Cap de Creus Natural Park

atop a remote hill, Its history traces back to 1078 when it was owned by Counts in the Empúries region. During the Catalan Civil War in 1472, the castle was occupied by John II's forces. In 1808, Napoleonic troops captured it, using it as a fortification. However, an explosion during the French withdrawal in 1814 left it in ruins. Salvador Dalí, the surrealist painter, cherished the castle, envisioning various eccentric uses for it. While the interior is closed, the exterior remains visible to visitors on privately-owned land.

is on an elevated plateau on the western slope of Verdera, beneath the Sant Salvador Castle, and at the foot of Fitor and Coll de Raïmeres, the sanctuary of Sant Onofre sits about 400 metres above sea level. Records from the "Llibre Vert" of the Girona Cathedral indicate that as early as 1362, the church of Sant Onofre, which is now a chapel, was already a subordinate to the parish of Palau-saverdera. Originally, this chapel took the form of simple oratory, similar to the early Romanesque temples. . Sant Onofre, often referred to as "sant Nofre" locally, was a Hungarian hermit who, according to legend, lived a life of penance in this area. The current construction may have been built upon an underground cave, in line with this tradition, considering the rocky foundation of the sanctuary.

It is a set of wall structures preserved at different heights formed by a wall with an irregular plan, adapted to the large unevenness of the land on which it is founded, which preserves practically its entire perimeter. Access to the interior of the enclosure is on the east side. It is believed to be from the 10th century.

These are the remains of a watchtower located in this area. In the 16th century, an agreement was reached, given the frequent attacks by corsairs and pirates, between the Universities of Roses and Cadaqués to build, respectively, the Norfeu and Cap de Creus towers. It was built with walls at the base that were 3 m thick and 8 m in height, crowned with battlements and machicolations. The tower had two floors in height and an upper parapet. The ground floor was used as a cistern, and the upper floor served as the garrison's quarters. It appears that the large Norfeu tower was destroyed by lightning in the 17th century.

It is an area with unique geology and landscape, included in the Cap de Creus Natural Park since 1998. From 1962 to 2004, it was occupied by the holiday resort complex of Club Med. Besides being a region visited by ships since ancient times, it has inspired numerous artists, such as Salvador Dalí.

A small village consisting of about thirty houses and farmhouses arranged in courtyards, with narrow and steep streets, mostly paved and carved into natural rock. Inhabited from medieval times to the present day, it has undergone almost no modifications during the 20th century, even enduring the tourist pressure of the late 20th century and especially the early 21st century, although most houses are used as second homes. The valley had its own territory until an order issued by Charles III in 1787 annexed it to Port de la Selva. The economy was based on livestock farming and the cultivation of vineyards and olive trees. A good example of the vineyards remains in the road that connects the neighborhood with Sant Pere de Rodes. Within the nucleus stands the church of Sant Fruitós, dating back to the 17th century, although with mentions dating as far back as the 9th century, and a collection of houses from the 17th to 19th centuries.

The dolmen is the largest megalithic monument in Catalonia, dating back to between 3,500 and 3,000 years BCE. Situated in the Casa Cremada area within the municipality of Roses, this megalithic structure is built on flat terrain but in an elevated area, at the edge of a slope that descends towards the Rec de la Quarantena on the west side. The dolmen takes its name from the farmhouse that surrounds it, known as Mas de la Creu d'en Cobertella. It is believed to be a trapezoidal chambered corridor tomb constructed from granite slabs, with an antechamber also made of granite slabs. Only the grooves for the placement of the slabs of the corridor remain, while there are no visible traces of the artificial circular mound that would have covered it or its surrounding upright stone circle. The entrance to the dolmen is oriented to the southeast. Internally, the chamber measures 3.90 m in length, 3.20 m in width, and has a maximum height of 2.45 m.

, a Neolithic settlement, reveals a glimpse into ancient urbanism and cabins. The site, spanning 800 m², showcases well-preserved remnants of sub-rectangular houses forming a 'U' shape, an isolated oval cabin, and traces of communal life. The oval cabin, measuring 10 x 7 m, likely served as a communal hub for cooking and essential activities. Archaeological phases, from the early to late Neolithic, reveal evolving structures and cultural artifacts. Nearby, the Serra de Rodes and Cap de Creus boast a concentration of dolmens, illuminating the region's megalithic heritage. Ca N'Isach offers a remarkable window into Neolithic life, with a rich history spanning millennia.

This cross is the sole preserved testament of a monumental boundary cross in the former territory of the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. Its presence used to signal visitors entering the domain of the mighty Romanesque abbey through one of the most commonly used routes until well into the last century. It likely replaced an older landmark, as twenty meters from the cross stands a rock with three engraved crosses, one of which, larger and more prominent, was created with a thick stroke, making it visible from the path. Other interpretations suggest it could have had a commemorative nature or simply served as an oratory. According to legend, the White Cross was erected at the spot where a messenger of the monks of Sant Pere de Rodes was devoured by wolves, while another version claims the victim was the abbot of the monastery.

