Major city · Spain
Roses
Give Roses 2–3 nights as a beach base with the Ciutadella and Cap de Creus on the doorstep; skip it if you want a car-free old-town break.
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–early Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, peak prices), Nov–Mar (many places shut)
- Airports
- GRO · BCN
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
Roses is a working fishing port and resort of about 19,000 people at the north end of the Gulf of Roses, on the Costa Brava in Catalonia. It is one of the main gateways to Cap de Creus Natural Park and holds a seafront citadel with Greek, Roman and medieval layers under one wall. Most visitors come for the beach, the coastal path and seafood, not for a sightseeing checklist.
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Roses, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyRoses is a low-crime resort town; the real risks are the Tramuntana wind and currents at unguarded coves…
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckGRO Girona–Costa Brava (About 1 h by road; buses and transfers are seasonal, so check before booking.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable, but beaches, the Castell de la Trinitat and Cap de Creus are spread out: a car…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught / supermarket can€2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5)€0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 kmTaxi, about 3 mi5 km taxi3.1 mi taxicheck€10–15 (≈ US$12–18)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or castle entry€5–15 (≈ US$6–18)
- Budget bedCamping pitch for a tent or van, a night, per room€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, hotel or guesthouse, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, hotel or guesthouse, a night, per room€250 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GRO Girona–Costa Brava (About 1 h by road; buses and transfers are seasonal, so check before booking.) · BCN Barcelona–El Prat (About 2 h by road; train to Figueres then bus or taxi onward.)
Weather and climate
Roses: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C57°F
5°C41°F
5 rd
Feb
15°C59°F
5°C41°F
5 rd
Mar
17°C63°F
7°C45°F
6 rd
Apr
19°C66°F
9°C48°F
7 rd
May
23°C73°F
12°C54°F
7 rd
Jun
27°C81°F
16°C61°F
5 rd
Jul
30°C86°F
19°C66°F
3 rd
Aug
30°C86°F
19°C66°F
4 rd
Sep
26°C79°F
16°C61°F
5 rd
Oct
22°C72°F
13°C55°F
7 rd
Nov
17°C63°F
8°C46°F
6 rd
Dec
14°C57°F
6°C43°F
5 rd
High / low °C°F · rd = rain days
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable, but beaches, the Castell de la Trinitat and Cap de Creus are spread out: a car, bike or the seasonal bus is the practical choice. The Camí de Ronda coastal path links coves on foot. Parking in summer fills early; use a paid lot rather than the seafront.
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30–40 min by car
GI-614 over the Cap de Creus headland by car, or the seasonal bus
Go early: the village and its parking are tiny in summer.
Door to door: About 30–40 min
C-260 by car, or bus from Roses
Dalí Theatre-Museum needs a timed ticket booked ahead.
Door to door: About 45–60 min
Car via Castelló d'Empúries and the C-31, or bus with a change
Roman ruins at Empúries plus a low-key fishing port.
El Port de la Selva
goDoor to door: About 40 min by car
Car around the gulf via Llançà, or the GR-92 on foot for a long day
Quieter port village; pair with a Cap de Creus loop.
Door to door: About 1 h
Car south via Torroella de Montgrí
Best as a boat day to the Medes Islands, not a quick stop.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Car south on the C-31 and GI-682
Too far for a relaxed return day in summer traffic.
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Roses centre and seafront
Walk to the Ciutadella, the port and most restaurants; no car needed once parked.
Santa Margarida
Beach strip south of the centre with hotels and campings; about 20–30 min walk to the old core.
Canyelles and Almadrava
Quieter coves south of town; a car or bike helps, and the best swimming is right there.
Empuriabrava
Canal-side resort 15 min inland; more beds and nightlife, less town character.
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–95 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- €95–160 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- €160 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, hotel or guesthouse1 × 3 nights × €120 | €360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × €110 | €660 |
| Bus Roses → Figueres, both ways2 × €8 · check | €16 |
| Ciutadella de Roses entry2 × €6 · check | €12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €107 |
| Trip total≈ €196 per person per day, bed included | €1,175≈ US$1,400 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del dia at lunch | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Plate of grilled fish or seafood | €16–28 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Beer: draught / supermarket can | €2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5) / €0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxicheck | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
| Museum or castle entry | €5–15 (≈ US$6–18) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer parking near the beach and port fills by mid-morning.
- The Tramuntana wind can shut beaches and boat trips with no notice.
- Some Cap de Creus coves and paths are closed in high summer for fire risk: check locally.
- Many hotels, campings and restaurants close from November to March.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
RosesRoses
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A aquesta adreça, si us plauTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassy in Roses; the US has a consulate-general in Barcelona, the UK and Ireland have consulates in Barcelona, and most embassies are in Madrid.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Roses → Figueres: about €4 (≈ US$5) one way, 40–50 min (check)
- Taxi Roses centre → Santa Margarida: €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) (check)
- Boat trip along the gulf: €20–35 (≈ US$25–45) (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gràcies — Thank you (GRAH-syehs)
- El compte, si us plau — The bill, please (el KOM-tuh, see oos plow)
- On és la platja? — Where is the beach? (on ehs lah PLAH-jah)
- Puc pagar amb targeta? — Can I pay by card? (pook pah-GAR um tar-GEH-tah)
- On és el lavabo? — Where is the toilet? (on ehs el lah-VAH-boo)
Catalan is the everyday language here; Spanish works everywhere.
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Roses. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–early Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, peak prices), Nov–Mar (many places shut) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for GRO and BCN: last bus and train times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Ciutadella and port, centre and Santa Margarida, Canyelles and Almadrava, Cap de Creus coves.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Ciutadella, Castell de la Trinitat, Aquabrava, Cap de Creus) and eat pages with last orders.
- Tramuntana and summer fire-closure fixtures so gates A–D can go green.