Costa Brava Guide

Once the oldest town in Catalonia (Rhode), Roses is a living museum mapped out by the traces of the passing ages, and as a privileged place that was lodged deeply in the affections of the many cultures who once inhabited its past. Adorned by a wide and varied range of artistic and historical monuments, it lies at rest sustained by the perfect scenic and geometric setting of the bay, a perfectly sheltered spot to enjoy the sandy beaches: Plain set against the rocky outcropping of Cape Creus.

Still in the fifties a fishing village, Roses experienced the tourism boom of the following years the strongest, compared to all other resorts of the northern Costa Brava. Today Roses still has an important fishing fleet; its most important commercial activity however is the tourism. Roses was founded by Greek mariners from Rhodes, who named it after their home. Roses was fortified in the 16th century by the Emperor Charles V as a bastion against the Turks. The nearby fort of La Trinitat was the object of a fierce attack by the French during the Peninsular War. For cool and insolent daring its defense by the British naval commander, Lord Cochrane, was one of the outstanding combined operations of the war. When the French launched an all out attack on November 30, 1808, with some 1,200 men they were ingeniously repulsed with heavy losses by a handful of sailors.

Nonetheless the citadel was eventually blown up by Suchet in 1814. Other good examples of Roses long history are the monastery Santa Maria de Roses and the Dolmen Creu d'en Cobertella. Outside the tourist season Roses has about 15.000 permanent inhabitants, amongst them many foreigners who are either self employed or have chosen Roses as their retirement home. Many restaurants, hotels and other businesses are opened all the year. Especially popular and well frequented is the market on Sunday morning.

In summertime the number of inhabitants rises up to approximately 90.000. Who looks for peace, must literally search for it, but will find it nearby in the small bays towards Cap Creus, on trips through the countryside or visiting the small villages close to Roses. Who looks for more vacation excitement, is also well provided. The municipality and many private enterprises organize numerous fiestas, Jazz festivals, classical music and folkloristic events. In Roses always something is going on... Numerous restaurants compete for the tourists. Discotheques, small bars and Bodegas provide for an exciting night life.

Market on Sundays. Pastries at Mallol, Pi i Sunyer 4. Xarrich on Mossèn Carles Feliu 12 is a fancy fishmonger, specializing in prepared fish such as salted cod, salted anchovies, and the delicious boquerones (same fish as anchovy but prepared in vinegar). The Don Pancho cruise-boats go out from the harbor, and tour the Cap de Creus or go all the way down the Gulf of Roses to the Illes Medes. The first route is shorter and more spectacular. The Agua Brava aquatic park is a few km out of town, a little beyond the crossroads for Cadaques and Figueres. Across from the aquatic park is the best go-kart circuit on the coast, Karting Roses boasting a 900 m track. There are three scuba centers in Roses.
Can Ramon at Sant Elm 8 is a economical and popular restaurant with a relaxed family atmosphere. Bullabesa, suquet, oven-baked fish, fried seafood, wild game, etc.

The New York Times "Dining Out" section says of restaurant El Bulli (972 15 04 57) "Some say it is the best restaurant in Europe, possibly the world." It is one of two Spanish restaurant which has consistently earned top three-star rating in the Bible of Gastronomy, the Guide Michelin (the other one is Arzak in San Sebastian). Set on a remote cala several kms east of Roses on the Cape of Montjoi, the restaurant is best reached by yacht -or, if you travel like the President or King of Spain..., by helicopter.

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