Cap de Creus Natural Park

Cap de Creus Natural Park  is in Costa Brava of Catalonia. Cap de Creus Natural Park is characterized by its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and diverse ecosystems. It covers both land and sea, with diverse marine life and terrestrial flora and fauna. The park's geology, shaped by the Tramuntana winds, creates a surreal, lunar-like landscape that has attracted artists like Salvador Dalí. Visitors can explore its trails, fishing villages and historic lighthouses at the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula.

Understand
The cape owes its name to the large number of submerged rocks and reefs found in the area. These obstacles posed a danger to navigation, and throughout history, many vessels have suffered shipwrecks in this area. Sailors used to mark these hazards with crosses (in Catalan = Creus) to warn other mariners.

Therefore, "Cap de Creus" would be roughly translated from Catalan as "Cape of the Crosses", referring to these markings and the danger they represented for navigation in the area.



History


Established in 1998, the park holds the distinction of being Catalonia's first maritime-terrestrial park. Encompassing a vast area of hectares, it safeguards a significant portion of the Cap de Creus peninsula, comprising  of terrestrial terrain and  hectares of marine environments. This protected area bears witness to centuries of maritime history and the enduring significance of its coastal landscapes

Landscape
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

Flora and fauna
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.

Climate
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.

By Plane
The nearest airports are Girona-Costa Brava (, in Spain) and Perpignan–Rivesaltes (, In France)

By railway
Figueres has high speed trains station, connected to Madrid and Barcelona and also to France High speed trains

Llançà has a local train station.

By car

 * From France: The   from Montpellier and Perpignan to the Spanish border. Then the  until Figueres.
 * From Barcelona and Girona: The ,until Figueres.
 * From Figueres take  to Llança or the To Roses.

By boat
There are several ports you can use if you go sailing.
 * Empuriabrava
 * Roses
 * Cadaques
 * El Port de la Selva
 * Llançà

Fees and permits
It's free to enter. Some restrictions apply to cars in some areas.

Get around
Car is the best method for getting around. Public transportaion is quite limited (See Cadaques, Roses and Llançà). Go sailing is another option.

The goes along the north part until Llançà, there the   goes until Port de la Selva

The goes from Port de la selva to the  on his way to Cadaqués

The from Roses to Cadaqués

There is a road from Roses to Cala Montjoi

Parkings

 * 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
 * Parking Vilajuïga.
 * Parking Pau

See










Nature sightseeing and Neolithic




Do

 * Stroll around Cadaques and Port lligat, visiting Dali House (take a look at See section)
 * Hike around cap Norfeu
 * Hike the "Cami de Ronda", that follows the coast from roses to cadaques and to cap de Creus.
 * Bird watching
 * Go sailing From Roses to cadaques

Long-range

 * 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)

Local hiking
Thre are 12 marked routes in the park:
 * #10 El Port de la Selva. La Vall de Santa Creu. Starts in Sant Pere de Rodes. Take a look at See section., 2:00 duration
 * #15 Punta de Cap de Creus. Starts in Cap de creus lighthouse. Take a look at See section., 50 min duration
 * #17 Paratge de Tudela. Starts at Parage de Tudela information point.See:Nature, 1 hr duration
 * #10 El Port de la Selva. La Vall de Santa Creu. Starts in Sant Pere de Rodes. Take a look at See section., 2:00 duration
 * #15 Punta de Cap de Creus. Starts in Cap de creus lighthouse. Take a look at See section., 50 min duration
 * #17 Paratge de Tudela. Starts at Parage de Tudela information point.See:Nature, 1 hr duration
 * #10 El Port de la Selva. La Vall de Santa Creu. Starts in Sant Pere de Rodes. Take a look at See section., 2:00 duration
 * #15 Punta de Cap de Creus. Starts in Cap de creus lighthouse. Take a look at See section., 50 min duration
 * #17 Paratge de Tudela. Starts at Parage de Tudela information point.See:Nature, 1 hr duration
 * #15 Punta de Cap de Creus. Starts in Cap de creus lighthouse. Take a look at See section., 50 min duration
 * #17 Paratge de Tudela. Starts at Parage de Tudela information point.See:Nature, 1 hr duration
 * #17 Paratge de Tudela. Starts at Parage de Tudela information point.See:Nature, 1 hr duration

MTB

 * #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..
 * #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..

Beaches
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.

Beaches in cadaques
See Cadaqués

Sailing


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.

Buy
In the region are famous the Anchovies of L'Escala (Anxoves de L'Escala). There are shops selling in the surrounding villages. Ask for travel conditions as some presevations requires fidge storage.

Picnic

 * Pla de tudela recreational area. Look at See:Nature section
 * Mas ventós recreational area. Look at See:Nature section

Drink
Look at the surrounding villages cadaques, Roses, Llançà and Port de la selva for Bars & night clubs.

Lodging
Look at the surrounding villages cadaques, Roses, Llançà and Port de la selva for lodging
 * Apartaments Restaurant Cap de Creus (see Eat section)

Campgrounds
Camping is not allowed in the park



Go next
Visit de surrounding villages of
 * Cadaques
 * Roses
 * Port de la selva
 * Llançà