Roses holidays

Serving up a buzzing resort set in a sweeping sandy bay, holidays to Roses bring you the best of the Costa Brava, and then some.

A bouquet of beaches

As charming as the name suggests, Roses is a historic Catalonian town, set on a vast, sunset-facing sandy beach. Once an Ancient Greek colony, the seaside town blends the flavours of northeastern Spain with its Mediterranean cousin, offering a cocktail of culture garnished with a good helping of natural beauty. The latter can be found on the resort’s boomerang of sand – where sunsets are red, the sea is blue, and there’s a full set of watersports waiting for you. If secluded coves are more your thing, Catalonia’s got a dozen of those too, peppered along the craggy coast between Roses and Cadaques.

Window to the past

A melting pot of Greek and Spanish influence can be found at the Citadel of Roses, where a 16th-century fortress gives way to an impressive archaeological site dating back to Ancient Greece. Nearby, the star-shaped Trinity Castle crowns Poncella Point, offering a perfect vantage point to take in the city’s famous sunsets. For a little history with a side of rugged scenery, head inland to the Cap de Creus Natural Park, where the hiking trails are home to curious megalithic stone monuments. These wild coastal landscapes inspired the likes of Salvador Dalí, and you can head to nearby Cadaques to learn more about his iconic surrealist art.

Seafood reigns supreme

Fresh-off-the-boat seafood steals the spotlight on every menu here. It’s all about unassuming beachfront eats and hearty helpings of gambas – fat juicy prawns – all washed down with a local wine or sangria. For your main course, a traditional fish stew lets the catch of the day take centre stage, supported by a chorus of fresh local flavours. A marina made for strolling and a beachfront promenade lined with lively bars provide the after-dinner entertainment.