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The fine golden sand of the European Blue Flag beach is the focal point of Canyelles, measuring 450 metres long and 25 metres deep. Within the large sweeping Bay of Roses, it is protected by steep headlands of Costa Roja Point to the west, Bonifaci Point to the east, and the surrounding steep hills.
These hillsides are dotted with villas and some apartments and are mostly owned as second homes by the Spanish, French and Dutch with some English and Germans. This mixture of nationalities gives the Beach, Restaurants and Bars a wonderful international feel, and makes Canyelles Petites a pleasure during both daytime and evening. If you are looking for loud bars and loud music, you will be most disappointed!
There are five bars (which tend to be peaceful but sociable) and five restaurants within the bay, together with two small supermarkets and a paper shop (same-day English papers arrive at 10:00am). The fishing port town of Roses is lass than two miles west, and has numerous bars, restaurants and other facilities. In the summer season, a bus operates between the two and a boat shuttle service is planned.
Recently, rare wild flowers were discovered on the upper eastern hillside and the Natural Park of Cap de Creus has now been extended to protect the species. One benefit is that no new buildings can be constructed on this part of the hillside and the Adjutament de Roses will soon adopt a policy of banning further development here.
On the westerly hillside (Puig Rom) is the Castle of the Trinitat, built by the Greeks in the sixteenth century to protect the harbour of Roses, and blown up by the French in 1814. The remains are open to the public, and offers wonderful views of both Canyelles Petites and Roses.
The Trinitat is currently being restored and will house a small museum, cafe and bar.
Between the Trinitat and the lighthouse, there will also be a vineyard, grown by the original Roman methods. The wine produced could be rather interesting!
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