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Parc Natural Cap de Creus |
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Parc Natural Cap de Creus was designated as a nature reserve in 1998. It is the largest uninhabited area in the Spanish Mediterranean, and Spain's only Reserve which includes both land and sea. 
The reserve extends from Port de la Selva
to Roses, and most of the land surrounding Canyelles Petites. The land
area is 25,000 acres with a further 7,500 acres of sea. Commercial
fishing is prohibited, but there is a small amount of traditional net
fishing. Small bays, many of which are inaccessible by car, break the
rocky coastline. Much of the fauna and flora are rare or unique, and the
area is a haven for walkers and bird-watchers.  The sea is clear due to lack of pollution, and as very few streams discharge into the sea, it is undisturbed by clouded water. This makes Cap Creus a haven for Scuba Divers. Some boat operators run excursions from Roses seafront to Cadaques, and they are an excellent way of viewing the Cap de Creus. The coastline greatly influenced Salvador Dali in his surrealist works. To sample the Natural Park by car either take the Cala Montjoi Road (signposted from Roses Port) - this is unmetalled from the famous El Bulli Restaurant onwards, but passable by car, or take the Cadaques Road when leaving Roses for Figueres. this second route goes high over the Park with stunning views back to Roses and forwards to Port de le Selva and Cadaques.  As
the road nears the lighthouse at the easterly point, the views become an
almost moonscape, with rock formations eroded and distorted by centuries
of wind.At the lighthouse, there is a small museum and a bar with an outside area which is sheltered from the prevailing wind. 200 metres behind the lighthouse is a restaurant. Visit this on a Sunday for lunch (but don't expect it to be open before 2:00 - this is real Catalunya!). It is an amazing experience, with local families and some wonderful characters. Don't expect to complete your meal in less than three hours - but time will soon pass, observing and perhaps getting involved with your fellow diners. This is another 'must' for a stay in the Northern Costa Brava! Recently, several species of rare wild flowers were discovered on the eastern hillside of Canyelles Petites, above Calle Velazquez. The Natural Parc was then extended to protect these flowers (and to prevent planned development of the hillside - Wonderful News! |
Rules governing activities on the Parc Natral Cap de Creus: Sea Fishing: Trawler fishing, all forms of net fishing &sea fishing competitions (both surface level and underwater) are prohibited throughout the entire Parc. Amateur / recreational rod fishing is allowed throughout except around the undeveloped Encalladore island. There are, however, specific regulations regarding recreational fishing. Recreational fishing is prohibited in the partial and undeveloped nature reserve. Anchoring: Boats are not allowed access to undeveloped natural reserve of Encalladore island. Throughout the rest of the park, anchoring is subject to specific regulations. Boating: Access to undeveloped natural reserve of Encalladore island is only allowed for bona fide reasons of scientific research and subject to permission from the governing body. In partial nature reserve, boating is subject to restrictions. In the remaining Park, boating is unrestricted. Scuba Diving Banned around the Encalladore island. In partial nature reserve, scuba diving is subject to restrictions. In the remaining Park, it is unrestricted. Other Regulations It is prohibited to camp, light fires or leave litter on either the beaches or the Park in general |
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