Gulf of Roses

The Gulf of Roses curves into the northeastern coast of Catalonia, where rivers descending from the Pyrenees reach the Mediterranean. The Muga, Fluvià and Ter bring water to the lowlands around the bay, a coast exposed to the strong northerly Tramuntana wind. Greek traders established Rhodas and Emporion on its shores; the latter grew into the Roman town of Empúries. Lagoons and marshes once occupied much of the surrounding plain, whose changing waters shaped the settlements beside the gulf.