Cap de Creus Natural Park

Established in 1998, the park holds the distinction of being Catalonia's first maritime-terrestrial park. Encompassing a vast area of 13,886 hectares (34,310 acres) hectares, it safeguards a significant portion of the Cap de Creus peninsula, comprising 10,813 hectares (26,720 acres) of terrestrial terrain and 3,073 hectares (7,590 acres) hectares of marine environments. This protected area bears witness to centuries of maritime history and the enduring significance of its coastal landscapes

This park showcases rugged cliffs cascading into the azure Mediterranean, while hidden coves reveal pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The barren, lunar-like terrain adds an otherworldly dimension, contrasting the lush maquis and shrublands that cloak the land. Arid valleys, windswept capes, and charming fishing villages add diversity to this unique setting. As you explore, you'll encounter dolmens and megalithic ruins, testaments to ancient civilizations. The iconic lighthouse at Cap de Creus offers breathtaking panoramas

The park boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. While tree species are limited, with predominant pine and cork oak, it's the maquis and shrublands that dominate the landscape. Common species include lentisk, juniper, heather, black and white broom, cistus, and black or common gorse. Along the coastline, you'll find plants well-adapted to wind and salinity, a unique feature in Catalonia. Standout species include Rosselló's thrift, sea daffodil, and the rare Seseli farreny, a botanical gem found nowhere else globally. The marine depths feature extensive seagrass meadows and vibrant coral, while birdwatchers delight in sightings of eagles, falcons, gulls, and marine birds. Terrestrial species include unique insects, amphibians, and even the Mediterranean turtle.

Cap de Creus enjoys a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry, ideal for sunbathing and water activities. The region is renowned for its scorching Tramuntana winds that can reach gale force. Autumn brings milder temperatures, making it perfect for hiking and exploring. Winters are mild, although occasional storms can bring heavy rainfall. Spring transforms the park with vibrant blooms, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. With over 300 sunny days a year, Cap de Creus is a year-round destination, offering something unique with each season, from fiery sunsets to blooming wildflowers.

The nearest airports are Girona-Costa Brava (GRO IATA, in Spain) and Perpignan–Rivesaltes (PGF IATA, In France)

Figueres has high speed trains station, connected to Madrid and Barcelona and also to France High speed trains

Llançà has a local train station.

From France: The A-9 ( E-15 ) from Montpellier and Perpignan to the Spanish border. Then the AP-7 ( E-15 )until Figueres.

From Barcelona and Girona: The AP-7 ( E-15 ),until Figueres.

From Figueres take N-260 to Llança or the C-260 To Roses.

There are several ports you can use if you go sailing.

Empuriabrava

Roses

Cadaques

El Port de la Selva

Llançà

1 Pla de tudela recreational area. Seasonal fee. (updated Sep 2023)

2 Parquing el Mirador (check road restrictions). (updated Sep 2023)

Cap de creus (look at See section)

Cadaques (look at Cadaqués)

La Vall de la Santa Creu (look at See section - santa Creu de rodes)

Sant Pere de Rodes (look at See section)

Parking Vilajuïga.

Parking Pau

5 Sant Baldiri de Taballera hermitage (ermita de Sant Baldiri de Taballera). It is a complex consisting of the Church of Sant Baldiri surrounded by the ruined remains of other buildings and, a few meters northwest of the complex, a defense tower. The first documented reference is in a precept of Louis of Overseas in the year 947 in favor of the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, which also confirmed it in 974, Count Gaufred d'Empúries-Rosselló, Pope Benedict in the same year, King Lothair in 982, and Pope John XV in 990. In 1009, it was the subject of a donation by Count Hugh of Empúries. In the 16th century, a watchtower was built to monitor the danger of pirate attacks coming from the sea. (updated Sep 2023)

6 Sant Salvador de Verdera castle (Castell de Sant Salvador de Verdera) (Accessible solely on foot, it offers two main routes, with the northern approach from the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery being the easier option.). Sant Salvador Saverdera Castle is a medieval fortress perched atop the highest peak, Sant Salvador Saverdera, in the Rodes mountain range, standing at an elevation of 670 meters above sea level. This fortress displays two distinct architectural phases, the first dating from the 9th to the late 13th century, featuring the original rock castle in its comital and monastic roles. The second phase, starting in the late 13th century, witnessed expansion and fortifications under the Counts of Empúries. The castle likely suffered significant damage during the 1708 raid by the Duke of Noailles, rendering it inoperative for military purposes. (updated Sep 2023)

