What to do in Roses: your complete guide to discovering one of the pearls of the Costa Brava

Roses, the jewel of the Catalan Costa Brava, attracts thousands of visitors every year with its authentic Mediterranean charm. This exceptional destination offers the perfect blend of seaside relaxation, cultural richness and real estate investment opportunities. Whether you are planning an unforgettable holiday or considering purchasing a second home, Roses is a destination that offers surprises all year round.

Roses: a must-see destination on the Costa Brava

The unique appeal of Roses for British visitors

Roses enjoys a privileged location in the Gulf of Roses, offering spectacular landscapes between the sea and the mountains. This ancient Greek colony, founded in the 8th century BC, has preserved its historical heritage while developing a modern tourist infrastructure. Its proximity to France, just a two-hour drive from Perpignan, makes it a favourite destination for French holidaymakers.

Visitors to the town are charmed by its long sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see for over 4 kilometres, its secret coves and crystal-clear waters. The marina, one of the largest on the Costa Brava, welcomes sailing enthusiasts in an idyllic setting. This constantly evolving tourist attraction makes Roses a particularly dynamic property market, attracting many French investors.

An attractive property market

The property sector in Roses is experiencing sustained growth, driven by demand from visitors who are increasingly looking for second homes. Seafront properties, villas with swimming pools and new apartments in the town centre are the most sought-after properties. This dynamic property market can be explained by the unrivalled quality of life offered by Roses, combined with prices that are still affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations.

What to do in Roses: unmissable activities

Discover the idyllic beaches

The beaches of Roses are among the most beautiful on the Costa Brava. Playa de Roses, with its 2 kilometres of fine golden sand, offers all the amenities you need for a perfect day out with the family. Those looking for a more peaceful setting will prefer the coves of Cala Montjoi or Cala Almadrava, true havens of tranquillity with turquoise waters.

For water sports enthusiasts, the Bay of Roses offers ideal conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. The water sports centres offer lessons and equipment hire for all levels. This wealth of water activities contributes to the residential appeal of the area, which is particularly popular with owners of seafront apartments.

Explore the historical heritage

The Citadel of Roses, built in the 16th century, bears witness to the town's rich past. This remarkably well-preserved military fortress houses a museum tracing the history of Roses since Greek times. The remains of the Greek town of Rhode, discovered during archaeological excavations, offer a fascinating journey into antiquity.

The historic centre, with its maze of cobbled streets and traditional Catalan houses, is perfect for strolling. Properties in this historic area, often tastefully renovated, are a great investment for those looking for authenticity.

Savour the local cuisine

Over time, Roses has built up an exceptional gastronomic reputation, thanks in particular to renowned restaurants such as El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, which is just 30 minutes away. The town itself offers a varied culinary selection, from beachfront chiringuitos to gourmet restaurants.

The local markets, especially the Saturday market, are a great place to discover local products such as fresh fish, PDO olive oil, goat's cheese and Empordà wines. This gastronomic wealth contributes to the Mediterranean lifestyle that appeals to both permanent residents and second home owners.

What to do in Roses in the evening: activities at dusk and nightlife

Romantic walks at sunset

Evenings in Roses often begin with a stroll along the seafront, offering spectacular sunsets over the bay. The recently renovated promenade stretches for several kilometres along the sea, with plenty of benches and places to rest along the way. The terraces of the seaside cafés and restaurants offer privileged views of the entire bay.

The Roses lighthouse, accessible via a coastal path, offers incredible panoramic views, which become truly magical at the famous Golden Hour. These special moments enhance the appeal of properties with sea views, which are highly sought after by investors.

Nightlife and entertainment

Roses offers a varied nightlife to suit all tastes. The tapas bars in the town centre come alive at 7pm, offering a friendly atmosphere when it's time for an aperitif. Live music lovers will enjoy the concerts organised regularly in the bars around the port.

For night owls, several discos and beach clubs offer themed evenings throughout the summer season. The Roses casino adds to the entertainment on offer, attracting an international clientele.

Restaurants and terraces

Roses' gastronomy is particularly enjoyable in the evening, when the temperatures drop. The terrace restaurants offer a unique culinary experience with views of the illuminated bay. The local speciality, suquet de peix (fish stew), is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine from the Empordà region.

Owners of apartments with terraces make the most of these Mediterranean evenings, creating their own moments of conviviality by the sea.