It is a ruined farmhouse (Mas in Catalan) located in the municipal district of El Port de la Selva, in the Verdera Mountain Range, at an elevation of 461 m above sea level, not far from the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. It is arranged as a recreational and resting area, with the farmhouse walls stabilized and its lower part serving as storage space. From this farmhouse, there is a magnificent view over the Empordà plain.

It is a headland on the coast of the municipality of Roses. It owes its name to the historical presence of falcons and kestrels in the area. From this headland, there is a commanding view of the entire Gulf of Roses, and this strategic importance led to its historical use as a lookout and maritime traffic monitoring point. Between 1944 and 1993, it was occupied by the Spanish army, which constructed a coastal battery consisting of five fortified bunkers. This battery was part of the fortification plan for the Pyrenees axis (known as Line P or Line Gutiérrez) decided upon by the Franco dictatorship to prevent a possible Allied invasion during World War II. The military presence prevented the area from being adversely affected by urban speculation.

It is located at the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. It is 500 m from Punta del Cap, a place with complicated topography. The location is known as Punta de l'Esquena. It features a characteristic 19th-century lighthouse building. It has a square plan, with the central signal tower rising to a height of 11 meters. About 20 m east of the fence, at a lower level, there are remnants of the medieval watchtower of Cap de Creus, possibly located in the same place now occupied by the lighthouse. Initially, the Cap de Creus tower served as a lookout against piracy and already existed in 1385 when King Peter the Ceremonious ratified the privileges of Cadaqués. This tower was destroyed around 1433, and subsequently, the Benedictine monk Fra Joan Clarà proposed building another one through alms, which seems to have been accomplished in 1436, by decision of the Generalitat. The actual was built in 1853 and is still working

Located at the southern boundary of the natural harbor of Cadaqués, at the end of the Cala Nans point. The Calanans lighthouse was designed, like others, during the reign of Queen Isabel II to regulate the general lighting plan for the coasts and ports of the state, in 1847. However, it was not constructed until several years later and was inaugurated in 1864. The position of lighthouse keeper at the Calanans lighthouse was coveted by lighthouse keepers of the state, and it was usually occupied by the older or more senior keepers of that administrative body, who saw it as an early retirement. Since the 1960s, the lighthouse has been automated, with no assigned personnel, and the lighthouse keepers of Cap de Creus are responsible for its maintenance.

Located northwest of the urban center of the town of Port de la Selva, in the Bay of Port de la Selva, on the point of s'Arenella. The s'Arenella lighthouse does not belong, like most of the lighthouses on this coastline, to the reign of Queen Isabel II. It was designed in the plan for the reform of the lighting of coasts and ports in 1904.

Little island off Cap Norfeu that looks like a huge cat. Only can be seen from the sea.

located in the bay of Montjoi, six kilometers from the city center, between two similar coves: Cala Lledó and Cala Rostella, joined by the coastal path that reaches Roses. It is horseshoe-shaped, 100 meters long and less than 10 meters wide, with coarse sand and pebbles. Nudism is allowed. Since 2009, it has enjoyed the European environmental certificate EMAS

located in a small bay bounded by the Bergantí point to the east and the Blanc cape to the west. It is a virgin beach, surrounded by pine trees, located eight kilometers from the urban center of Roses. It is 100 m long and 10 m wide, with coarse sand and stones. It is accessed on foot by a path from the coastal path that reaches the Montjoi cove. Since 2009 it has enjoyed the European environmental certificate EMAS

It is a beach located in the bay of Montjoi. It is located 8 kilometers from the town of Roses. It is accessed by the coastal path. It is very close to the Montjoi cove, from which it is only separated by some reefs. It is 50 meters long and 15 meters wide of coarse sand, with the seabed that acquires a sharp drop. Since 2009 it has enjoyed the European environmental certificate EMAS

It is located seven kilometers from the municipality of Roses, to which it belongs. It is a crescent-shaped cove, quite closed, which gives it calm waters, without much waves or wind, due to its location. On the other hand, it is rather dark. The beach is made up of coarse sand and gravel, with a length of 305 meters and a width of 31 meters. It can be accessed by car. It is located next to a tourist complex, which provides services such as a diving school, camping, accommodation, parking and activities of all kinds. Next to the cove, there was until 2011 El Bulli, the restaurant of the chef Ferran Adrià. In 2023 it reopened as a museum: El Bulli 1846.

located under the cliffs of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, in the Montjoi Bay, between the Montjoi and Pelosa coves. Located 14 km from the town of Roses, it is accessed on foot from the dirt road that goes from the Montjoi cove to the Jóncols cove. It is 70 m long and 14 m wide with small stones and coarse grayish sand. The water quickly becomes deep.

