A few kilometres from Rosas, nestled in Cala Montjoi, one of the wildest and most unspoilt coves on the Costa Brava, the El Bulli Foundation is much more than just a museum. It is a place of pilgrimage for lovers of Gastronomy from around the world, a place where the history of haute cuisine blends with the raw beauty of the Mediterranean countryside. A must-do excursion from our apartments in Canyelles Petites.
El Bulli Foundation, Cala Montjoi: From Legend to Museum
Before becoming the El Bulli Foundation at Cala Montjoi, this site was the most famous restaurant in the world. From 1983 to 2011, Catalan chef Ferran Adrià revolutionised global gastronomy here, inventing molecular cuisine and accumulating the most prestigious accolades on the planet, including five-time winner of the title of best restaurant in the world according to the San Pellegrino ranking. Booking a table at El Bulli had become as difficult as getting tickets for the Olympic Games: over two million requests per year for just 8,000 covers.
In 2011, Ferran Adrià closed the restaurant to transform it into something unique: a centre for culinary creativity and a gastronomic archive, open to the public in the form of an immersive experience. The El Bulli Foundation (or elBulli1846) opened its doors in 2023 and today offers a fascinating dive into the behind-the-scenes of the 20th-century gastronomic revolution.
What is elBulli1846?
The visit to elBulli1846 is an experience in itself, designed as a museum and sensory journey. Here, you can discover the restaurant's complete archives, over 1,846 recipes (hence the name), thousands of photos, videos, notebooks, and objects from the legendary kitchens of Cala Montjoi.
The exhibition retraces the history of El Bulli from its beginnings as a simple beachside bar in the 1960s to its global peak, highlighting the major milestones in Ferran Adrià's creative revolution. Interactive installations offer insight into molecular cooking techniques, creative processes, and the behind-the-scenes workings of a restaurant that transformed the world's perception of gastronomy.
The tour lasts approximately two hours and is available in several languages, including French. Online booking is essential as places sell out quickly, especially during peak season.
How to get to the El Bulli Foundation in Cala Montjoi from our apartments?
Since our Apartments in Canyelles Petites, Cala Montjoi is accessible by car in under 15 minutes. Head towards Cap de Creus via Gran Via de Pau Casals avenue, then follow signs for Cala Montjoi / Cala Jòncols. The road is winding and narrow (allow plenty of time).
⚠️ Important during peak season From 15 July to 31 August, between 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM, car access to the coves within the Cap de Creus Natural Park is prohibited, except in justified cases. Plan to arrive before 10:30 AM or after 4:30 PM to avoid restrictions.
Extend the experience: lunch by the sea
A visit to elBulli1846 combines ideally with lunch in one of the two neighbouring coves.
Option 1: Xiringuito de Cala Montjoi
Directly on the Cala Montjoi beach, le Xiringuito offers generous Mediterranean cuisine with the label Gastronomy of Origin Local and fresh produce of the day. Lobster rice, black rice, seafood, tapas and grilled fish served facing exceptionally clear turquoise waters. Relaxed, family-friendly and authentically Catalan atmosphere.
- 📍 Xiringuito de Cala Montjoi Ctra. de la Roca s/n, Cala Montjoi, 17480 Roses
- 🌐 montjoi.com
- 📞 +34 636 115 708
- 💶 Budget: €20-€50 per person depending on package
Option 2: Cala Pelosa Restaurant
For lovers of hidden gems, Cala Pelosa is the perfect alternative. This small, wild cove hides a discreet restaurant nestled under the pine trees, almost invisible from the beach. Shaded terrace, intimate atmosphere, fresh and simple Mediterranean cuisine served facing a crystal-clear sea. Ideal for a romantic lunch or a family break away from all the hustle and bustle.
📍 Cala Pelosa Restaurant Cala Pelosa, 17480 Roses
🍽️ Book a table
Practical information elBulli1846
- 📍 El Bulli Foundation – elBulli1846 Cala Montjoi, 17480 Roses, Girona, Spain
- 🌐 elbulli1846.com
- Visit duration: approximately 2 hours
- 🎟️ Online booking essential Limited places
- 🚗 Access by car only from Roses (15 min from Canyelles Petites)
- ⚠️ Car access restricted from 15 July to 31 August between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm
- Ideal for: foodies, the curious, families with children aged 10+
To remember
To remember
The El Bulli Foundation is one of the most original and striking visits that the Costa Brava has to offer. From your holiday rental in one of our apartments in Canyelles Petites, count on a minimum of half a day, or a full day if you add swimming and lunch at one of the nearby coves. To prepare for your stay, consult our Comprehensive guide to activities in Roses et notre article sur les 10 things to do in Roses with the family.
An excursion not to be missed under any circumstances.