What to do in Roses in winter: the charms of the low season

A mild and sunny climate

Winter in Roses reveals a more authentic side to the destination. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and average temperatures of 15°C, the winter season offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities. It is particularly for its mild climate that more and more French retirees are choosing Roses as their permanent home.

Specific winter activities

Hiking takes on a whole new dimension in winter, with less crowded trails and unspoilt landscapes. The GR92 coastal trail offers unique routes between Roses and Cadaqués. The nearby Cap de Creus Natural Park offers a variety of routes suitable for all levels.

Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the quiet roads of the hinterland, especially towards the villages of Palau-saverdera and Vilajuïga. These activities help to attract new permanent residents to the region.

Culture and heritage in winter

Winter is the ideal season to discover the cultural heritage of Roses while avoiding the tourist crowds. Museums, particularly the Citadel Museum, offer enriching temporary exhibitions. Guided tours of the historic centre reveal architectural details that are often overlooked in high season.

Winter cultural festivals, such as classical music concerts in the Santa Maria church, add an artistic dimension to the season.

Advantages of investing in property in winter

Winter is the best time to invest in property in Roses. It is generally easier to negotiate prices and owners are more available for viewings. This period also allows you to assess properties in a variety of weather conditions, which is crucial for an investment with no surprises.

Roses: a strategic property investment

Why invest in Roses

Roses has all the assets of a successful property investment: an exceptional location, developed tourist infrastructure, sustained rental demand and constant potential for appreciation. The town is easily accessible, with Girona airport 45 minutes away and the French border also 45 minutes away.

The seasonal rental market generates attractive returns, particularly for properties close to the beach or with high-quality facilities. French clients represent a significant proportion of demand, making rental management easier for French investors.

Types of properties sought

Beachfront apartments, villas with swimming pools and renovated properties in the historic centre are the segments in which there is the most demand. Properties with private parking and terraces are particularly sought after.

IMMO 365 Costa Brava supports French investors in their projects, offering local expertise and in-depth knowledge of the market. Our bilingual team facilitates all administrative and legal procedures.

Family activities and nature discovery

Water parks and leisure activities

Roses and its surroundings offer many family activities. The nearby Aquabrava water park offers a day of fun for the whole family. Local equestrian centres offer horse riding along the coast, creating unforgettable memories.

Excursions to Cadaqués and Port Lligat

The proximity of Cadaqués, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, greatly enriches the cultural offering. Dalí's house-museum in Port Lligat, a 20-minute drive away, is an excursion not to be missed. These nearby destinations enhance the overall tourist appeal of the region.

Water sports and underwater activities

The Costa Brava's seabed is among the richest in the Mediterranean. Several diving centres offer discovery trips in the Cap de Creus marine reserve. The underwater caves and shipwrecks are exceptional diving sites.

FAQ: everything you need to know about Roses

When is the best time to visit Roses?

Roses can be visited all year round thanks to its relatively mild Mediterranean climate. Summer (June-September) offers ideal conditions for beach activities, while spring and autumn allow you to enjoy pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists. Winter reveals a more authentic side to the destination.

What are the best beaches in Roses?

The 2 km long Playa de Roses is the main beach with all the amenities you could need. Cala Montjoi and Cala Almadrava offer more privacy. The beach of Santa Margarida, further east, attracts visitors with its unspoilt natural setting.

How do I get to Roses from France?

Roses is accessible by car via the A9 motorway and then the AP-7, about 2 hours from Perpignan. Girona Airport, 45 minutes away, offers direct flights from several French cities. Bus connections are also available from major French cities.

What is there to do in Roses when it rains?

Rainy days are rare but possible, offering an opportunity to discover the cultural heritage: the Citadel Museum, the fishing interpretation centre, or even a tasting session in the local wine cellars. Shopping centres and spas also offer indoor activities.

How much should you budget for a holiday in Roses?

The cost of living in Roses remains affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations. For example, a meal in a restaurant costs on average £15-25, and car hire is £25-35 per day. Water sports start at £30 for a taster session.

Is Roses suitable for families with children?

Roses is an ideal destination for families: sandy beaches, shallow waters, lots of child-friendly activities, modern facilities and a safe environment. Family properties with swimming pools are particularly sought after.

What are the advantages of investing in property in Roses?

Roses offers excellent investment potential: steady rental demand, proximity to France, developed tourist infrastructure and still affordable prices. The seasonal rental market generates attractive returns, particularly for well-located properties.