8 days
Caminos de Ronda
Costa Brava
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103 km · 
in 6 Stages · 
8 daysThe Caminos de Ronda runs along the Costa Brava coastline from Figueres to Palamós, winding between rugged cliffs, crystal-clear coves and fishing villages such as Cadaqués, Begur and Palafrugell. Among Mediterranean pine forests and views of the Mediterranean Sea, this route combines wild landscapes and fishing heritage in a unique and unforgettable experience.
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from 840 €
11 days
Caminos de Ronda
Costa Brava
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163 km · in 9 Stages · 11 daysFrom Figueres, the trail hugs cliffs and hidden coves along the Caminos de Ronda trail until reaching Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The cliffs that follow on the stretch passing through Tossa de Mar to Blanes offer countless secluded coves of singular beauty with pines at the edge of the sea.
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from 996 €
Stay in charming hotels
We choose charming accommodations, in areas away from conventional tourism but with a genuine atmosphere
Spectacular routes
Walking along the Empordà coastline and discovering medieval inland villages
Luggage transfers
Forget about your luggage and walk comfortably. We move it from accommodation to accommodation.
GPS navigation
Through our app you will be able to follow the route layout without fear of getting lost. Includes cartography and information.
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a different itinerary?
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…frequently asked questions
What are the Caminos de Ronda?
They are the old coastal patrol paths of the Costa Brava — "ronda" refers to the rounds walked by the guards who watched these cliffs for smugglers landing tobacco, coffee and liquor in hidden coves under cover of darkness. Walking them today feels like stepping into a spy novel: stone staircases carved into the rock, tunnels through the cliffs and the same horizon the watchmen once scanned. Those clandestine paths are now one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular coastal trails.
Isn't the Costa Brava all package resorts and crowds?
That's the great misconception — and exactly why this walk surprises people. Away from the resort strips, the Caminos de Ronda reveal the coast the brochures never show: rocky coves unreachable by car, whitewashed Cadaqués, the medieval walled town of Tossa de Mar, and the wild, Dalí-inspiring rockscapes of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. On foot, you slip between the famous names and find the Costa Brava that Catalans keep for themselves.
Which itineraries do you offer, and how many days do I need?
Two programmes: the 6-stage route (103 km, 8 days) from Figueres to Palamós, and the complete 9-stage route (163 km, 11 days) from Figueres to Blanes, adding the dramatic cliff sections past Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Tossa de Mar. Fancy the full traverse from Portbou on the French border down to Blanes? We'll design it as a tailor-made programme.
Which of the two routes should I choose?
The 8-day route concentrates the highlights of the north and centre: Cap de Creus and Cadaqués, the Greco-Roman ruins of Empúries, and the postcard coves of Begur and Calella de Palafrugell. The 11-day route adds the wild south: pine-fringed cliffs, countless hidden coves and the medieval finale at Tossa de Mar. If you have the time, the full route is the complete experience; if not, the shorter version misses none of the icons.
What will I see along the way?
A remarkable parade for a single walk: the surreal rock formations of Cap de Creus that shaped Salvador Dalí's imagination, the artists' village of Cadaqués, 2,500-year-old Greek and Roman ruins at Empúries, iconic fishing villages like Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, the walled old town of Tossa de Mar, and world-famous beaches such as Sa Tuna and Aiguablava — each a different shade of turquoise. Few coastal trails in Europe pack in this much culture per kilometre.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderately fit is enough. There are no mountains, but the coastal path is a "rollercoaster": stone steps, tunnels and constant short climbs and descents along the cliffs, with some easy promenade sections (like S'Agaró) in between. Any regular walker will manage comfortably — and we'll advise you on which itinerary best matches your fitness before you book.
When is the best time to walk the Costa Brava?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer ideal walking temperatures — and in autumn the sea is still warm from summer. July and August bring heat, crowds and high prices; winter is mild but the tramuntana wind can be fierce, especially in the north. For the classic combination of empty trails and swimmable sea, September and early October are hard to beat.
Can I swim along the route?
Constantly, if you wish — the path drops again and again to crystal-clear coves, many of them inaccessible by road, and the Mediterranean here is calm and warm from June to October. Pack a swimsuit and a light towel in your daypack: a mid-stage swim in a deserted cala is the signature pleasure of this walk.
How do I get there from the UK or elsewhere in Europe?
Very easily: our itineraries start in Figueres, which has a high-speed rail station with direct connections from Barcelona (under an hour) and from France. The nearest airports are Girona (around 40 minutes away) and Barcelona, both with year-round direct flights from most UK and European cities. Full arrival directions come with your travel documentation, and there are good bus connections back from Palamós or Blanes at the end.
Can I customise the trip — different start point, rest days, a group?
Of course. Every itinerary runs on your chosen dates and is fully adaptable: the complete Portbou-to-Blanes traverse, extra beach or rest days, shorter stages, or a private programme for your group of friends. Tell us your plan and we'll prepare a proposal at the best price.
If you have any further questions that haven’t been covered here, please have a look at the general FAQs section or get in touch with our team. We have extensive knowledge of the Costa Brava and the many opportunities they offer for hiking at your own pace.
Caminos de Ronda : the ultimate Costa Brava Trail Adventure
Introduction to the Caminos de Ronda Trail
The Mediterranean coast of Catalonia holds one of Europe’s most breathtaking secrets, and that is the Caminos de Ronda . Stretching along the rugged, sun-drenched Costa Brava, this legendary coastal pathway offers travelers an unparalleled blend of dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, hidden coves, and charming medieval villages. For anyone looking to truly connect with the raw beauty of the Spanish coastline, embarking on the Caminos de Ronda is an absolute must.
