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

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

• 🌍 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)

• 🌍 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)
• 🌍 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)
• 🌍 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)

• 🌍 Quermanço castle (is accessible only by foot from a small road branching off the N-260 highway.). atop a remote hill, Its history traces back to 1078 when it was owned by Counts in the Empúries region. During the Catalan Civil War in 1472, the castle was occupied by John II's forces. In 1808, Napoleonic troops captured it, using it as a fortification. However, an explosion during the French withdrawal in 1814 left it in ruins. Salvador Dalí, the surrealist painter, cherished the castle, envisioning various eccentric uses for it. While the interior is closed, the exterior remains visible to visitors on privately-owned land. (updated Sep 2023)
• 🌍 Sant Onofre hermitage (accessible by a steep mountain path from the town of Palau-saverdera, and a road from Mas Ventós, along the Vilajuïga to St. Pere de Rodes route, has recently been refurbished to accommodate vehicles). is on an elevated plateau on the western slope of Verdera, beneath the Sant Salvador Castle, and at the foot of Fitor and Coll de Raïmeres, the sanctuary of Sant Onofre sits about 400 meters above sea level. Records from the "Llibre Vert" of the Girona Cathedral indicate that as early as 1362, the church of Sant Onofre, which is now a chapel, was already a subordinate to the parish of Palau-saverdera. Originally, this chapel took the form of simple oratory, similar to the early Romanesque temples. . Sant Onofre, often referred to as "sant Nofre" locally, was a Hungarian hermit who, according to legend, lived a life of penance in this area. The current construction may have been built upon an underground cave, in line with this tradition, considering the rocky foundation of the sanctuary. (updated Sep 2023)
• 🌍 Castell de Bufalaranya (It is accessed by walking uphill from kilometer 5 of the road from Roses to Cadaqués). It is a set of wall structures preserved at different heights formed by a wall with an irregular plan, adapted to the large unevenness of the land on which it is founded, which preserves practically its entire perimeter. Access to the interior of the enclosure is on the east side. It is believed to be from the 10th century. (updated Feb 2024)

• 🌍 Torre d’en Norfeu (to access 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. Originally, it had walls at the base that were three meters thick and eight meters 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)
• 🌍 Tudela place (paratge de Tudela). 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 Méditerranée S.A. (Club Med). Besides being a region visited by ships since ancient times, it has inspired numerous artists, such as Salvador Dalí. (updated Sep 2023)
• 🌍 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)
• 🌍 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 meters in length, 3.20 meters in width, and has a maximum height of 2.45 meters. (updated Sep 2023)
• 🌍 Ca n'Isach neolithic village. , a Neolithic settlement, reveals a glimpse into ancient urbanism and cabins. The site, spanning 800 m², showcases well-preserved remnants of sub-rectangular houses forming a 'U' shape, an isolated oval cabin, and traces of communal life. The oval cabin, measuring 10 x 7 meters, likely served as a communal hub for cooking and essential activities. Archaeological phases, from the early to late Neolithic, reveal evolving structures and cultural artifacts. Nearby, the Serra de Rodes and Cap de Creus boast a concentration of dolmens, illuminating the region's megalithic heritage. Ca N'Isach offers a remarkable window into Neolithic life, with a rich history spanning millennia. (updated Sep 2023)
• 🌍 Creu blanca. This cross is the sole preserved testament of a monumental boundary cross in the former territory of the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. Its presence used to signal visitors entering the domain of the mighty Romanesque abbey through one of the most commonly used routes until well into the last century. It likely replaced an older landmark, as twenty meters from the cross stands a rock with three engraved crosses, one of which, larger and more prominent, was created with a thick stroke, making it visible from the path. Other interpretations suggest it could have had a commemorative nature or simply served as an oratory. According to legend, the White Cross was erected at the spot where a messenger of the monks of Sant Pere de Rodes was devoured by wolves, while another version claims the victim was the abbot of the monastery. (updated Sep 2023)
• 🌍 Mas ventós. It is a ruined farmhouse (Mas in catalan) located in the municipal district of El Port de la Selva, in the Verdera Mountain Range, at an elevation of 461 m above sea level, not far from the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. It is arranged as a recreational and resting area, with the farmhouse walls stabilized and its lower part serving as storage space. From this farmhouse, there is a magnificent view over the Empordà plain. (updated Sep 2023)
• 🌍 Pla de les gates. (updated Sep 2023)

• 🌍 punta falconera. It is a headland on the coast of the municipality of Roses. It owes its name to the historical presence of falcons and kestrels in the area. From this headland, there is a commanding view of the entire Gulf of Roses, and this strategic importance led to its historical use as a lookout and maritime traffic monitoring point. Between 1944 and 1993, it was occupied by the Spanish army, which constructed a coastal battery consisting of five fortified bunkers. This battery was part of the fortification plan for the Pyrenees axis (known as Line P or Line Gutiérrez) decided upon by the Franco dictatorship to prevent a possible Allied invasion during World War II. The military presence prevented the area from being adversely affected by urban speculation. (updated Sep 2023)

• 🌍 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)
• 🌍 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)
• 🌍 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)

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

• 🌍 Far del Cap de Creu Viewpoint. 
• 🌍 Cap de Creus Viewpoint. 
• 🌍 Mirador de la Gran Sala. 
• 🌍 Mirador del Pla de Tudela. 
• 🌍 Memorial de la Punta Blanca Viewpoint. 
• 🌍 s’Arenella lighthouse Viewpoint. 
• 🌍 Sant Onofre hermitage Viewpoint. 
• 🌍 Mirador de Roses. 
• 🌍 Coll de Sant Genís Viewpoint. 
• 🌍 Mirador de Mas ventós. 
• 🌍 Pla de les Gates Viewpoint. 
• 🌍 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)

Thre are 12 marked routes in the park:

• 🌍 #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 Vilajuïga. Visit Megalithic monuments.10.3 km (6.4 mi), 3 hr duration (updated Sep 2023)
• 🌍 #5 Cadaqués. Puig Ferral. Ot 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 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 La Selva de Mar. 1.0 km (0.62 mi), 50 min duration (updated Sep 2023)
• 🌍 #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 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
• 🌍 #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
• 🌍 #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 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, avoidind flip-flops or similar loose shoes as they can be dangerous in such trails.

• 🌍 Cala Murtra. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja de la Rostella. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Cala Calis (Acces by Carretera de Montjoi). (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Cala Montjoi (Acces by Carretera de Montjoi). (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja de Calitjàs. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja de la Pelosa (acces by car can be restricted in summertime.). (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Cala de la Llumenera. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja del Canadell. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja de Jóncols. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja de sa Sabolla. (updated Feb 2024)

See Cadaqués

• 🌍 Platja d'en Talladofins, Carrer del Cap d'en Roig, Cadaqués. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja des Jonquet. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja d'en Noves (Platja d'en Lluís), Camí de Ronda. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja de Sant Lluís, Camí de Ronda. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja Guillola, Camí de Ronda. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Cala Seca, Cami Antic de Cap de Creus. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja Gran de Cala Jugadora, Cami Antic de Cap de Creus. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Zona naturista de Cala Jugadora (Nudist beach) (acces by Cap de Creus road). (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Cala Tudela (access by Pla de Tudela). (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Platja de Tavellera. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Cala Tamariua, Carrer de la Punta de la Creu, el Port de la Selva. (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.

• 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 Port de la selva for lodging

Camping is not allowed in the park

• 🌍 Càmping Cadaqués, Carrer del Pintor Matilla, Cadaqués, ☏ +34972258126. (updated Feb 2024)