Day Trips to Nearby Natural Parks: 5 Hiking & Nature Routes to Discover

The Bay of Roses and its surroundings concentrate some of the Costa Brava’s most unique landscapes: bird-rich wetlands, wind-carved cliffs, millennium-old monasteries on granite ridges, and alluvial plains that reach the sea. If you want to hike without worrying about parking, Taxi Cipri can drop you at each trailhead and pick you up at your preferred time (ideal for families and groups up to 9).

Below you’ll find 5 recommended routes with official tracks from public bodies and park managers. We outline each route’s feel, approximate distance and starting point.

1) Aiguamolls de l’Empordà – Route 1: El Cortalet → Mas Matà

Distance: ~4.5 km / out & back • Difficulty: very easy • Start: El Cortalet Visitor Centre
A perfect introduction to the wetlands: boardwalks, bird hides and lagoons teeming with herons, stilts and ducks. Fully signposted, flat and family-friendly. Bring binoculars for the best experience. Parcs naturals de Catalunya

2) Aiguamolls de l’Empordà – Route 2: Mas Matà ↔ Can Comes Beach

Distance: ~6 km / circular • Difficulty: very easy • Start: Mas Matà car park
A coastal and dune trail that links the wetland with the wild Can Comes beach. Best in spring or autumn when wildlife is most active. Limited shade—carry water and sun protection. Parcs naturals de Catalunya

3) Cap de Creus – Paratge de Tudela (interpretive loop)

Distance: ~4 km / circular • Difficulty: easy • Start: Paratge de Tudela car park
A unique geological landscape with wind-sculpted rocks (dolphin, camel…) and crystal-clear coves. A short, waymarked, panoramic loop—great for families and easy to combine with a visit to Cadaqués or Portlligat. Wikiloc | Trails of the World

4) Sant Pere de Rodes ascent from El Port de la Selva

Distance: ~10.7 km / out & back • Elevation gain: ~560 m • Difficulty: moderate • Start: El Port de la Selva
A classic ridge hike to the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes with an optional extension to Castell de Verdera for 360º views. Rocky sections—trail shoes recommended.  Wikiloc | Trails of the World

5) Camí Natural / Muga Greenway – Empuriabrava ⇄ Castelló d’Empúries / river mouth

Distance: choose your stretch (full corridor 29 km) • Difficulty: very easy • Start: Muga footbridge (Empuriabrava) or Castelló d’Empúries centre
A car-free riverside greenway ideal for walking or cycling, linking the medieval town and the sea along the alluvial plain. Do the coastal section to the river mouth with kids, or head inland for longer mileage. Vies Verdes

Practical tips

• Season & weather: in summer, avoid peak heat; in winter/spring, pack a windbreaker (tramuntana).

• Wildlife & etiquette: in Aiguamolls, use hides, keep to paths, never feed wildlife.

• Gear: comfy footwear (trail shoes are enough on 1, 2 and 5), water, hat and sunscreen.

• Safety & access: during high wildfire risk, some tracks in Cap de Creus/Albera may close. Check alerts before heading out.

How Taxi Cipri helps

• Door-to-door transfers from your accommodation in Roses or Empuriabrava.

• Custom pick-ups: drop at trailhead, pick up at your chosen time.

• Groups & families: vehicle for up to 9 seats with large boot for packs, child seats or binoculars.

• Smart combos: hike + winery/restaurant lunch, or sunset at the lighthouse.