BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Boat Rental on the Costa Brava: Roses and L'Estartit

Cap de Creus, the Medes Islands, Empuriabrava: what to know about renting a boat on the Costa Brava, between Roses and L'Estartit.

In northern Catalonia, the Costa Brava — literally the "wild coast" — alternates jagged cliffs and quiet coves, less than an hour from the French border.

Roses and its wide bay

The broad Bay of Roses offers sheltered water, ideal for a first outing or a family sail. Just north, Cap de Creus, Catalonia's first marine and terrestrial nature park, forms a dramatic rocky coastline shaped by the tramontane — best explored by cruising along it rather than anchoring when the wind is up.

Empuriabrava, the Catalan Venice

A short hop from Roses, Empuriabrava is built around an extensive network of navigable canals that run right up to the villas — one of the largest residential marinas in Europe, where many owners rent out boats moored at the foot of their garden.

L'Estartit and the Medes Islands

Further south, L'Estartit is the gateway to the Medes Islands, a protected marine reserve renowned for its clear water and rich seabed — one of the most sought-after diving and snorkelling spots in the western Mediterranean. Anchoring is regulated there and mooring buoys are provided to protect the seabed.

The tramontane, worth watching

As across the whole Gulf of Lion and the Costa Brava, the tramontane can rise quickly and strengthen with little warning: check our Mediterranean winds guide before heading out, especially toward Cap de Creus.

Budget and comparison

RIB €200-600/day, sailboat €300-700/day (€1,500-4,000/week). Boat-Comparator compares Boataround, SamBoat, Click&Boat and GlobeSailor for Roses and L'Estartit in a single search.

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