located in the bay of Montjoi, at Cape Norfeu, an integral reserve within the Cap de Creus Natural Park. It is located east of Cala Calitjàs, 15 km from the town of Roses. Surrounded by pine and eucalyptus forests, it is 90 m long and 13 m wide with coarse sand. The entrance to the sea has a fairly steep slope. It is reached by car along the road that starts at Cala Montjoi and leads to Cala Jóncols, which is why it is quite busy. Since 2009 it has enjoyed the European environmental certificate EMAS.

is a small natural beach located on the south side of Cap Norfeu, an integral reserve within the Cap de Creus Natural Park, south of Cala Pelosa. It is 43 m long and 12 m wide, made up of coarse sand and gravel. Protected by cliffs, it is only accessible by sea.

is a small virgin beach. Located between the coves of Jóncols and Pelosa, 16 km from the town of Roses, it is accessed on foot by a path. It is 75 m long and is made up of pebbles and sticks. Since 2009 it has enjoyed the European environmental certificate EMAS

This beach is a virgin cove, with a wild landscape and steep cliffs. Its irregular and abrupt seabed makes it ideal for scuba diving. The beach is made up of pebbles and sticks. Cala Jóncols is isolated and difficult to access, as it is reached via an unpaved road. This makes it ideal for seeking the peace and tranquility of nature, as it is not very crowded. The beach floor is made up of sand, gravel and pebbles. It is 190 meters long and 51 meters wide.

located south of the bay of Cadaqués, near the Calanans lighthouse. It is 50 m long and has an average width of 23 m, made up of coarse sand, gravel, pebbles and boulders. It is accessed by the coastal path. Nudism is practiced there.

is a natural beach located in the southernmost part of the bay of Guillola. Despite being oriented to the north, it is sheltered because it is located inside the bay. It has a length of 11 m and an average width of 15 m, formed by flattened pebbles. . The name (Talla means Cut in Catalan, Dofin means Dolphin ) is due to the fact that dolphins were common in the area, and were hunted and quartered as they were direct competition for fishermen.

is a natural beach located in the bay of Guillola, just over two kilometers north of the town. It faces southeast, protected from the sunset as it is embedded in the coastal profile. It is 20 m long and between 10 and 20 m wide, depending on the tide, made up of pebbles and gravel, and sometimes also has mud. The name of the beach is the diminutive of reed (in Catalan Jonc means reed, Jonquet means little reed), a plant found in the area, as the beach is the drain of the stream Des Jonquet.

is a natural beach located in the bay of Guillola, between the beach of Paquela and the beach of Sant Lluís. Oriented to the south-southeast, it has a length of 38 m and an average width of 23 m, formed by pebbles. Nudism is practiced there. The name comes from the family that once owned the olive trees that were on the edge of the beach. The transport of olive cargo by sea by boats had been very important, to the point that this beach was known as the port of Noues.

is a small natural beach in the bay of Guillola, between the beaches of Noues and Guillola, about three kilometers from the town. Oriented to the south-southeast, it is a beach enclosed and sheltered from the wind. It is 14 m long and 8 m wide, formed by pebbles and large blocks of stone. It is suitable for nudism.

is a natural beach in the bay of Guillola, next to the Punta d'en Cudera, six kilometers from the town. Oriented to the south, it is sheltered from the north wind. It has a length of 50 m and an average width of 10 m, formed by gravel and pebbles. The name is a diminutive of the guilla, a carnivorous mammal still present in the area. In the past, fishing style called 'eixugador' was practiced on this beach, which consisted of lighting a night light, by burning wood, which attracted the fish.

is a small natural beach, between the beach of Guillola and Cala Seca, about five kilometers north of the town. Oriented to the east-southeast, it has a length of 7 m and a width of 18 m, formed by gravel and pebbles. Swimming is not recommended on this beach, as it is full of large stones. Access is difficult, by a path that goes down from near the end of the road that reaches Cap de Creus. The name Torta (Torta means twisted in Catalan) comes, with complete certainty, from the sinuous and winding shape of the entrance to the sea that this cove has, with sculpted, eroded and hole-filled rock formations. Near the beach are the ruins of the Barraca de sa Pedrera, which must have been an old fishermen's house. The composer from Cadequesen Rafael Cabrisas i Palau dedicated a sardana dance song to it in 1942.

is a natural beach, between Cala Torta and the beach of Ribes Altes, about five kilometers north of the town. Oriented to the south, it has a length of 20 m and a width between 10 and 15 m, formed by pebbles. Access is difficult, by a path that descends from near the end of the road that reaches Cap de Creus. The beach is enclosed in an elongated cove that protects it from the north wind, formed by rocks and sculpted and eroded stones.

