the Creu d’en Cobertella, the largest in Catalonia. It consists of seven vertical stone blocks crowned by a huge slab.

The citadel of Roses

If there is one place that reflects the history of Roses, it is this archaeological complex. It is a Renaissance walled fortress that was built in the 16th century to protect the town against enemy attacks. But here you can also see remains of the primitive Greek settlement, a Roman villa, a paleochristian necropolis, Visigothic buildings and an ancient Lombard monastery. You can also see the old medieval layout of the town, as well as more modern remains from the time of construction of the citadel. In short: the entire history of Rosas displayed before us.

Castrum Visigothic

It is not among the most popular places in Rosas, but it is absolutely worth a visit. Located at the top of the Puig Rom, you can have a magnificent view of the city centre and the entire bay of Roses from here. Additionally, you can find the remains of a Visigothic fortification, of which vestiges of the old wall, as well as houses, silos and streets are well preserved.

Trinity Castle

The next stop in the history of Roses is this 16th century fortification, which was erected to support the defensive work of the citadel. Shaped like a five-pointed star with two-meter-thick walls, it had several terraces with artillery to defend the coast. French troops destroyed it in 1814, but after a restoration it has been possible to visit it to learn more about the history of Rosas and also to enjoy the spectacular views.

Old town of Roses

One can walk around the quiet pedestrian streets of Roses and get to the neoclassical church of Santa María. If you head towards Plaza de Catalunya, you will find beautiful examples of Catalan modernist architecture, such as Casa Mallol, which is now the headquarters of the City Council. And in the Plaza de la Pau one can see an old air raid shelter and some sculptures that portray the meaninglessness of warfare.

If you get hungry, the old town is a great place to try out the local cuisine. It has a gastronomy where sea food and farm vegetables stand out, well accompanied by a good Designation of Origin Empordà wine. One must also try the fish suquet, which is the most traditional dish in the area.

Other things to do in Roses: landscapes, nature and beaches

Beyond the places of cultural interest, Roses has many other things to offer. Considering it lies in the heart of the Costa Brava, some of the landscapes of this coastal strip are simply spectacular, not to mention its beaches and coves.

For hiking lovers, or for those who just want to enjoy the views, we suggest taking the route that goes from Roses to Cala Montjoi. It encompasses eight kilometres of pines and typical Mediterranean vegetation, offering some of the most beautiful views of the area. For more adventure, one can follow the path to Cadaqués, crossing the Natural Park of Cap de Creus.

One can also opt for more relaxing plans, such as enjoying the beaches or coves around Roses. The list is long: Almadrava Beach, El Rastrell Beach, Murtra Cove, Cala Pelosa… Writer Josep Pla mentioned that from Roses you can see the best, the most grandiose and unforgettable sunsets. It is worth waiting for after taking a walk along the coast or spending a day at the beach.

The surroundings of Roses

Roses alone deserves at least one visit. But if you have more time at hand, you should visit other treasures of Girona and the Costa Brava. One of these is the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, a natural space of wild beauty in which cliffs are interspersed with idyllic coves. It is a paradise for hiking lovers and also for those who love diving. In fact, it is the only maritime-terrestrial park in Catalonia.

In a small getaway from Roses, you can also visit spectacular medieval villages, such as Begur, Pals, Peratallada or Besalú. And it is always advisable to follow the route of Dalí’s footsteps. To begin with, Cadaqués, in the hamlet of Portlligat, where his home is located. Next you can go to Figueres to tour the Dalí Theatre-Museum.

And there are more places to see in Girona just a few minutes from Roses: Empuriabrava, called the Catalan Venice due to its canals, the ruins of Empúries, which speak of that Greco-Roman past of this area, or the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, a wetland of enormous ecological value.

Where to sleep in Roses

If you are looking for accommodation in Roses, here you have some great options to enjoy the full experience:

• Roses House to the Sea Costa Bra
• Villa à Canyelles
• Roses Frontline perfect for family
• Hotel Mediterraneo
• Almadraba Park Hotel