Originally designed centuries ago for practical and defensive purposes, the modern incarnation of the Caminos de Ronda is now celebrated worldwide as a premier hiking destination. It caters beautifully to nature lovers, hardcore trekker enthusiasts, and casual walkers alike. Whether you tackle a short afternoon section or commit to a multi-day trek, the Caminos de Ronda promises unforgettable vistas and an authentic taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
The Historical Roots of the Caminos de Ronda
To truly appreciate the unique layout of the Caminos de Ronda , one must dive deep into its rich and fascinating history. The origins of the Caminos de Ronda date back to times when local authorities, fishermen, and coastal watchmen needed a reliable network of paths to navigate the sheer, rocky cliffs. The word “ronda” literally translates to the patrols or “rounds” made by royal guards, and later the Spanish Guardia Civil, who utilized the Caminos de Ronda to control maritime smuggling.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, contraband was rampant along the fragmented geography of the Costa Brava. Tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and luxury goods were frequently brought ashore under the cover of darkness. Walking the Caminos de Ronda today feels like stepping back into a spy novel, as you retrace the exact footsteps of the guards who scanned the horizon for illicit vessels. Over the years, as smuggling faded, local governments recognized the recreational potential of the Caminos de Ronda , transforming a defensive military route into a beautifully maintained public pathway.
Deconstructing the Caminos de Ronda in the Costa Brava
Geographically, the entire network spans over 200 kilometers, stretching from the bustling resort town of Blanes up to the French border town of Portbou. Because this distance is vast, the Caminos de Ronda is typically enjoyed in distinct segments. The southern section of the Caminos de Ronda begins in Blanes, which serves as the official gateway to the wild coast.
From Blanes, hikers on the Caminos de Ronda are treated to stunning views of botanical gardens like Marimurtra, perched dramatically over cliffs. Moving forward toward Lloret de Mar, the path challenges walkers with steep stone staircases and dark tunnels carved directly into the rock. This specific portion of the Caminos de Ronda perfectly showcases how human engineering can blend harmoniously with wild nature. The reward at the end of this stretch is arriving at the stunning medieval walled town of Tossa de Mar, where the ancient stone fortifications overlook the golden sands.
The Heart of the Caminos de Ronda: Central Wonders
Many experienced hikers consider the central stretch between Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Begur to be the crown jewel of the Caminos de
Ronda . In this region, the Caminos de Ronda transitions into a showcase of elegant coastal architecture and pristine natural beauty. Near S’Agaró, for instance, the path turns into a wide, beautifully paved promenade designed by visionary architects, making this part of the Caminos de Ronda accessible to families and casual strollers.
As you push further north, the Caminos de Ronda dives deep into dense pine forests whose sweet scent mixes with the salty sea breeze. This section leads directly into iconic fishing villages such as Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. Hiking along the Caminos de Ronda in this area gives you the unique opportunity to descend into hidden, rocky coves (locally known as *calas*) that are entirely inaccessible by motorized vehicles. The sheer exclusivity of these spots makes the Caminos de Ronda an incredibly rewarding experience for adventurers seeking solitude and pristine waters.
The path reaches a scenic peak around the hilltop town of Begur. Here, the Caminos de Ronda weaves through dramatic cliffs to reveal world-famous, postcard-perfect beaches like Cala Sa Tuna, Cala Aiguablava, and Platja Fonda, each boasting a distinct shade of crystalline blue water.
The Wild North and the Surrealism of Dalí
As the route ventures further north into the Alt Empordà region, the environment changes dramatically. The northern reaches of the Caminos de Ronda cross the wide Gulf of Roses, passing by the fascinating Greco-Roman archaeological ruins of Empúries. Continuing onward, the Caminos de Ronda enters the bohemian enclave of Cadaqués, a whitewashed village that has captivated artists for generations.
Beyond Cadaqués, the Caminos de Ronda introduces hikers to the raw, wind-swept landscapes of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. In this protected area, the Caminos de Ronda showcases surreal rock formations sculpted over millennia by the fierce Tramuntana wind. These bizarre, animal-like stone shapes heavily inspired the works of Salvador Dalí. Walking the Caminos de Ronda through Cap de Creus feels like traversing an extraterrestrial world, where the dark, volcanic rock collides violently with the churning, deep-blue Mediterranean Sea.
Biodiversity and the Mediterranean Climate
The environmental richness encountered throughout your journey is a major highlight. The entire Caminos de Ronda serves as a living museum of Mediterranean flora and fauna. Walkers are constantly accompanied by the therapeutic aromas of wild rosemary, thyme, Aleppo pines, and robust holm oaks that cling stubbornly to the cliff faces.
In terms of climate, the region experiences warm, dry summers and wonderfully mild winters. While summer is perfect for combining hiking with frequent swimming stops, spring and autumn provide the ideal temperatures for long-distance walking. Choosing the right season to experience the Caminos de Ronda can significantly enhance your comfort, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without the intense mid-July heat.
Practical Tips for an Unforgettable Trek
Planning a successful journey requires mindful preparation. While parts of the route are gentle, other segments require a good level of fitness and proper equipment.
▸ Footwear: Sturdy trail-running shoes or hiking boots are essential due to loose gravel.
▸ Hydration: Always carry plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.
▸ Navigation: Follow the red and white (GR-92) or local green and white trail markers.
By respecting the local guidelines, you help preserve the delicate ecosystem surrounding the Caminos de Ronda . Whether you decide to explore a tiny fragment or brave the entire distance, the magic of the Caminos de Ronda will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your soul, drawing you back to the shores of the Costa Brava time and time again.