7 Santa Creu de Rodes. Also visit the Santa Helena de Rodes church. Is a medieval village in the Rodes mountain range . Abandoned over time, it now consists of the remnants of houses, two towers, and the still-standing Church of Santa Creu de Rodes. This church's history is traced back to 974 AD when it was confirmed as part of the domain of the nearby Sant Pere de Rodes abbey. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Vilajuïga thrived with bustling markets drawing residents from surrounding towns. However, the village's decline likely began with the devastating Black Plague of 1345, eventually leading to its complete abandonment and the church's transformation into the sanctuary of Santa Helena (updated Sep 2023)

8 Church of Saint Fructuosus (Sant Fruitós de la Vall de Santa Creu) (Access by Cami de la Vall de la Santa Creu, starting in GI-612.). Started as a monastic cell with a history dating back to the 9th century, was initially embroiled in disputes over ownership between monasteries. It was mentioned in various documents, shifting control from Sant Esteve de Banyoles to Sant Policarp de Rasés and finally settling under the dominion of Sant Pere de Rodes in 948. Over the centuries, it transitioned from being a subsidiary of Santa Creu de Rodes to other monastic houses before eventually becoming part of the parish of El Port de la Selva in 1926. Although the present church no longer displays medieval remnants, the site's historical and architectural significance endures amid its scenic coastal location. (updated Sep 2023)

12 Torre d’en Norfeu (use signaled route #16 (look a Do section)). 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. (updated Sep 2023)

13 Tudela place (paratge de Tudela). 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. (updated Sep 2023)

14 La Vall de la Santa Creu. 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. (updated Sep 2023)

15 Dolmen Creu d'en Cobertella. 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. (updated Sep 2023)

21 Cap de Creus lighthouse (Far de cap de Creus). 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 (updated Sep 2023)

22 Nans cave lighthouse (Far de Cala Nans). 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. (updated Sep 2023)

23 s’Arenella lighthouse (Far de s’Arenella). 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. (updated Sep 2023)

24 El gat. Little island off Cap Norfeu that looks like a huge cat. Only can be seen from the sea. (updated Sep 2023)

6 Far del Cap de Creus Viewpoint.

7 Cap de Creus Viewpoint.

8 Mirador de la Gran Sala.

9 Mirador del Pla de Tudela.

10 Memorial de la Punta Blanca Viewpoint.

11 s’Arenella lighthouse Viewpoint.

12 Sant Onofre hermitage Viewpoint.

13 Mirador de Roses.

14 Coll de Sant Genís Viewpoint.

15 Mirador de Mas ventós.

16 Pla de les Gates Viewpoint.

17 Mirador Falconera.

GR 11 - Pyrenees Trail goes from Higuer Cape in Hondarribia to Cap de Creus

GR 92 - Mediterranean trail goes from France border to Tarifa in the Gibraltar Strait.

Catalan Way of St. James from El Port de la Selva or Llançà to Montserrat (Spain)

There are 12 marked routes in the park:

3 #3 Roses. La Creu d’en Cobertella. Visit megalithic monuments. 4.1 km (2.5 mi), 1 hr 15 min duration (updated Sep 2023)

4 #4 Vilajuïga. Visit Megalithic monuments.10.3 km (6.4 mi), 3 hr duration (updated Sep 2023)

5 #5 Cadaqués. Puig Ferral. It starts at oficina de turisme de Cadaques. it takes you to Port Lligat.6 km (3.7 mi), 1 hr 45 min duration (updated Sep 2023)

6 #6 El Port de la Selva. Costa de l’Oratori. Starts in Port de la selva Tourist office. 6.3 km (3.9 mi), 1 hr 45 min duration (updated Sep 2023)

7 #7 La Selva de Mar. 1.0 km (0.62 mi), 50 min duration (updated Sep 2023)

8 #8 Palau-saverdera. Sant Onofre. visit Sant Onofre Hermitage and Mas ventós. 6 km (3.7 mi), 2 hr 5 min duration (updated Sep 2023)

9 #9 Pau. La Creu Blanca. 7.5 km (4.7 mi), 3 hr duration (updated Sep 2023)

#10 El Port de la Selva. La Vall de Santa Creu. Starts in Sant Pere de Rodes. Take a look at See section. 6 km (3.7 mi), 2:00 duration

