ROUTE » The “camins de ronda” (literally, “patrol roads”) owe their name to the traditional patrols bordering the coastline to watch out for smuggling and coastal maritime traffic.
The route follows a section of this seaside path from the Roses lighthouse, which was built during the reign of Isabel II in 1864, located 24 metres above sea level and facing southwards, to the Canyelles Grosses or Almadrava beach.
The lighthouse, which was electrified in 1921 with a 500-watt incandescent lamp, is located just below Trinitat castle, which was recently restored and will be open to visitors.
Throughout the entire route, all the way to Canyelles Petites beach, you can enjoy the unique outcroppings with veined white marble, which are very interesting from a geological perspective.
Right before Canyelles Petites beach there is an islet made up of various rocks, called Els Brancs, which is a resting spot for birds like the cormorant, which can be seen drying off with its wings stretched out and facing the sun.
Continuing along the route past the first beach, the seaside path continues winding along the coast. Between Canyelles and Almadrava beaches, there are two rocky outcroppings that are frequently used by fishermen: Punta de l’Omella and Punta de l’Ullastrell.
Finally, you reach Almadrava beach, whose name comes from the type of fishing with nets strategically placed to drive the fish landward from the end of the cove, until they were finally caught.
You return to the starting point via the same route, but you can take advantage of any of the beaches or rock formations to take a refreshing dip in the sea.
APPROXIMATE DURATION » 2 hours 30 minutes (there & back)
DIFFICULTY » Low
PLACES OF INTEREST » Seaside path, Roses lighthouse, Trinitat castle, Canyelles Petites, Canyelles Grosses (Almadrava), Punta de l’Omella, Punta de l’Ullastrell, Els Brancs.