Cap de Creus – the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula
As Nature Park Cap de Creus Protected both on the sea and on land thanks to a law of 1998 – covers about 11,000 hectares of land and approx. 3,000 hectares of sea area. Biologically and geologically interesting, the region inspires us with scenic beauty that does not fit on a postcard. Nevertheless, we decided to capture the exquisite monumental charm of this landscape in pictures. Once from land and once again from the sea side.
Punta Falconera
Today we are traveling with the jeep. First goal is Punta Falconera am Cap de Norfeu Just after Roses. We meander the winding little asphalt road towards Cala Montjoi. At the abandoned farmhouse with tower ruins is our first stop. dream weather. Azure blue sky. White clouds in the wind. Lush green. Tree-high majestic agave flowers protrude into the horizon. The Mediterranean Sea glistens deeply below us. The white boats foaming the Blue Bay of Roses. In the background the houses of Roses, Empuriabrava, Sant Pere Pescador and l’escala. The Medes Islands protrude pointedly out of the rippling waves at L’Estartit. The former pirate islands are almost within reach today.
We take the unpaved path on the right down to Punta Falconera. Here we meet the old strip path along the coast. In the past, the historic strip paths were used to combat smuggling and to monitor coastal shipping. If you want to explore the coast on foot, you need for the route Roses Almadrava Bay, Punta Falconera, Bunker, Cala Lladó, Cala Murtra, Cala Rostella, Cap Trencat, Cap Blanc, El Calis, Cala Montjoi, Mas de Montjoi de Baix, Mas de Montjoi de Dalt, Cliffs, Cap Norfeu About 5 hours there and back.
Today we only circumnavigate Punta Falconera. Here, too, blooming agaves rise high into the mega-blue sky. Our photos say more than a thousand words. Take a look for yourself. We have picture book weather.
Cala Montjoi
That’s why we’re going to the bay soon Cala Montjoi. The small beach is well attended. The El Bulli building is also waiting for its revival here. The El Bulli has been the world’s best restaurant five times. chef Ferran Adrià – Awarded with three Michelin stars – is considered one of the best cooks of the present. In 2011 he closed the El Bulli and founded the El Bulli Foundation. A think tank for creative gastronomy, which according to the plan once Barcelona to relocate to the bay.
At the moment, Adriá teaches at Harvard University, is an honorary doctor of the universities of Barcelona, Aberdeen and Valencia, and he also aims at the encyclopedia of cooking – creatively innovative – from the beginnings to the present with all facets to leave the preparation and origin of food as a legacy. He also wants to work together with the cellar master Dom Pérignon – Richard Geoffroy – Decipher the champagne code. Ferran Adrià – co-founder of molecular cuisine – is always good for a surprise. In its place we would never have left the paradise of Cala Montjoi!
Today it belongs to us for a moment. Time for a short cool down in the sea. The water glitters clean and pure. Soft waves are coolly flattering us. Dream moments with a view of endless expanses. Small yachts are rocking in front of us on the horizon. Pure summer feeling!
Cala Joncols
Our real destination today is the last car accessible by car on this side of Cap de Creus: the Cala Joncols. The small cala at the apparent end of the world, which is popular with divers, scores with idyll pure. Even in the high season, not too many tourists dare to go to the sea behind the seven mountains.
Underwater life with corals and seaweed fields is considered something very special here: wild, diverse and placed under nature protection.
Dark, wind-drawn rocks frame the blue sea. A freshly planted vineyard at the top of the mountain. The opening ceremony for the Cala Jóncols vineyard only took place on July 3, 2015. Viticulture lay fallow here for many years and is now to be revived with a local grape variety. The small beach bar “Chiringuito Cala Joncols” invites you to linger with creative rocking chairs made of steel frames and fishing nets to linger under shady pine trees Cafe con Leche on ice. You can also order paellas, Fideua, crawfish or fresh fish from the grill until September 15th.
We slouch our feet on driftwood on the shore. The siesta belongs to us and the dream of infinity and paradise. A jump into the sea will bring us back to today. We drive back to everyday life. If you want to forget it for a while, this trip is recommended. An indescribable experience even with the boat!
From Roses a coastal path leads to Cala Montjoi, the cove where the restaurant elBulli once stood. According to Visit Roses the path is 4.4 kilometres long and takes about two hours. The key facts are set out here.
Cala Montjoi and Cala Jóncols at a glance
- Montjoi coastal path: according to Visit Roses 4.4 kilometres, about 2 hours, around 193 metres of ascent
- Cala Montjoi: former site of the restaurant elBulli, today the El Bulli Foundation, about 15 minutes from Roses
- Path: steep, rocky paths with views of Cala Rostella and the Mediterranean
- Further: Roses to Cala Jóncols, see Hiking between Roses and Cadaqués
Frequently asked questions about Cala Montjoi
How long is the coastal path to Cala Montjoi?
According to Visit Roses 4.4 kilometres, about 2 hours with roughly 193 metres of ascent.
What stands at Cala Montjoi?
The restaurant elBulli was here; today the El Bulli Foundation is located there.
How far is Cala Montjoi from Roses?
About 15 minutes by car.
Sources: Visit Roses, Küstenpfad in Montjoi, Roses Rentals, El Bulli Foundation, Camping Jonc Mar, Camí de Ronda Roses, AllTrails, Roses bis Cala Jóncols.
