Roses, Coastal municipality in Alt Empordà, Spain

Roses is a harbor town on the Costa Brava coastline in Catalonia, combining working fishing operations with sandy beaches and sheltered coves. The municipality has developed along the Mediterranean shore with residential areas, restaurants, and shops intermingled with maritime infrastructure.

Greek colonists established a settlement here around 2,000 years ago, followed by Romans who developed it as a trading hub on Mediterranean routes. Medieval fortifications were built centuries later to defend against pirates, leaving stone structures that remain visible throughout the town.

Fishing remains central to local identity, and you can witness boats bringing in their catch daily at the harbor. The waterfront restaurants and markets showcase this maritime heritage through traditional seafood dishes and community gatherings.

The town is best explored on foot, with flat paths along the waterfront and easy beach access throughout the year. Regional buses connect you to nearby towns, making it simple to explore the surrounding coast if you want to venture further.

The town preserves ruins of an ancient fortress that was repeatedly rebuilt and repurposed by different civilizations over the centuries. You can literally walk through layers of different construction techniques and see how each era left its mark on the same stonework.

• Location: Alt Empordà
• Capital city: Roses
• Elevation above the sea: 5 m
• Part of: Mancomunitat de Municipis Comunitat Turística de la Costa Brava, Mancomunitat del servei de control de mosquits a la badia de Roses i el Baix Ter, Mancomunitat Intermunicipal de l'Alt Empordà, Mancomunidade Intermunicipal Toribi Duran
• Shares border with: Palau-saverdera, La Selva de Mar, El Port de la Selva, Cadaqués, Castelló d'Empúries
• Address: Roses, Girona, Spain
• Website: http://roses.cat
• GPS coordinates: 42.26333,3.17500
• Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:13