Camí de Ronda hiking trail

Once upon a time, the Carabineros, Spain’s former frontier guards, patrolled the coast along this trail in search of smugglers. A patrol in Spanish is “ronda”, hence the name of the hiking trail. Although you will find completely flat sections, in general you will go along narrow paths (you can only go on foot) with unevenness and continuous ups and downs, sometimes a little difficult.

The linear route runs solely along the coast and consists of 43 kilometres that go from Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Begur. It is designed to be done in two days, or in three for people who walk very sporadically. On the first day you will pass through coves like Molí and Maset, beaches like Sant Pol and Sa Sonca, and towns like Platja d'Aro. Starting from Sant Antoni de Calonge the Camí de Ronda becomes a spectacular narrow path which snakes between the cliffs to Palamós.During the second day you’ll climb to the top of Cap Gros, with excellent views. After that you come to Fosca, with the ruins of Sant Esteve Castle. The wildest part of the trail starts here.You’ll see traditional architecture in the fishermen’s quarter of s’Alguer, Castell beach –one of the last unspoilt beaches on the Costa Brava– and a plethora of charming coves. Next, it is highly recommended to make a stop at the Cap Roig Botanical Garden (with more than 1,000 plant species from all over the world) to then reach Llanfranc and Tamariu. Farther along, you enter the forest until you come out at Aiguablava and Fornells. A steep climb takes you to the end of the path, Begur.

The circular route is much longer (140 kilometers), since it begins and ends in the interior: in the city of Girona. It is intended to be walked over eight days, and although suitable for all, ideally it is for people used to longer walks.It crosses the mountainous massif of Les Gavarres, follows the shore of the Costa Brava, and returns to Girona via the plain of l’Empordanet and the peak of Santuari dels Àngels. The chapel here is where the Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí married Gala.As well as paradise beaches, this trail takes in mountain scenery, forests, and former railway lines converted to hiking trails or Greenways. There are different points of interest that you will love, such as the Hermitage of Sant Elm: An impressive viewpoint of the Costa Brava. And Pals and Peratallada, medieval villages carved into the rock. With its narrow streets, it’s a pleasure to stroll around. And the mountain of Sant Miquel, with breathtaking views, a medieval castle, and a 19th-century optical telegraph tower.

Especially in summer, take the opportunity for a dip on any of the splendid beaches and coves along the way.And when you stop, don’t miss the local cuisine and terrific wines. Try seaside cooking made with locally fished seafood at restaurants on the shore. You can also taste wines from the Empordà Designation of Origin, or treat yourself to one of the restaurants in the area.