Photographs: Dani Salvà, Òscar Vall, David Borrat, Anna Pla-Narbona, Sara Guerrero, Oriol Batista, Sotamar Diving Center / Divecreus sl, Eduard Sánchez, David Aparicio, Àlex Tremps, Javi Cabrera, Oscar Rodbag, Oscar Dominguez, Olga Grassot, Jaume Campderros, Sherry Ott, Quim Güell / Iconna, Steve Carr, Laurence Norah, Diego Espada, Kris Ubach, Rafa Pérez, Ajuntament de Roses, Espelt Viticultors, Xavi Arnau, El Bulli Foundation, Àlex Salcedo, Pepo Segura, Skydive / Mike Burton, Celler Martí Faixó, Josep Algans, Karel Noppé, Joan Diví.
Acknowledgments: ACT, Ajuntament de Roses, Espelt Viticultors, Arxiu El Bulli Foundation, Ajuntament de Roses, Skydive, Ajuntament de Figueres-Casa Natal Dalí, Fundació Gala Salvador Dalí.
Graphic design: Safareig.
Print: Alzamora gràfiques.
Legal deposit: GI 1042–2024
Costa Brava Cruise Ports
The Costa Brava stands out as a unique destination for cruise tourism, with a personality notably contrasting with Barcelona. The ports of Palamós and Roses have emerged as a distinct alternative that offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in exciting experiences at this singular location.
Digital catalog
Costa Brava Cruise Ports Video
Welcome to Costa Brava
An incredible territory to be lived intensely. The Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees have all the necessary elements to be a destination to be discovered and experienced intensely.
The Costa Brava provides a wide range of options for visitors who come to these lands, who are captivated by the climate, nature, culture, gastronomy, leisure, activities and the hospitality of its inhabitants. A place where you can enjoy a complete experience combining nautical tourism activities, nature and culture: from scuba diving and boat hire on the Costa Brava to hiking routes where you can connect with nature. Cities like Girona and towns like Begur stand out for their rich cultural heritage, while the local gastronomy offers delicious fresh fish and seafood dishes. In addition, the region hosts several events and festivals that enrich the area’s cultural offering of the area.
Discover the Costa Brava, the Mediterranean Paradise Rich in History, Gastronomy and Unexpected Adventures.
Culture
To tour this small corner of the world is to take a great journey of cultural experiences that will move you.
Nature
From the Mediterranean coast to the highest mountain peaks, the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees of Girona will captivate you with a range of natural attractions.
You will understand why the Costa Brava is one of the most prized tourist destinations in Europe. You will also discover the flavours of a land whose gastronomy is among the world’s finest. A traditional and creative cuisine, with an exceptional wealth of ingredients from both land and sea, all accompanied by a good DO Empordà wine.
What’s more, you’ll vibrate with an exciting culture brimming with megalithic monuments, Greco-Roman vestiges, medieval villas, Romanesque art and the whole Surrealist legacy of Salvador Dalí. To round it off, you can add to your visit some of the popular festivities, fairs, markets or festivals that enrich the life of this land.
Enogastronomy
Tradition, culinary creativity and emotions in one of the top gastronomic and wine tourism destinations in the Mediterranean.
Cyclotourism / Cycling
Unique territory, truly made for cycling which will make you fall in love with it from the first ride.
Water sports
Water is life, landscape and fun. Come and enjoy the rivers, wetlands, 200 kilometres of coastline and a spectacular seabed.
Here You Have
You don’t have to choose between the beach or the countryside: here the Mediterranean’s most enchanting beaches and coves live side by side with the towering, majestic Pyrenees mountains. A mosaic of diverse and unique landscapes in a place where most of the territory is protected natural space. Here you have everything and can do everything. You will enjoy hiking for all tastes and levels, cycling in any of its forms, skiing and golf, water sports and adventures, and also health and wellness activities that will make you feel great.
We are the sea, we are the mountain
The Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches set alongside the most challenging mountains. The coastline that inspired Dalí alongside peaks crossed by historical figures of the likes of Hannibal and Charlemagne. World-class cuisine alongside the Roman wine culture of Empordà.
Costa Brava
The combination of landscape and active tourism is undoubtedly another of the great attractions of this area. You can enjoy unique experiences hiking along the coastal paths, following the Costa Brava’s coastline, playing golf, practicing water sports, or skydiving. Whatever your body asks for.
