Roses enjoys a unique geographical position: the town is surrounded by remarkable natural parks, notably the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà and Cap de Creus, which offer numerous opportunities for hiking and water sports. Few seaside resorts in Europe can boast being surrounded by three protected natural areas of such richness. Here is the complete guide to discovering the natural parks around Roses on the Costa Brava.
🌊 Cap de Creus Natural Park - The wildest
Introduction
Located between the municipalities of Cadaqués, El Port de la Selva, Llançà and Roses, the Cap de Creus Natural Park was created in 1998. It protects over 10,000 hectares of land and approximately 3,000 hectares of sea.
The Cap de Creus peninsula is a small mountain, 672m high, that thrusts into the Mediterranean from the foothills of the Pyrenees. It's the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula. A geographical title that gives it an absolutely unique "end of the world" atmosphere.
Landscapes and geology
The geological configuration of Cape Creus is unique in the world. The rocks are the result of the transformation and erosion to which the primitive layers of granite, clay, and conglomerate have been subjected. From this metamorphosis have emerged slates, schists, gneisses, and pegmatites, responsible for a striking chromatic effect with the blue of the sky and the sea.
What is done there
To make the most of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, it's recommended to explore it on foot or by bike. Several routes exist, catering to all levels.
- Hike to the Cap de Creus lighthouse: The old lighthouse houses an eco-museum and offers exceptional panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea – an unmissable experience that plunges you into the wild side of the Costa Brava.
- Swimming in the coves Dozens of unspoiled coves, accessible only on foot or by kayak, dot the park – Cala Montjoi, Cala Jòncols, Cala Murtra…
- Scuba diving The seabed of Cap de Creus is exceptional, with visibility of up to 50 metres and remarkable biodiversity: groupers, moray eels, red coral and Posidonia meadows.
- Sea kayak The most beautiful way to go along the cliffs and discover the hidden coves.
Practical information
- Access from Roses: 15 to 30 minutes by car depending on the destination in the park
- Entrance Free for overland hiking
- Official website:
Cap de Creus - GR-92 Path: The coastal path runs through the park and offers spectacular panoramas of the Mediterranean.
💡 Advice: Set off early in the morning for the Cap de Creus lighthouse – the morning light on the rocks is absolutely magical and you'll avoid the tour buses during the day.
Flamingo Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park - A Bird Lover's Paradise
Introduction
In 1983, the creation of this nature reserve, covering almost 5,000 hectares on the edge of the Gulf of Roses, protected Catalonia's second-largest wetland after the Ebro Delta. This area is made up of a collection of ponds, enclosures, and flood meadows at the confluence of the Muga and Fluvià rivers.
It is now one of the most important ornithological sites in Southern Europe.
Wildlife – Over 300 species of birds
The Aiguamolls offer a remarkable natural spectacle with their lagoons, reed beds and flood meadows, which are home to over 300 species of birds. Herons, flamingos, storks and many migratory species find refuge here, making this park a true paradise for ornithologists and nature photographers.
The park is an important stopover for migrants between Africa and the boreal zones. Visitors will be able to easily identify several species: ducks, grey herons, egrets, harriers and eagles. Wading birds are very much present: cranes, flamingos and storks, an emblem of the park.
The flora
The Aiguamolls d’Empordà Natural Park is a mosaic of ecosystems: the sea with its beaches, brackish lagoons, meadows, ponds, and freshwater marshes. The flora is varied: tamarisk trees, sea rushes, sedges, and samphire.
What is done there
- Hiking and birdwatching The park is perfectly set up for birdwatching, with numerous small trails dotted with observatories and hides, all well signposted.
- Horse riding trek Horse riding excursions in the Aiguamolls Natural Park are offered by several local providers.
- Bicycle Footpaths and cycle paths will lead you through wooded copses and wetlands.
- Guided tour Call in at the El Cortalet information office for details of routes and to arrange a guided tour on foot, by bike, or on horseback.
Practical information
- Access from Roses: 15 minutes by car heading EmpuriabravaSaint Pere Pescador
- Parking Paid (around £5)
- Park entrance: Free for the trails
- Official website:
Water Meadows
💡 Advice: The best time for birdwatching is the Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October), during migrations. Arrive early with binoculars!
🏔️ The Albera Massif - The mountain on the doorstep of the Pyrenees
Introduction
The Albera mountain range is the easternmost part of the Pyrenees, extending from Le Perthus to the sea. This massif separates the large plains of Empordà (Spain) and Roussillon (France).
Located at the eastern end of the axial zone of the Pyrenees mountain range, the Albères massif offers fabulous landscapes for lovers of wide-open spaces.
What is done there
- Hiking Numerous marked trails cross the massif, offering remarkable views of both the Empordà plain on the Spanish side and the Roussillon region on the French side.
- Visit to the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes: Perched in the mountains 30 minutes from Roses, this monastery offers exceptional views of the Bay of Roses and the Costa Brava.
- Wildlife watching Hermann's tortoises, birds of prey, deer and wild boar inhabit these unspoiled forests
Practical information
- Access from Roses: 20-30 minutes by car
- Entrance Free
- Difficulty: Variable depending on the paths – some accessible for families from 6-7 years old
🗺️ The three parks at a glance
| Nature park | Distance of Roses | Strong point | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cap de Creus | 15-30 minutes | Wild coastal landscapes | Hiking, diving, kayaking |
| Wetlands | 15 minutes | 300+ bird species | Ornithology, cycling, family |
| Albera Range | 20-30 minutes | Eastern Pyrenees | Hiking, culture, nature |
💡 Practical tips
Equipment Even in summer, pack walking shoes for the Cap de Creus trails – some sections are rocky and slippery.
Water Always take more water than you need – fountains are rare in Cap de Creus.
Binoculars Essential for the Aiguamolls – rent a pair on-site if you don’t have one.
Best time: The natural parks of the Costa Brava are accessible all year round, with marked trails suitable for all levels. Avoid the hottest hours of the day in July-August.
With children: The Aiguamolls are perfect for young children (flat terrain, well-signposted). Cap de Creus is suitable for children aged 8-10 for hiking.
The essential apps for hiking
Before setting off to explore natural parks, download these apps to your smartphone – they will make your life on the trails much easier:
AllTrails ⭐ Our recommendation
This is the world reference for hiking. AllTrails lists hundreds of trails around Roses with:
- Downloadable offline GPS tracks
- Hikers' photos, reviews, and tips
- The difficulty level, elevation gain and estimated duration
- Real-time navigation on the trail
AllTrails
Wikiloc
The favourite app of Spanish and Catalan hikers. Particularly well-informed about the trails of Cap de Creus and Aiguamolls, with many GPS tracks uploaded by locals.
iNaturalist – A Bonus for the Aiguamolls
If you're visiting Aiguamolls with children, this app allows you to instantly identify observed bird, plant, and insect species by simply taking a photo. It’s a fantastic educational tool for awakening the curiosity of budding young naturalists!
💡 Important advice: Download the maps offline before you leave – mobile reception is very limited in certain areas of Cap de Creus. Once you're in the wild coves, you'll be glad you planned ahead!
Explore these wonders from our apartments
Our sea view apartment and our Renovated apartment are the ideal starting point for exploring these natural spaces. Check availability. Cap de Creus literally begins at the end of our beach, you can reach it on foot via the Camí de Ronda from the very next morning after arriving at your holiday rental in Rosas!