roses est l'une des Seaside destinations Spain's most sought-after, and for good reason: the municipality offers a diversity of beaches and coves remarkable, from vast family-friendly sandy stretches to wild coves nestled within the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Here is our comprehensive guide to choosing the beach that's right for you.
Roses' urban beaches: ideal for families
Santa Margarida Beach
Located in the urbanisation of the same name, Santa Margarida beach is notable for its fine, golden sand and shallow waters, making it a favourite with families. It has all the necessary facilities: parking, restaurants, a promenade, and water sports.
Ideal for: Families with young children. ⚠️ Please note: exposed to the Tramontane, the characteristic north wind of the region.
🏖️ Salatar Beach
The Salatar beach stretches for approximately 500 metres in length and 35 metres in width, with fine sand and shallow, clear waters. The Paseo Marítimo runs along the beach, ideal for walking or cycling.
Ideal for: Seaside walks, beach volleyball.
🏖️ Nova Beach (city centre)
La Plage Nova stretches from the Riera Ginjolers breakwater to the Rec d’en Forquilla, approximately 450 metres long, with fine sand and clear, shallow waters. It is the most accessible beach from the centre of Roses, a stone's throw from shops and restaurants.
Ideal for: those who wish to stay close to the downtown buzz.
The semi-wild coves: the best of both worlds
🌊 Canyelles Petites
Located about 3 km from the centre of Roses, Little Canyelles is a fine, golden sandy beach with clear waters, approximately 350 metres long. It is particularly popular with swimmers as it is protected from the north wind.
Ideal for: the Snorkelling, the calm bathing, families looking for a bit of tranquility.
Our flat Sea view with terrace and our Renovated apartment are both located 100 metres from Canyelles Petites beach.
🌊 Almadrava Beach (Canyelles Grans)
About 5 km from Roses, Almadrava is a large fine sand beach with intense blue waters, sheltered from the tramontane wind. It has several beach bars and all the usual coastal services, with the option of hiring kayaks.
Ideal for: Water sports enthusiasts, extended stays.
The wild coves of Cap de Creus: for adventurers
🏝️ Cala Montjoi
Cala Montjoi is a superb cove, completely isolated within the Cap de Creus Natural Park, a few kilometres from Roses. Facing south and protected from the winds, it is an idyllic place to enjoy the beach. It is also world-renowned for having hosted the former restaurant El Bulli de Ferran Adrià.
Ideal for: Couples, scuba divers, curious foodies.
🏝️ Cala Jòncols
Cala Jòncols is a pristine cove with a wild landscape and steep cliffs, located 18 km from Roses. Accessible via the coastal road, its seabed makes it an ideal area for scuba diving.
Here you'll find the first hotel on the Costa Brava to achieve the Biosphere label. The restaurant It is certified G'O (Gastronomy of Origin), as all the food is prepared with fresh, daily produce: fish comes from the Guilde des Pêcheurs de Roses, vegetables from the hotel's orchards, oil from their olive trees, and wine, of course, from their vines. Seasonal and high-quality products.
Ideal for: diving, hikers, those seeking total isolation.
🏝️ Cala Murtra
One of the most secret and wildest coves in the area. Cala Murtra is a small, secluded cove with a wild landscape, located about 10 km from Roses. It is accessed on foot from the Montjoi road (about a 20-minute walk), which guarantees very limited visitor numbers.
Ideal for: lovers of unspoiled nature, solitary swimming.
🏖️ Cala Pelosa, the insiders' secret cove
A few minutes from Canyelles Petites, Cala Pelosa is one of those coves you fiercely keep to yourself…
Away from the hustle and bustle of Roses' main beaches, you'll find a rare tranquility here, with your feet in crystal-clear water, sheltered from the wind. But Cala Pelosa hides another, even less well-known treasure: a discreet, almost invisible restaurant, nestled beneath the pine and other trees overlooking the cove. Shaded terrace, relaxed atmosphere, simple and fresh Catalan cuisine. It's precisely the kind of place you discover by chance and only share with trusted friends. Grilled fish, Mediterranean salads and cool drinks Service facing the sea, with your feet almost in the sand: it’s hard to imagine a better spot for a lunch break in the heart of nature. A hidden gem that, on its own, is well worth the detour.
Ideal for: nature lovers and epicureans seeking authenticity.
Beyond Roses: The must-sees of the Costa Brava
🌟 Cadaqués & Cap de Creus
The Cap de Creus It shelters a multitude of beautiful, unspoilt coves along the Costa Brava, including Sa Sabolla beach, accessible on foot via the coastal path or by sea. The village of Cadaqués, 30 minutes from Roses by car, is a must-see.
🌟 Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava Beach stretches for over 1.5 kilometres with its blue flag, offering beautiful views of the Bay of Roses and the Cap de Creus Natural Park. It's also an opportunity to discover the famous ’Spanish Venice« and its 30 kilometres of canals.
Our summary table
| Beach | Distance of Roses | Ambiance | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Margaret | 2 km | Animated family | Families, children |
| Nova Beach | Town centre | Urban | Facilities, entertainment |
| Little Canyelles | 3 km | Semi-wild | Snorkeling, calm |
| Almadrava | 5 km | Nature and Services | Water sports |
| Cala Montjoi | 12 km | Wild | Diving, couples |
| Cala Jòncols | 18 km | Isolated | Hiking, diving |
| Murtra Cove | 10 km | Very wild | Solitude, nature |
Practical tips
🚗 Getting around: For the wild coves (Montjoi, Jòncols, Murtra), a car is essential. Plan to leave early in the morning in July-August, as the car parks fill up quickly.
👟 The rampart walk: The GR-92 coastal path connects most of the beaches and coves of Roses on foot. It's a magnificent way to discover them gradually.
Snorkelling The best conditions are found in Canyelles Petites, Cala Montjoi and Cala Jòncols, where the water clarity is remarkable.
Enjoy the beaches of Roses from our apartments
Our apartments are located at 100 metres from the beach, with a sea view. By booking your holiday rental in Roses directly with us, you save on the service fees of large platforms while benefiting from a personalised welcome.