Girona Pyrenees
This is the Pyrenees with a taste of the Mediterranean, where you can enjoy glorious sunshine and warmer temperatures. Where homegrown mountain cuisine, infused with both tradition and creativity, meets the flavours of the Mediterranean for a world-class gourmet experience.
This is where the Girona Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean.
The province of Girona awaits you with open arms. And it makes visiting a breeze thanks to an airport just outside the city of Girona; two high-speed train stations that will take you south to Barcelona in less than an hour and north to France and the rest of Europe; and three entry routes from the Mediterranean, with major ports in Palamós and Roses. There is a train station in Girona and Figueres.
Europe
Do you see us? We’re here, in this little corner of the Iberian Peninsula in Southern Europe. We have breathtaking landscapes and fabulous weather most days of the year. Come a little closer.
We’re happy to introduce you to one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean. Beaches and coves, unrivalled natural areas, fishing villages… and one of the finest cultural and gastronomic destinations in all of Europe. Explore the Costa Brava.
Costa Brava
Palamós Port
The Port of Palamós is located in one of the deepest bays in the western Mediterranean, protected from the strong northerly winds and safe for all types of boats. This enclave in the Empordà has the appropriate facilities, services and access to facilitate the arrival of the cruise ships that run routes through the Mediterranean.
Roses Port
The Port of Roses is located in the Mediterranean town of Roses. A town nestled within a unique bay, surrounded by two natural parks with diverse landscapes, in the north of the Costa Brava, approximately 30 km from the border with France, 65 km from Girona and 160 km from Barcelona.
Palamós Port
The Port of Palamós is located in the centre of the Costa Brava, protected from the strong northerly winds and safe for all types of boats.
Passengers arriving in Palamós can enjoy an authentic seascape, observe the fish auction and the fishermen at work, and bathe in the town’s beaches, as the port is integrated into the urban fabric.
Characteristics of the Port Port Facilities
DOCK FOR LARGE CRUISE SHIPS
386 metres of mooring line, 43 metres wide and 2 metres above sea level, 14 metres draft. There are no length restrictions. Bollards and front panel fenders are set 22.5 metres apart.
North (N) and northwest (NW) with crosswind components, northeast (NE) and southwest (SW) prevailing winds in summer. NAUTICAL CHART
No. 1704
General data
WEST PIER
150 metres of mooring line, 6 metres wide, 1.5 metres above sea level, 7 metres draft. Front panel fenders.
PASSENGER TERMINAL
Palamós’s Maritime Station is a 255,28 m² building that includes a police checkpoint and surveillance office, security systems, passenger waiting rooms and tourism office, among other areas.
Passenger Terminal Police control and surveillance office, checkpoint, passenger waiting rooms, toilets and a tourist information desk.
Pilotage Service
Mandatory from 500 GT.
Waste Handling (Marpol).
Lighting Efficient and environmentally friendly lighting.
Shuttle Bus to the Town
A shuttle bus service will take passengers to and from the town centre.
Tugboats
Compulsory for ships over 130 m in length. From 20 tons BP. VHF channel.-12.
Application of the PVIP Code Security personnel. X-rays, metal arc, surveillance cameras. Restricted access.
Stevedores and Cargo Handling Provisioning and supplies to the ship through trucks.
Customs, Immigration and Health 24h Service.
Drinking Water
Available with notice. Maximum quantity 500 tph (more than 5 hours).
Welcome to Palamós.
The Heart of the Old Town
Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town as if you were discovering the pages of a history book. Local shops, cosy taverns and small corners full of character invite you to experience the present with the charm of the past.
A Rich Gastronomy
Every meal becomes a celebration of the flavours of the sea. Captivate your palate with traditional seafood dishes, prepared with passion and authenticity in local restaurants. Fresh aromas and intense flavours will transport you to a unique culinary experience.
A small corner of the Costa Brava that offers you the warmth of the sun and the charm of the Mediterranean Sea. In this area, the beaches invite you to let yourself be carried away by the soft, soothing rhythm of the waves. Whether you visit the quiet Platja de la Fosca or the lively Platja Gran, the delicacy of the sand and natural beauty will capture your heart. The coves, such as Cala Estreta and Cala S’Alguer, become secret gems, offering an intimate refuge where nature is the protagonist.
History in Every Corner
Let the history of Palamós fascinate you with a visit to the Fishing Museum, where the ancient tales of the sea come to life, or with a walk through the majestic Sant Esteve Castle, which will offer you panoramic views that will take your breath away.
