Beautiful beaches Roses

Discover the best beaches of Roses & Cap de Creus

Roses is a popular beach destination and this is not surprising because together with the nearby Cap de Creus nature reserve, they provide a collection of beautiful beaches. From intimate coves to large family beaches with soft sand, you can fully enjoy the clear sea and Mediterranean sun here. So whether you want to spend a day snorkeling, doing water sports or just rolling out your towel to quietly enjoy the sun, it's all possible and this makes it ideal for a family vacation. Below is a list of the most beautiful Costa Brava beaches in Roses and Cap de Creus.

The Bay of Roses

In the bay of Roses we find first the popular Playa de Santa Margarida. This beautiful beach (including palm trees) is about 1.5 kilometers long and has fine sand and shallow water. It is centrally located on the promenade and offers a large number of amenities such as beach bars, restaurants, showers, volleyball nets, you can even rent sunbeds and umbrellas. It is easily accessible (including for the disabled) and right on the beach there is ample parking.

A little further away, right in the center of Roses, sits the main beach, Playa de Roses. This is an approximately 2.5 kilometer long soft sandy beach with shallow water. (Ideal for children!) It is divided into 3 sections: La Playa Nova, La Playa Rastrell and Playa el Salatar, and they are one of the most visited beaches in Roses, thanks in part to its central location.

Closer to the fishing port of Roses we find Playa la Punta, a smaller beach (550 meters) but no less popular! A busy beach with crystal clear seawater and nearby cozy eateries.

About a kilometer from the center of Roses is Playa de Palangrers, a mini beach only 150 meters long. However, it is perfect for spending the day with pìcknick zones and you are steps away from the clear waters.

Canyelles Petites & Almadrava

Four kilometers from Roses, just before the protected nature reserve of Cap de Creus, lies the beloved Canyelles Petites beach. Golden brown soft sand and a shallow sea make it perfect here for a beach day with small children, and because it is a bit higher up, Canyelles offers spectacular views. There are many facilities available such as showers, beach bars, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and there is a first aid service. Almadrava Bay (or Canyelles Grosses beach) is right next to it, the last meters before you arrive at Cap de Creus. You can play beach volleyball and rent kayaks here, and the latter is an absolute must because the paradisiacal coves of Cap de Creus are absolutely not to be missed. Both beaches are easy to reach, parking is readily available.

Cala Montjoi

About 7 kilometers from Roses, on the edge of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, is Cala Montjoi. This "famous" cove is about 300 meters long and great for a quiet beach day. In the past, the world-famous restaurant El Bulli of renowned chef Ferran Adrià sat here. The restaurant has since been transformed into the museum 'el Bulli 1846' which has been open to the public since May 2023. (Recommended!) Along the former restaurant is a bumpy hiking trail that takes you to a number of smaller hidden coves. The beach is easily accessible by car, and it is usually less crowded here.

Cala Jóncols

This beautiful (small) bay is located at the beginning of the Cap de Creus nature reserve and offers an oasis of calm and clear waters with a rocky bottom. The beach has a diving school where you can also rent equipment for snorkeling and diving. Because the bay is relatively difficult to access, it is often less crowded here. But despite being somewhat remote, there are facilities such as toilets and showers, there are even beach beds for rent. Cala Jóncols is a paradise beach, not too far from Roses, reached by kayak, boat or by a non-paved path from Cala Montjoi.

Cala de Canadell

This small cove is located in the heart of Cap de Creus, unspoiled and secluded. It is a paradise for lovers of naturism. You can also visit the caves hidden in the cliffs of Cap de Norfeu. Platja del Canadell is quite difficult to reach (there is no direct access by car) and the fact that there are no facilities to be found makes this a quiet place. Should you need anything, you can always stop by Cala Jóncols, since it is only a kilometer away.

Cala Calitjàs

From Cala Montjoi we can also reach Cala Calitjàs. This is a beautiful, secluded cove located in the protected natural area of Cap de Creus. The beach is about 125 meters long with beautiful views of Cap de Norfeu and the surrounding beaches. This cove is best known among nudists; snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can also enjoy themselves here. Like many other coves in Cap de Creus, Cala Càlitjas has flat pebbles and crystal clear water.

Cala Rostella

This is a typical dream beach! It is only 110 meters long, secluded and surrounded by beautiful green trees, with calm and clear blue waters. One drawback is that Cala Rostella is difficult to reach; from the small parking lot along the road it is at least another 15-minute steep walk downhill. Thanks to the tall pines, there is hardly any inconvenience from wind, and the beautiful bottom of this cove attracts many snorkelers and divers.

Cala Pelosa

This is one of the most popular coves in Roses, in the middle of Cap de Creus, beyond Montjoi and Calitjàs. The narrow beach is sheltered from tramontana winds but the clear sea water here is a few degrees colder than elsewhere. The bay is crowded with boats in summer and the popular restaurant La Pelosa is located there, especially popular for its delicious Spanish paella. (Reservations are a must!) La Pelosa beach is fairly easy to reach by car, along a dirt road, and once you get there you can park well.

Discover Roses & Cap de Creus by train

Roses Express offers several routes by train to Roses & Cap de Creus. Highly recommended, especially with children, as you can quietly enjoy the panoramic views and Mediterranean landscapes of Roses Bay. All of them charming bays with crystal clear waters and sea caves in the Cap de Creus Natural Park. With this tourist train you will discover even more unique places and during the trip you can take your very best vacation photo of the Costa Brava! Find more information on the Roses Express website.