For two decades, the most talked-about address on this entire stretch of coast wasn’t a beach at all — it was a restaurant. El Bulli, the legendary kitchen where Ferran Adrià redefined what fine dining could be, sat right beside Cala Montjoi until it closed its doors in 2011. The restaurant is gone, but the cove that hosted it is still very much here: a wide, sheltered bay inside the Cap de Creus natural park, with a diving school, a campsite, and water clear enough to justify the trip on its own merits.
This guide covers what Montjoi is actually like, the best things to do in and around the water, how to get there and what parking really involves, where to eat and stay nearby, and the best time of year to visit.
Where Is Platja de Montjoi?
Platja de Montjoi sits within the municipality of Roses, in the province of Girona, roughly 7 to 12 kilometers from Roses’s town center depending on the route, inside the boundaries of the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus. The cove is sheltered by three surrounding hills and protected to the north by the imposing Cap Norfeu headland, which shields it from northerly winds and storms.
It sits along the same coastal road that continues on to Cala Joncols further north, with both coves frequently visited together given their proximity. Closer to Roses itself, the more developed and sheltered Cala l’Almadrava marks the point where this wilder stretch of coast begins.
What the Beach Is Actually Like
Reported dimensions for Montjoi vary by source, from around 270–300 meters to as much as 400 meters in length, with a width ranging from 30 to 400 meters depending on what’s being measured. The shore is coarse sand mixed with pebbles, and the seabed drops off notably quickly — a detail that makes the cove a good anchoring spot for boats but worth bearing in mind for less confident swimmers.
The water is clear and turquoise, and the cove has held both EMAS and ISO 14001 environmental certifications since 2009, reflecting its location within the protected Cap de Creus natural park. One detail worth knowing before you go: part of the beach has historically been used informally for nudism, alongside conventional bathing, though this isn’t an official designation in the way some other Costa Brava coves carry it.
Things to Do at Platja de Montjoi
Scuba Diving
The Montjoi Diving Center, based at the campsite by the beach, offers courses for all levels and guided dives exploring the bay’s underwater landscape, including the wreck of the Phedon, one of the more notable dive sites in the area.
Snorkeling and Kayaking
The clear, sheltered water makes Montjoi a comfortable spot for casual snorkeling and for renting a kayak or paddleboard directly from the beach, with the surrounding cliffs offering a dramatic backdrop for a short paddle.
Boat Anchoring
Montjoi is a well-regarded anchorage, with 31 mooring buoys available (some reserved for visitors), a maximum permitted boat length of 11.3 meters, and bookable through the Port Roses app. Sailors should note a shallow, hard-to-spot reef near Punta Farrera at the eastern edge of the cove.
Visiting the Former El Bulli
While the restaurant itself is closed to walk-in visitors, its legacy remains a notable point of interest for anyone visiting the cove, and the elBulli1846 foundation that succeeded it continues research and exhibition work nearby.
Beach Characteristics at a Glance
- Type of shore: Coarse sand mixed with pebbles
- Length: Approximately 270–400 meters, depending on the source
- Water: Clear, turquoise; notably steep underwater slope
- Setting: Within the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus, semi-urban with a campsite
- Environmental certification: EMAS and ISO 14001, since 2009
- Occupancy level: Busy in summer, given its popularity and good infrastructure
- Accessibility: Limited adapted access reported; check with the Ajuntament de Roses for current details
How to Get to Platja de Montjoi
By Car
From Roses, follow the GI-614 road signposted toward Cala Montjoi or Cala Joncols. Parking is available along the road and in seasonal lots, but spaces fill quickly in peak summer — arriving early is genuinely worthwhile.
By Bus
The Ajuntament de Roses runs a seasonal summer bus service connecting the town’s various beaches and coves, including Montjoi, which avoids the parking situation entirely and is worth checking at the local tourist office for current schedules.
On Foot or by Bike
Walking or cycling from Roses is possible for more active visitors, following the same coastal road used by cars, though it’s a longer and more demanding route given the terrain.
By Boat
Sailing from Roses’s port and heading northeast along the coast is a popular way to reach Montjoi directly, with mooring buoys available for visiting boats (reservable via the Port Roses app).
Map
Where to Eat Near Platja de Montjoi
The Xiringuito Cala Montjoi sits right at the entrance to the beach and is well regarded, though reserving a table in peak season is advisable if the establishment allows it. Nearby coves also offer alternatives, including the Xiringuito de la Pelosa and the chiringuito at Cala Joncols. Packing your own food is always a reliable backup if you’d rather not rely on availability.
Where to Stay Near Platja de Montjoi
Ciudad de Vacaciones Cala Montjoi, the campsite right at the entrance to the beach, is the most convenient option for travelers who want to stay directly on site, offering various types of accommodation along with its own chiringuito and the on-site diving center. For hotels and apartments, Roses town center, a drive away, provides a much wider range of options along with easier access to the wider Cap de Creus area.
Best Time of Year to Visit
Summer brings the warmest water and the busiest conditions, given Montjoi’s reputation as one of the more beautiful and well-equipped coves near Roses. Visitors who want to avoid the worst of the crowds and parking competition should consider arriving early or using the seasonal bus service. Spring and autumn offer a quieter visit with milder conditions, well suited to diving courses or a calmer day on the water.
| Month | Water Temp (approx.) | Crowd Level | Parking Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| April–May | 15–17°C | Low | Easy |
| June | 20–22°C | Moderate | Moderate |
| July–August | 24°C | High | Difficult (arrive early) |
| September | 22–23°C | Moderate | Moderate |
| October | 19–20°C | Low | Easy |
| November–March | 14°C | Very Low | Easy |
Services and Facilities
- Lifeguard service in season
- Showers and restrooms
- Sunbed and umbrella rental
- Beachfront chiringuito-restaurant
- Diving center (Montjoi Diving Center)
- Kayak and paddleboard rental
- 31 mooring buoys for boats (some reservable by visitors)
- Roadside and seasonal parking (50–100 spaces, unguarded)
Practical Tips for Visiting Platja de Montjoi
- Arrive early in peak summer. Both roadside and seasonal parking fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Consider the seasonal bus service. It bypasses the parking situation entirely and connects several of Roses’s beaches.
- Reserve a table at the chiringuito if you can. It gets busy in season, particularly around peak lunch hours.
- Watch the steep underwater slope. The seabed drops off more quickly here than at many sandy beaches, worth noting for less confident swimmers.
- Check nautical charts if arriving by boat. A shallow, hard-to-spot reef sits near Punta Farrera at the eastern edge of the cove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Platja de Montjoi the former site of El Bulli?
The legendary restaurant sat right beside the cove until its closure in 2011; the elBulli1846 foundation has continued related work in the area since.
Is Montjoi good for diving?
Yes, a dedicated diving center operates at the beach, offering courses and guided dives, including to the nearby Phedon wreck site.
Is there parking at Platja de Montjoi?
Yes, roadside and seasonal unguarded parking with an estimated 50 to 100 spaces, though it fills quickly in peak summer.
Can you reach Montjoi by boat?
Yes, the cove has 31 mooring buoys, some reservable by visitors via the Port Roses app, making it a popular anchorage within the Cap de Creus natural park.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, safety, or travel advice. Beach conditions, parking availability, mooring fees, and seasonal services can change without notice; always check official sources, including the Ajuntament de Roses, before planning your visit. Always follow posted safety guidance and lifeguard instructions where available, and consult nautical charts before anchoring.
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