Adventure and Nature
Palamós is a paradise for adventure lovers.
Whether with exciting water sports, boat trips or walks along the coastal paths, every moment will connect you with nature and surprise you with its beauty.
Culture and Local Festivals
Immersing yourself in the local culture is easy with the many events and festivals that fill the squares and streets. From traditional celebrations to music festivals, there is always a reason to join the party and enjoy the atmosphere.
Excursions in the surroundings.
Äran Schooner
Sail from the port of Palamós heading north, visiting the most emblematic coves up to Calella de Palafrugell. Enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters and practice snorkelling. 3-hour excursion. worldsailingexperience.com COVES AND BEACHES
Fish Auction
Guided visit to the fish market to understand how the fish auctions work in Palamós works. On-site explanation of the auction procedure. Available on Fridays, it can be taken individually or in small groups. museudelapesca.org
Culinary tradition
The red prawns from Palamós offer a true seafood delight. Equally exceptional are the sea urchins, a particularly unique local product from the gastronomy of the Costa Brava visitpalafrugell.cat
Fishing Museum
You can discover different aspects of this craft, from its millennial origins up to the present: the fish of our sea, the fishing grounds, the trades related to the sea, the daily life of the fishermen, the boats, the moorings, the techniques and technology, and many more enthralling topics. museudelapesca.org
Truman Capote’s Route
Discover “El Palamós de Truman Capote” with Tretze Cultura, where the author found the inspiration to write “In Cold Blood”. Follow the “Truman Capote Literary Trail” with a Dry Martini at the Trias Hotel and fish tapas at the Maria de Cadaqués tavern | museudelapesca.org
La Gastronòmica
Discover the beauty of the Costa Brava with this walk along the Camí de Ronda, where you can enjoy the nature, culture and gastronomy of the region. The tour includes a stop at an exclusive place to taste Empordà wines and sample local products, a complete and unique experience. lagastronomica.cat
COVES AND BEACHES
Palamós,
Sea Round
Discover the most fascinating locations in the municipality of Palamós while walking the Camí de Ronda with an audio guide that will reveal the best-kept secrets of local lore. Ideal for all ages, it’s perfect to be enjoyed at any time of the year. visitpalamos.cat
Route through Wineries with Ebike
Self-guided electric bike tour of the different wineries of this wine region boasting hundreds of years of history. Ebikes Area, committed to locally-based, sustainable tourism. You will discover why wineries are a fundamental part of the essence of the Empordà ebikesareabooking.com
Brugarol Experiences
Celler Brugarol offers a unique oenological experience including spectacular enological. Explore the secrets of wine production with a guided tour, taste its exclusive wines and celebrate special moments in its facilities | brugarol.com
Bicycle Rental
Discover the Empordà on wheels with Gran Fondo Community. You can choose the mode you prefer: Road, Road Pro, Gravel, Gravel Pro, E-Bikes, Mtb. granfondocommunity.com
Golf Baptism
Come and discover the experience of a “golf baptism” at Golf d’Aro-Mas Nou. Located in a privileged natural enclave next to picture-postcard beaches and enchanting nooks and crannies. golfdaro.com
Palamós
Calella de Palafrugell
Palamós Golf d’Aro, Platja d’Aro S’Agaró
Advanced Coasteering
Get to know the Costa Brava by walking along and over the rocks, jumping and swimming through the emerald green waters. This activity is ideal for groups or with the family and can be started from S’Agaró (Sant Pol Beach) or Lloret de Mar (Fenals Beach) | aventuragirona.com
Mas Geli
Unique guided tour to discover the vineyards of Mas Geli, followed by an exclusive food and wine experience: a guided white wine tasting accompanied by an assortment of craftmade cheeses, tasting local cold cuts with a glass of rosé wine, and the delight of wine and chocolate truffles, all accompanied by a glass of red wine. masgelipals.cat
Secret Coves and Traditional Cuisine
Discover the most hidden beaches and coves on the Camí de Ronda. Enjoy a rice dish by the sea and sail on a boat hugging the coastline. Full-day activity. Includes the guide, lunch and trip on a traditional boat camideronda.com
The authentic medieval charm of Pals and Peratallada