It is 21 m long and has an average width of 10 m, made up of gravel and pebbles.

is a natural beach, between the beach of Ribes Altes and the beach of Ses Ielles, in a cove enclosed by rocks. It is formed by three small beaches, the largest at the bottom of the cove, facing south, has a length of 22 m and a width of 10 m, formed by gravel and pebbles, which is usually dirty with dried remains of posidonia. Nudism is practiced there. The name Cala Bona comes from the fact that it was once well regarded by fishermen, as it was a place where fishing was abundant.

is a natural beach, between the beaches of Cala Bona and Cala Jugadora. It is characterized by the rock formations that surround it. Oriented to the south, it has a length of 13 m and a width of 22 m, made up of gravel, pebbles and blocks. Access is difficult, by a path that goes down from near the end of the road that reaches Cap de Creus. It is a quiet beach, sheltered from the north wind. Nudism is practiced there. The name of the beach is a diminutive of the word illes (illes means islands in Catalan) in Cadequesenc (the slang of cadaques), in reference to the set of small islands that are at the entrance from the sea: ses Ielles and s'Estufadora.

is a natural beach in Cala Jugadora. Oriented to the east, it is 15 m long and 17 m wide, made up of gravel and pebbles. Nudism is practiced there. It is believed that it is named Jugadora (Jugar means gambling in Catalan) because in this place fishermen used to play cards while waiting for the Tramuntana wind to allow them to set sail or go fishing in the Mar d'Amunt (area of ​​the sea located above Cap de Creus)

is a natural beach in Cala Jugadora, a short distance from the Gran beach of Cala Jugadora. Facing south, it is a sunny beach, 12 m long and 13 m wide, made up of gravel and pebbles. You need to wear good shoes, as the stones in this area, eroded by the wind, are quite sharp, cut, pointed and with sharp edges

is a natural beach in Cala Fredosa, under the Cap de Creus lighthouse, seven kilometers from the town center. It is the last of the beaches of the so-called Mar d'Avall, which is the entire coastline located south of Cap de Creus in the direction of Cadaqués. Oriented to the east-southeast, it has a length of 12 m and a width of 13 m. formed by gravel and pebbles. There are usually many remains of small dry trunks that have been carried by the water. Nudism is practiced there. This beach is where the inhabitants of the Cap de Creus lighthouse embarked, and from where supplies were sent to them, before the asphalt road existed. From the beach a cobbled path that zigzags, climbs to the lighthouse on the south side of the promontory that supports it, overcoming the 87 m difference in altitude.

is a natural beach in Cala Culip. Oriented to the east, it is 18 m long and 17 m wide, made up of gravel and pebbles. Nudism is practiced there. It is accessed by a path that goes down from near the end of the road that reaches Cap de Creus, following the Culip canal. On the beach is the Barraca de Culip, an old fishermen's house, included in the Inventory of Architectural Heritage of Catalonia. In 1930 Luis Buñuel filmed the film The Golden Age inside this shack and in the nearby Pla de Tudela.

is a natural beach in the Culip cove, facing south, has a length of 20 m and a width of 9 m, made up of gravel and pebbles. Part of the cove is occupied by the wide stairs of a ruined house and the corridor of the old pier.

It is a natural beach in the Pla de Tudela. It has a length of 155 m and a width of 39 m, formed by sand, gravel and pebbles. Behind it is a climbing dune. In front of the beach are the Pla de Tudela reefs. Swimming is prohibited in this area. The name s'Àguila (Eagle in Catalan) comes from a rock on a nearby outcrop of red pegmatite rock, the highest point of the Pla de Tudela, called s'Àguila for its similarity to this bird.There had been the Club Mediterranée in this area, an illegal housing development that has been demolished.

is a natural beach in the municipality of Port de la Selva, located in the Golfet bay, between Cap de la Cabassa to the west and Cap Ravener to the east, about six kilometers from the town. It is 135 meters long and has an average width of about fifteen. It is composed of coarse sand and small flat stones. The slope into the sea is not very steep in the first few meters but the slope soon increases. Nudism is practiced there.

is a cove and beach in the municipality of Port de la Selva, one kilometer from the urban center. It is framed between Cap Mitjà and the island of Sant Andreu, on the eastern side, and Punta del Bot Nou, on the western side. It faces north and is very protected by the two rocky walls that flank it. It has a length of 79 m and an average width of 22 m, formed by coarse-grained sand. Nudism is practiced there.. The origin of the name Tamariua is related to the abundance of tamarisks in the area, thanks to the water provided by the Puignau canal and the Tamariua canal when it rains.

21 routes from 4a to 7b difficulty

6 routes from 5a to 7a difficulty

climb areas on south-west and south-East walls. 30 routes from 3a to 6c.