10 #11 Llançà-aigües i fonts. Starts in Llançà Tourist office. 19 km (12 mi), 50 min duration (updated Sep 2023)

#15 Punta de Cap de Creus. Starts in Cap de creus lighthouse. Take a look at See section. 17 km (11 mi), 50 min duration

11 #16 Reserva Natural Integral de Cap de Norfeu. visits Norfeu Tower .Starts in Coll de canadell, but you have to leave de car in Cala Montjoi. 4.2 km (2.6 mi), 1 hr 15 min duration (updated Sep 2023)

#17 Paratge de Tudela. Starts at Parage de Tudela information point.See:Nature 1.8 km (1.1 mi), 1 hr duration

12 #12 Roses-Cadaqués BTT. 25 km (16 mi). (updated Sep 2023)

#13 El Port de la Selva-Selva de Mar-Cadaqués, and return. Starts in Llançà Tourist office. Take a look at hiking section, route #6. 20 km (12 mi).

Some beaches are difficult to get to. The more isolated usually you have to take narrow and step trail. Wear adapted shoes, avoiding flip-flops or similar loose shoes as they can be dangerous in such trails.

1 Cala Murtra. 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 (updated Apr 2026)

2 Platja de la Rostella. 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 (updated Apr 2026)

3 Cala Calis (Acces by Carretera de Montjoi). 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 (updated Apr 2026)

4 Cala Montjoi (Acces by Carretera de Montjoi). 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. (updated Apr 2026)

5 Platja de Calitjàs. 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. (updated Apr 2026)

6 Platja de la Pelosa (acces by car can be restricted in summertime.). 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. (updated Apr 2026)

See Cadaqués for information on the 23 beaches on the city.

11 Platja d'en Talladofins, Carrer del Cap d'en Roig, Cadaqués (It is accessed by a path from the beach of s'Alqueria, Cadaqués .). 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. (updated Feb 2024)

12 Platja des Jonquet (On Av. Paratge Alqueria Cadaques, take Cami de Ronda and then there is a deviation towards the beach.). 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. (updated Feb 2024)

13 Platja d'en Noues (Platja d'en Lluís), Camí de Ronda. 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. (updated Feb 2024)

14 Platja de Sant Lluís, Camí de Ronda (It is accessed by a path from the beach of Guillola, with stairs at the final stretch.). 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. (updated Feb 2024)

15 Platja Guillola, Camí de Ronda (It is accessed by a path that goes down from the old coastal path, which is reached from the road between Cadaqués and the Cap de Creus lighthouse.). 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. (updated Feb 2024)

Cap de creus is a favorite sailing destinations. The Roses gulf is nice for beginners. Turning the Cap de creus requires some knowledge as currents and winds are not easy. Look at Meteo information on north side and south side. Tramontana winds can be really strong. Some routes are:

Roses to Cala Montjoi or to Cala Pelosa

Cala Motjoi to Cala Joncols. Around cap Norfeu. You can see "the cat rock" which look like a huge cat.

Roses to Cadaqués

Roses to Port de la Selva around Cap de Creus.

29 Palau Saverdera Climbing area (There is small parking in Camí antic de Roses track, then follow a trail northbound.). 21 routes from 4a to 7b difficulty (updated Apr 2026)

30 Sant Onofre Climbing area (on the GIP-6041 park on the mas ventos Leisure area. Follow the track to Sant Onofre ernmitage.). 6 routes from 5a to 7a difficulty (updated Apr 2026)

31 Castell de Quermançó Climbing areas (from N-260 to Llança after Vilajuiga you see the castel at your left. take a small paved road to the castle.). climb areas on south-west and south-East walls. 30 routes from 3a to 6c. (updated Apr 2026)

Pla de tudela recreational area. Look at See:Nature section

Mas ventós recreational area. Look at See:Nature section

Apartaments Restaurant Cap de Creus (see Eat section)

hotel / restaurant Cala Jóncols, ☏ +34 972 25 39 70 , +34 972 19 90 28, info@calajoncols.com. (updated Feb 2024)

Look at the surrounding villages Cadaques, Roses, Llançà and El Port de la Selva for lodging.

Free Camping is not allowed in the park. you should go to the campsites.

1 Càmping Cadaqués, Carrer del Pintor Matilla, Cadaqués, ☏ +34 972258126. (updated Feb 2024)