Visiting Pals and Peratallada is much more than discovering two of the most beautiful, enchanting villages on the Costa Brava. It’s taking a great journey over time, going back more than a thousand years to two of the best preserved medieval villages in Girona | visitpals.com
Guided Route in «burricleta»
This route is designed for those who want to live an experience at a different pace, with no rush at all. With the burricleta, the electric bicycle that does not tire, you will pedal through the stunning Empordà landscapes to Pals, probably the most beautiful medieval village in Catalonia. burricleta.com
Bisbal
Ceramics
Violeta and her father, Jaume, from Ceràmiques Rulduà, will immerse you in the world of Ceramics in La Bisbal. Don’t miss Jaume’s demonstration at the wheel. They will let you mould a little clay to see if you have the ceramist’s blood in your veins, and you get to decorate your own piece! visitempordanet.cat
Private Visit to Empúries
Empúries is the only Greek city in the Iberian Peninsula. A guide will take you through the history of this ancient city and and reveal its secrets to you. You will explore the Greek city, the Roman city and the museum, and you will have the opportunity to try out the virtual reality glasses. macempuries.cat
Eco-Snorkel in the Medes Islands
Discover the Medes Islands Marine Reserve, considered the best in all of Europe! You will see an immense variety of animals, seaweeds and plants. Activity guided by accredited instructors and in small groups medaqua.com
Girona
Come and discover the most emblematic landmarks of Girona’s old quarter. We offer you a tour of the historic city that will take you through its most representative landmarks, like the Church of Saint Felix, the Cathedral, the Wall and the Jewish Quarter gironawalks.com
Peratallada
Pals
La Bisbal Empúries, L’Escala
Girona
S’Alguer, Palamós
Roses Port
The Port of Roses is located in the north of the Costa Brava, in one of the deepest bays of the western Mediterranean.
Roses has a unique heritage with Greek, Roman and Mediaeval settlements, surrounded by two natural parks and with a very well-known local gastronomy based on fresh fish. The emerging cruise port of Roses welcomes passengers of incoming cruise ships and encourages them to discover Roses and Empordà Region.
The emerging cruise port of Roses complements its activity with the Bay of Roses, giving the possibility of anchoring to any cruise ship.
If we wanted to concentrate all the essence of Roses in a single word, it would undoubtedly be landscape. Can you think of any other place located between two natural parks and at the entrance to one of the most beautiful bays in the world? Neither can we.
Prehistory and History Everywhere You Look
The traces of the first settlers in the form of dolmens and menhirs, the Greek and Roman remains of the Ciutadella de Roses, the Trinity Castle, the anti-aircraft shelters from the Spanish Civil War, the Falconera bunkers… you will see prehistory and history everywhere you look.
Welcome to a town that has been welcoming visitors since time immemorial. Long beaches of fine sand, hidden coves in a privileged setting, a landscape brimming with vineyards by the sea, breath-taking vantage points, a cuisine based on the fish that arrives daily at the market, people who live their traditions with passion, monuments that witness ancient times’ settlements, including Neolithic, Greek, Roman, Visigothic, Mediaeval… A town that invites you to stay or, at the very least, come back often.
Gastronomy
We are the town of El Bulli, for many years the best restaurant in the world. As could not be otherwise, its legacy has served to inspire and open new horizons in the local culinary scene, without forgetting our roots and traditional dishes, based on the fresh fish that arrives every day in the port’s fish market.
Active Nature
Feel the Mediterranean breeze as you tour the Cap de Creus Natural Park on foot or by bike, embark on a leisurely kayak trip to discover inaccessible corners or immerse yourself in the fascinating marine world on an exciting scuba diving excursion. Roses, active by nature.
Traditions
The foundation of the authenticity of our history and our culture. From the vibrant carnival to the havaneres (sea songs), without forgetting the sardana and the majesty of the giants and fireworks, each festivity is a reflection of the identity of Roses.
Excursions in the surroundings.
