Cala Montjoi Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Cala Montjoi Roses, Montjoi
Cala Montjoi is a sheltered bay on the southern side of the Cap de Creus peninsula, offering reasonable Tramuntana protection in a scenic setting. The bay is backed by pine-covered hills and has one of the most famous restaurants in the world nearby — El Bulli (now a foundation) was located just above the bay. It's a popular summer anchorage: sheltered from the N, good sand patches, and easily accessible from Roses. Open to S/SE — comfortable in settled summer conditions but not a Tramuntana bolt-hole.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
42°16.1'N 003°11.6'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand, Posidonia patches
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NW, NE, W
Exposed To
S, SE, E
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m for 3–8m depth. Check for Posidonia with DONIA app — the sandy patches are clearly identifiable.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreePosidonia Alert — Critical
Posidonia oceanica meadows are present in this anchorage. Before dropping anchor, use the free DONIA app to identify sandy patches. Anchoring on Posidonia is prohibited under EU law and Spanish Law 42/2007 — fines up to €200,000 in the Javea/Costa Brava region. Yellowish-green patches visible from the surface indicate Posidonia — do not anchor there.
The Anchorage
Anchor in 3–6m in the sandy areas in the central bay, avoiding Posidonia. The Cap de Creus headland 4nm to the NE gives some deflection to the Tramuntana, making this bay more protected from the N than Port de la Selva. Good holding in sandy patches. Open to S/SE — the bay faces S so any southerly swell penetrates. A day anchorage only in SE conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Cala Montjoi is primarily sand and Posidonia patches with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds.
- Snorkel to verify Posidonia-free hold. Visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Cala Montjoi are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m for 3–8m depth. Check for Posidonia with DONIA app — the sandy patches are clearly identifiable.
May–October. July–August busy with day boats from Roses. September quieter with same conditions.
Navigation Hazards
- Posidonia — use DONIA app to locate sandy patches
- Cap de Creus effect: Tramuntana accelerates over the headland 4nm NE — gusts unpredictable
- Open to S/SE swell
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Cap de Creus Natural Park regulations apply — no diving for archaeological artifacts, no fires. Posidonia protection.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Roses (6nm)
- Restaurant: One beach restaurant open Jun–Sep.
- Provisions: None on site — Roses (6nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Good fallback from Port de la Selva when Tramuntana has Tramontane component from NW.
- The walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse from the bay is 1.5 hours and worth it — most dramatic coastline on the Costa Brava.
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions can change. Always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and the DONIA app for Posidonia mapping before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Cala Montjoi
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius.
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