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History wise, the town of Roses was founded by Greek mariners from Rhodes, who named it after their home. To attest Roses’ long history there are some monasteries such as that of Santa Maria de Roses and the Dolmen Creu d'en Cobertella.
Roses was once the oldest town in Catalonia (Rhode) and it continues to attract tourist from all over due to its fascinating history and inviting tourist attractions. It witnessed many battles around the 16th century, with the remains of the old Benedictine monastery and the Basilica of Santa Maria of Roses as evidence.
Roses experienced its tourism boost only recently, as compared to all other resorts of the Costa Brava. Today its most important commercial activity is tourism. It has a natural harbour where tourist development is based, primarily: 4 km beach of fine sand, a beautiful promenade, a huge marina and more. The coves worthy of an excursion would include: Canyelles Petites, Canyelle Grosses, those of Montjoi, and behind Cape Norfeu, that of Joncols, Puig Roma. Other places to visit are the Castle of La Trinitat, an impressive dolmen, and the La Crue d’en Cobertella.
Population shoots up during summertime, where the number of inhabitants rises up to approximately 90,000. Outside of the tourist season, Roses has about 15,000 permanent inhabitants. A lot of restaurants, hotels and other businesses are opened the whole year round.
It is popular for its wide range of artistic and historical monuments. Food is exceptional as well in this part of the world. One local restaurant gaining international accolades is the Hacienda El Bulli, where no less than The New York Times is quoted to say in the "Dining Out" section (Sept. 15,1999): "Some say it is the best restaurant in Europe, possibly the world."
Local activities to enjoy are: The Market on Sundays, a fancy fishmonger, specializing in salted cod, salted anchovies, and the delicious boquerones, the Don Pancho cruise-boats that go out from the harbour, and tour and go all the way down the Gulf of Roses to the Illes Medes.
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