From the Boat to the Plate
The return of the fishing boats to port is the prelude to discovering the species that are enjoyed in the local cuisine and how the fish auction works. A showcooking with, with a tasting of the dish par excellence of Roses gastronomy: Suquet de Peix, matched with wines from the DO Empordà is a perfect ending visitroses.cat
The Citadel Cradle of Cultures
The privileged situation of Roses has made our town a place where civilizations have settled throughout history. Discover the origin of Roses, find out where the fish salting was done, how the wine was stored or the importance of the coinage of the drachma visitroses.cat
Mas Marès
The vineyards of Mas Marès, in the middle of the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, make up a balcony of different shades of green with privileged views over the bay of Roses: an incomparable place to enjoy and taste the high quality wines of one of the DO Empordà wineries espeltviticultors.com
El Bulli1846
A tour through a place of extraordinary beauty where the most important milestones in the history of El Bulli are on display. El Bulli is the place that changed the paradigm of world gastronomy thanks to Ferran Adrià. Take a walk through the history of the old El Bulli restaurant guided by one of its creators and discover what it has become: a source of knowledge and innovation. elbullifoundation.com
Tasting Menu with Sea Wines
Discover unique wines that have aged under the sea, pampered by underwater currents and with touches on the palate that surprise everyone. A unique experience that perfectly complements a tasting menu, combining traditional and modern recipes, all with local products calajoncols.com
Martín Faixó Winery
We offer a breakfast with local products to start the experience. We then proceed with a guided tour, by a professional, of the entire area of Mas de Sa Perafita. We will visit the winery’s interior and see the different areas involved in making wine. Finally, we will offera tasting of our wines. martinfaixo.com
Skydive Empuriabrava
Take a different kind of dive! Learning to skydive on your own requires some requires knowledge and practical skills you will learn during your oneday skydiving course | skydiveempuriabrava.com
Cadaqués Bluexperience
Sail from Roses to Cap de Creus Natural Park. Enjoy an aperitif there with local products in total silence in the deepest of the coves, the wildest on the Costa Brava. Be at one with this untamed and legendary lunar landscape. A table will be waiting you for lunch in Cadaqués. A walk through the village’s narrow streets and you’ll be back in the real world once again, disembarking in Roses. cadaquesbluexperience.com
Empuriabrava
Cadaqués Martín Faixó Winery, Cadaqués
Torre Ciutadella, Roses
El Bulli, Roses
COVES AND BEACHES 30 MIN
Salvador Dalí Birthplace
Where it all began, at the Salvador Dalí’s Birth Home, a journey of discovery awaits you. A guided tour where images, spaces and objects communicate, with holograms and talking windows, mapping and visual effects, giant kaleidoscopes and immersive landscapes. A unique space in the world where the thousand faces of Salvador Dalí unfold | casanataldali.cat
The Dalinian Triangle
The work of Salvador Dalí cannot be understood without discovering the Empordà, his native land. The “Dalinian Triangle” traces an exciting itinerary through three essential museums that will transport you to the world of the master of surrealism. salvador-dali.org
Discover Cap de Creus by boat
We leave from the base port, Cadaqués, heading north, visiting the most emblematic coves of the Natural Park, where we anchor in one of the coves for 20 minutes to take a swim in crystal clear waters and practice snorkelling. We then continue our route until we reach the Lighthouse at Cap de Creus.
Beaches and Fishing Gear Route
Through interpretative panels located on the main beaches/sites of Llança, we will discover the different fishing gear that were used in the past.
Perelada Winery
Visit the winery and discover the world behind each wine: architecture, sustainability, excellence. Designed by RCR Architects, winners of the 2017 Pritzker Prize, this winery is the first in Europe to achieve LEED Gold certification, the highest sustainability certification in the world. perelada.com
Illes Medes Natural Park with Underwater View
Visit the natural park of the coast of Montgrí and Illes Medes and discover the sites ruled by pirates and coastal vessels in the 16th century. Discover its caves, coves, the natural tunnel of “la foradada”, followed by a short hop to the Medes Islands, where you can marvel at the seabed of this protected site unisub.es
Olivardots
Get to know the native varieties and terroirs of l’Empordà by walking among the vineyards of the Parage Olivardots, discover the secret of how they make their wines and taste 4 of them. olivardots.com
Cycle Tourism in the Land of Dalí
A cultural and gastronomic route through the magical world of Dalí. The vineyards of the Empordà, the mediaeval villages and the beaches of the Costa Brava are the perfect setting for a cycling tour. The 3 Dalí museums, plus a dining experience in one of Dalí’s favourite restaurants will make this outing complete trekandride.com
COVES AND BEACHES
Celler Olivardots, Capmany Illes Medes, Torroella de Montgrí
Cap de Creus
Castell Gala Dalí, Púbol
Casa Salvador Dalí, Portlligat
Palamós
Port of Palamós Office
C/ Oficines del port, s/n 17230 Palamós
T +34 972 314 525 port.palamos@gencat.cat generalitat.ports@gencat.cat
